Exercise Balls for Physical Therapy
Toning & Weight Loss

Written by Diet Bites

How Using an Exercise Ball Can Assist With Enhanced Health

Searching for a fun way to exercise? Then you may want to check out the exercise balls at your local store - or check online for purchase.

They can be used for a variety of purposes - all of which can enhance the current state of health. If you desire improved balance, or need a tool to assist in pain management or just to lose weight, an exercise ball may prove to be your healthy solution.

A Versatile, Inexpensive Tool for Losing Body Fat

Exercise balls can be used to tone abs, thighs, calves - any area of the body. This is a versatile toning tool that can be fun to use, inexpensive and one that we highly recommend.

They can be incorporated into almost any fitness plan - aerobics, bodybuilding, weightlifting - just to name a few. As as we'll learn below, they are often used for rehabilitation in addition to improve balance. This is an added plus for seniors who often experience accidents such as falls due to balance issues.

They can be used at the gym or at home and you can easily transport them from one place to the next as they easily deflate. You won't find this option with just any weight loss or toning apparatus.

Exercise Balls Strengthen Muscles

Exercise balls work effectively to strengthen muscles. And of course muscle takes more calories to support than fat reserves.

In other words, if you have more muscle your body will require more calories than a body which contains fat over muscle mass - which means that you can eat more OR continue eating your current diet with weight loss being the result.

Exercise balls can tone abs, legs, biceps - almost any muscle in the human body.

Used in Physical Therapy & to Enhance Sense of Balance

Other uses include physical therapy, fitness during pregnancy and afterwards, and for seniors seeking a stronger body, endurance and improved balance.

They are more delicate on the body than other modes of strengthening activities, particularly the back, spine and joint areas of the body. If we feel more comfortable while exercising, we're simply going to enjoy it more.

Because they are so easy to transport - you can even take yours along when on vacation or during trips. Or, even to the gym.

Specific Exercise to Target Body Fat

Specific exercises will target select areas of the body, just as with other exercise apparatuses. If you want to firm or get rid of bat wings - that's the flabby skin that flaps under the top of the arms and is so difficult to manage - an exercise ball can certainly help you accomplish that while improving stamina and balance.

By pressing your back to the ball and leaving your feet planted on the ground, knees bent - lift weights or bars into the air to tighten and strengthen the flabby area of underdeveloped muscle.

Exercise Ball Purchasing & Maintenance Tips

1. Make sure that the ball is a match to your size and frame. One that is too big will probably end up being too much to handle and will not be as effective or as pleasant to use during exercise time.  

2. The size should be determined by both your height and weight. A simple method of gauging the size you need is to sit on the ball. Place both feet flat on the ground. Next, note the position of your hips and knees. They should be resting at a 90-degree angle.

3. A pump is highly recommended. This will make transporting your exercise ball from one spot to the next doable. The perk? You'll burn calories when pumping.

4. You'll get a better workout when your ball is inflated to its proper size - as recommended by the manufacturer. Some can withstand up to 600 pounds of pressure, so take care not to pump it too full of air.

5. To clean, wipe with a soft cloth and use a bit of warm soapy water.

6. Avoid rolling near newsprint as the ink might transfer. The last thing that you need during exercise time is for a fellow gym member to ask if they can borrow your ball so that they can read the daily news, specifically the cartoon section.

7. If you do happen to pierce the exterior, it can likely be repaired.

In Summary

Exercise balls are available in a variety of sizes and colors - from small and crimson red to extra large and purple.

If you are searching for something fun and effective to meet your activity needs, bounce in to your local fitness outfitters or favorite online merchandiser and make your selection today.

 

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