Copyright 2005 MHG ConsultingIf you haven't experienced a workout using a Swiss ball,
another name for a fitness ball, you don't know what you're
missing.
There's a reason it has become so popular and it's not just
a fad. The Swiss ball has been used for many years in
physical therapy. It's actually recommended by many
physical therapists as a way to help you relieve back pain.
The effectiveness of the Swiss ball is due to the fact it's
round. That creates in-stability which in turns causes your
body's core muscles to come into play.
Listen, when you do a crunch on the floor, basically your
upper abs muscles are working. When you do it on the Swiss
ball, your core muscles; which consist of all the muscles
in your abs area, muscles in your back, your pelvic area
and hips are working to help keep you on the ball.
You just did your crunch but since more muscles were
brought into play, you actually increased the value of your
exercise. The result is you can actually do fewer
repetitions and get more benefit.
That's just the beginning. There are so many exercises you
can do on the Swiss ball that you'll never get bored.
Try some pushups, not only with your feet on the ball and
your arms on the floor, but with your feet on the floor and
your hands on the ball. Spreading your feet apart gives you
more stability and bringing them closer together makes the
exercise tougher.
Do a few pushups with your feet close together and your
hands on the ball and you won't believe the effect! Your
arms will scream for mercy!
You can also do some dumbbell training on the Swiss ball
and, once again, since you are bringing those core muscles
into play, you get a good body core workout as well.
It takes a little while to get used to the ball. You should
begin by sitting on it and just getting a feel for it. Roll
it back and forth. Side to side.
It's not a bad idea to have someone with you when you first
start working out on the ball to help you stay on. And
definitely don't begin using weights of any size until you
are comfortable and have been exercising on the ball for
some time.
I urge you to try including the Swiss ball into your
exercise routine. You will see and feel a difference!
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For more tips, articles and resources on effective weight
loss exercises, go to: http://www.weight-loss-exercises.info
