Balance Ball - Aim For Fitness With Balance Ball Exercises
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Albert_Lee]Albert Lee
There are many fitness equipments that you will find in the market. You may find some that are too big for your convenience. There are also those that are too expensive. The balance ball is, so far, the best pick that you can make. Balance balls are very accessible. They are easy to find in the market. They are also very popular so you will surely find one in your vicinity.
Also, balls are very friendly. You do not need any technical knowledge so you can manage to exercise with the balance ball. At the same time, you can easily bring this wherever you want to do your exercises. As such, if you are to choose your fitness equipment, make sure you choose the balance ball. Using the balance ball regularly in your exercises will ensure you the benefits you want for your body.
Here are some exercises and workouts that you can do with your balance ball. Doing these will give your body a good sense of balance and flexibility.
1. Sitting Exercises for Warm-Up
You can use the balance ball as you warm up for your exercises. Simply sitting on it will give your body some workout without straining your muscles right away. Sitting around with the balance ball will train your body to adjust to the constant movement of the equipment.
2. Abdominal Exercises
The balance ball is perfect for abdominal exercises. You can use it as you do your stretching so that the stomach and back area will get the training challenges it needs.
3. Balance Training
There are various ways to proceed with a balance training using the ball. This will depend on what routines are prescribed by your instructor. At the least, simply lying with a small ball in your back is already a good training. The presence of the ball at your back is already a way of initiating a reaction from your nervous system.
Since you are conscious of the ball in your back, your core muscles tend to activate to the challenge. It also increases your mental focus.
Conclusion
Regularly execute your balance ball exercises. This ensures that you improve on your balance. At the same time, you also develop a healthier disposition for your body.
To learn more [http://www.exerciseballworkout101.com/]exercise ball workout tips, visit [http://www.exerciseballworkout101.com/]http://www.exerciseballworkout101.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Albert_Lee http://EzineArticles.com/?Balance-Ball---Aim-For-Fitness-With-Balance-Ball-Exercises&id=565042
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
FitBall Exercise Ball Chair Review
FitBall Exercise Ball Chair Review
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala]Erika Ayala
My company bought me FitBall Exercise Ball Chair 2 weeks ago for getting the most sales leads last month. Since I've been sedentary since I got out of college which is more than 4 years now, it takes awhile before it becomes comfortable for me. I started sitting on it for 3 hours and then I'll feel uncomfortable. I switch to my ordinary chair the rest of the day.
That was during the first few days that I was using the FitBall. From 3 hours, I started using for longer hours and right now, it's the only chair I use in the office. It's a great chair especially if you're working on laptop. We all know how working on a laptop can give us bad posture. When I started using this exercise ball, I noticed that my posture really improved. The people from the office even told me that I looked like I'm taller. A few of them have bought the product too last week. The office looked pretty colorful with all of those exercise balls.
What I like most about it is that the wheels that come with it are very useful. The wheels roll very smooth. When I need to go sit on another table I need to use another chair or I only need to push the exercise chair. The wheels are also very sturdy.
Another thing that the makers of this product did is that the ball that comes with the chair only has one size 55cm which is suitable for people with average height. It is a good size because even if a person is small or tall, the size of the ball will be perfect for them.
For more information, check other FitBall [http://www.greenbac.com/fitball-exercise-ball-chair/]Exercise Ball Chair Review.
Erika Ayala works part time for a consumer review company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala http://EzineArticles.com/?FitBall-Exercise-Ball-Chair-Review&id=2364492
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala]Erika Ayala
My company bought me FitBall Exercise Ball Chair 2 weeks ago for getting the most sales leads last month. Since I've been sedentary since I got out of college which is more than 4 years now, it takes awhile before it becomes comfortable for me. I started sitting on it for 3 hours and then I'll feel uncomfortable. I switch to my ordinary chair the rest of the day.
That was during the first few days that I was using the FitBall. From 3 hours, I started using for longer hours and right now, it's the only chair I use in the office. It's a great chair especially if you're working on laptop. We all know how working on a laptop can give us bad posture. When I started using this exercise ball, I noticed that my posture really improved. The people from the office even told me that I looked like I'm taller. A few of them have bought the product too last week. The office looked pretty colorful with all of those exercise balls.
What I like most about it is that the wheels that come with it are very useful. The wheels roll very smooth. When I need to go sit on another table I need to use another chair or I only need to push the exercise chair. The wheels are also very sturdy.
Another thing that the makers of this product did is that the ball that comes with the chair only has one size 55cm which is suitable for people with average height. It is a good size because even if a person is small or tall, the size of the ball will be perfect for them.
For more information, check other FitBall [http://www.greenbac.com/fitball-exercise-ball-chair/]Exercise Ball Chair Review.
Erika Ayala works part time for a consumer review company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala http://EzineArticles.com/?FitBall-Exercise-Ball-Chair-Review&id=2364492
3 Stability Ball Exercises
3 Stability Ball Exercises
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Davenport]John Davenport
Doing exercises on a stability ball is a great way to tone those muscles. The really great thing about a stability ball is that you can do these exercises at home.
Here are 3 Stability Ball Exercises
#1 - The almighty sit-up
There are probably millions of sit-ups being down all over the world each and every day. But most of them are completely useless. This is because the classic sit-up is a low intensity exercise which doesn't really get you real results.
But if you combine the sit-up with a stability ball and you got yourself an ab busting, six pack popping exercise. And you can do it at home.
Here how it goes:
Start:
Put your hands at both sides of your head and take your elbows as far back as possible (it'll make the sit-up harder). Lie on the stability ball with it positioned against your lower back. Maintain both feet on the floor.
Finish:
Raise your upper body until it's in a 45 degree position. Make sure to keep your eyes focused on the ceiling and your neck straight.
Note: many people do this exercise wrong by raising their upper body too much off the floor. This is a mistake, because anything about 45 degrees and you're no longer working your abs at all.
#2 - The Hip Extension
This exercise is for the hips and buttocks. And just so you know, even men do it.
Start: Lie on the floor with both feet propped up on the stability ball. Make sure both legs are straight and steady.
Finish: Lift your hips off the floor while maintaining position on the ball with both your feet. Feel the strain in your hips and buttocks. Hold for a few seconds and return to start position.
#3 - The Incline Oblique Curl
This is an excellent abs stability ball exercise, working the oblique stomach muscles.
Start: Lie back down on the ball at an incline angle, so your buttocks are slightly off the ground and your upper body is at a 45 degree angle to the ground. A good way to get to this position easily is to lie flat on the ball with both feet on the ground and slowly roll your upper body down towards your feet, until your buttocks are halfway to the ground. Hold both hands at the side of your head. Make sure not to exert any pressure on your neck.
Finish: Flex your abs muscles forward without shifting your lower body. At the end of the movement curl your upper body to one side. Resume start position and repeat for the other side.
Click here for more stability ball exercises [http://www.squidoo.com/Stability-Ball-Exercises-Workouts]
To discover how to get flat abs fast, click here [http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-get-flat-abs]How To Get Flat Abs Fast.
John Davenport writes extensively about health and fitness issues. To receive 2 free diet and fitness report, visit his Free newsletter at http://FitFirmBody.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Davenport http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Stability-Ball-Exercises&id=977834
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Davenport]John Davenport
Doing exercises on a stability ball is a great way to tone those muscles. The really great thing about a stability ball is that you can do these exercises at home.
Here are 3 Stability Ball Exercises
#1 - The almighty sit-up
There are probably millions of sit-ups being down all over the world each and every day. But most of them are completely useless. This is because the classic sit-up is a low intensity exercise which doesn't really get you real results.
But if you combine the sit-up with a stability ball and you got yourself an ab busting, six pack popping exercise. And you can do it at home.
Here how it goes:
Start:
Put your hands at both sides of your head and take your elbows as far back as possible (it'll make the sit-up harder). Lie on the stability ball with it positioned against your lower back. Maintain both feet on the floor.
Finish:
Raise your upper body until it's in a 45 degree position. Make sure to keep your eyes focused on the ceiling and your neck straight.
Note: many people do this exercise wrong by raising their upper body too much off the floor. This is a mistake, because anything about 45 degrees and you're no longer working your abs at all.
#2 - The Hip Extension
This exercise is for the hips and buttocks. And just so you know, even men do it.
Start: Lie on the floor with both feet propped up on the stability ball. Make sure both legs are straight and steady.
Finish: Lift your hips off the floor while maintaining position on the ball with both your feet. Feel the strain in your hips and buttocks. Hold for a few seconds and return to start position.
#3 - The Incline Oblique Curl
This is an excellent abs stability ball exercise, working the oblique stomach muscles.
Start: Lie back down on the ball at an incline angle, so your buttocks are slightly off the ground and your upper body is at a 45 degree angle to the ground. A good way to get to this position easily is to lie flat on the ball with both feet on the ground and slowly roll your upper body down towards your feet, until your buttocks are halfway to the ground. Hold both hands at the side of your head. Make sure not to exert any pressure on your neck.
Finish: Flex your abs muscles forward without shifting your lower body. At the end of the movement curl your upper body to one side. Resume start position and repeat for the other side.
Click here for more stability ball exercises [http://www.squidoo.com/Stability-Ball-Exercises-Workouts]
To discover how to get flat abs fast, click here [http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-get-flat-abs]How To Get Flat Abs Fast.
John Davenport writes extensively about health and fitness issues. To receive 2 free diet and fitness report, visit his Free newsletter at http://FitFirmBody.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Davenport http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Stability-Ball-Exercises&id=977834
Functional Fitness Training with Fit Balls
Functional Fitness Training with Fit Balls
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Remon]Daniel Remon
Fit Balls, Swiss Balls, Physio Balls and Exercise Balls! Call them what you will, we all know what you’re talking about - those big blow up balls of different sizes and colours you have always wanted to try but never had the chance. They are becoming a favoured tool of the personal trainer, the ‘must have’ piece of equipment for the home studio, and an essential item for complete programming for the development of core strength and reduction and termination of lower back pain.
Because of a sedentary lifestyle, most people have poor posture. The muscles of the trunk are no longer able to support the body in the most efficient way possible. Because of external support from a chair, couch, car seat, etc., the neuromuscular system has "forgotten" how to maintain posture easily and efficiently. This usually leads to breakdown, pain and dysfunction.
I have found that using a Fit ball is a very effective way to correct postural alignment. Exercises on the ball can be very mild or extremely challenging depending on the needs of the client. By balancing on the ball, the client now has no other support to rely on except his or her own body. The body will automatically call on the righting and equilibrium responses, facilitating a coordinated effort of the postural muscles. The client unconsciously finds a way to balance on the ball with the least amount of muscle use possible, therefore reinforcing positive movement patterns.
Fit Balls are one of the most effective exercise tools to improve and develop spinal, pelvic and shoulder girdle stability. Total core stability is achieved along with improved posture and an increased awareness of your own body – the way it moves and the way it is designed to move. An enhanced kinesthetic sense is discovered and refined, allowing you to ‘feel’ your own actions and be able to adjust incorrect positions and movements performed throughout the exercises.
Fit Balls add variety to create new and challenging demands on the body in a number of different planes. Just about any exercise done in the gym can be performed using the Fit Ball. We all know how important variety is to every program. Not just from the point of view of changing the stimuli to allow for continued adaptation but to enhance motivation. Without it, the likelihood of adhering to our current exercise program and achieving our goals is somewhat slim.
Available in a number of sizes, from 45cm to 75cm in diametre, the right size Fit Ball is determined by your height and more importantly your leg length. While sitting on top of the ball, with calves perpendicular to the ground, your thighs should be parallel and at 90-100° with your knees and your body weight evenly distributed over both feet. This is your correct postural position. Imagine a straight line starting from your ear, travelling through your shoulder and stopping at the centre point of your pelvis. This visual connection will help you adjust and maintain correct postural alignment in the initial stages of learning with the Fit Ball.
Implementing the use of a Fit Ball recruits your ‘stabilizer’ muscles to establish and maintain a solid platform from which you develop strength, endurance and correct postural adaptations. They encourage the contraction and stimulation of deep muscle fibres within the trunk including external and internal obliques, rectus and transverse abdominals and the erector spinae and quadratus lumborum. I’m sure those of you who have sought professional advice for lower back pain and postural correction have heard of these muscles before. The relationship between the abdominal and lower back muscles is crucial to core stability, yet neither should be the sole focus of any particular training session.
When using the Fit Ball it is possible to reach muscular exhaustion without showing any normal signs of physiological fatigue due to the high involvement of stabilizing muscles and joint structures. Rotate exercises between the upper and lower regions and the trunk. This guarantees complete recovery of all muscle groups to allow each muscle to be utilized with maximum efficiency and productivity.
As with all exercise, the quality of the movement is more important than the quantity of exercise, repetitions or sets performed on the Fit ball.
The Fit ball is a great tool for the personal trainer to use. Clients enjoy using the ball, and it also promotes body awareness, improves balance and coordination, and reinforces proper spinal alignment along with a great new and challenging stimulus for your brain, as well as your body!
As a health and fitness professional for over 10 years, Daniel has personally trained more than 4000 people, on 4 continents towards the achievement of their fitness and lifestyle objectives using his unique holistic and functional approach to lifestyle enhancement. Daniel is a true leader and innovator in the industry. Daniel draws from an academic background in Human Movement, Exercise Science and Sports Management in Australia & also holds a Diploma in Massage Therapy, & Certificates in Workplace Health Promotion, Personal Training (ACSM) and Australian Training for Fitness Professionals (ATP), Golf Fitness & Conditioning, Postural Analysis, Weight Management & Fat Loss.
Daniel is the founder and CEO of Fitcorp Asia, Thailand’s only Corporate Health & Fitness Solutions Company. “We don’t just conduct personal training, we take pride in our ability to ‘coach’ our clients in all exercise science principles including nutrition and total lifestyle transformation to ensure our clients achieve a holistic goal orientated approach to their personal health and fitness endeavours.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Remon http://EzineArticles.com/?Functional-Fitness-Training-with-Fit-Balls&id=92945
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Remon]Daniel Remon
Fit Balls, Swiss Balls, Physio Balls and Exercise Balls! Call them what you will, we all know what you’re talking about - those big blow up balls of different sizes and colours you have always wanted to try but never had the chance. They are becoming a favoured tool of the personal trainer, the ‘must have’ piece of equipment for the home studio, and an essential item for complete programming for the development of core strength and reduction and termination of lower back pain.
Because of a sedentary lifestyle, most people have poor posture. The muscles of the trunk are no longer able to support the body in the most efficient way possible. Because of external support from a chair, couch, car seat, etc., the neuromuscular system has "forgotten" how to maintain posture easily and efficiently. This usually leads to breakdown, pain and dysfunction.
I have found that using a Fit ball is a very effective way to correct postural alignment. Exercises on the ball can be very mild or extremely challenging depending on the needs of the client. By balancing on the ball, the client now has no other support to rely on except his or her own body. The body will automatically call on the righting and equilibrium responses, facilitating a coordinated effort of the postural muscles. The client unconsciously finds a way to balance on the ball with the least amount of muscle use possible, therefore reinforcing positive movement patterns.
Fit Balls are one of the most effective exercise tools to improve and develop spinal, pelvic and shoulder girdle stability. Total core stability is achieved along with improved posture and an increased awareness of your own body – the way it moves and the way it is designed to move. An enhanced kinesthetic sense is discovered and refined, allowing you to ‘feel’ your own actions and be able to adjust incorrect positions and movements performed throughout the exercises.
Fit Balls add variety to create new and challenging demands on the body in a number of different planes. Just about any exercise done in the gym can be performed using the Fit Ball. We all know how important variety is to every program. Not just from the point of view of changing the stimuli to allow for continued adaptation but to enhance motivation. Without it, the likelihood of adhering to our current exercise program and achieving our goals is somewhat slim.
Available in a number of sizes, from 45cm to 75cm in diametre, the right size Fit Ball is determined by your height and more importantly your leg length. While sitting on top of the ball, with calves perpendicular to the ground, your thighs should be parallel and at 90-100° with your knees and your body weight evenly distributed over both feet. This is your correct postural position. Imagine a straight line starting from your ear, travelling through your shoulder and stopping at the centre point of your pelvis. This visual connection will help you adjust and maintain correct postural alignment in the initial stages of learning with the Fit Ball.
Implementing the use of a Fit Ball recruits your ‘stabilizer’ muscles to establish and maintain a solid platform from which you develop strength, endurance and correct postural adaptations. They encourage the contraction and stimulation of deep muscle fibres within the trunk including external and internal obliques, rectus and transverse abdominals and the erector spinae and quadratus lumborum. I’m sure those of you who have sought professional advice for lower back pain and postural correction have heard of these muscles before. The relationship between the abdominal and lower back muscles is crucial to core stability, yet neither should be the sole focus of any particular training session.
When using the Fit Ball it is possible to reach muscular exhaustion without showing any normal signs of physiological fatigue due to the high involvement of stabilizing muscles and joint structures. Rotate exercises between the upper and lower regions and the trunk. This guarantees complete recovery of all muscle groups to allow each muscle to be utilized with maximum efficiency and productivity.
As with all exercise, the quality of the movement is more important than the quantity of exercise, repetitions or sets performed on the Fit ball.
The Fit ball is a great tool for the personal trainer to use. Clients enjoy using the ball, and it also promotes body awareness, improves balance and coordination, and reinforces proper spinal alignment along with a great new and challenging stimulus for your brain, as well as your body!
As a health and fitness professional for over 10 years, Daniel has personally trained more than 4000 people, on 4 continents towards the achievement of their fitness and lifestyle objectives using his unique holistic and functional approach to lifestyle enhancement. Daniel is a true leader and innovator in the industry. Daniel draws from an academic background in Human Movement, Exercise Science and Sports Management in Australia & also holds a Diploma in Massage Therapy, & Certificates in Workplace Health Promotion, Personal Training (ACSM) and Australian Training for Fitness Professionals (ATP), Golf Fitness & Conditioning, Postural Analysis, Weight Management & Fat Loss.
Daniel is the founder and CEO of Fitcorp Asia, Thailand’s only Corporate Health & Fitness Solutions Company. “We don’t just conduct personal training, we take pride in our ability to ‘coach’ our clients in all exercise science principles including nutrition and total lifestyle transformation to ensure our clients achieve a holistic goal orientated approach to their personal health and fitness endeavours.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Remon http://EzineArticles.com/?Functional-Fitness-Training-with-Fit-Balls&id=92945
Popular Exercise Ball Ab Workouts
Popular Exercise Ball Ab Workouts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_C._March]John C. March
Exercise balls have become more popular among the general exercising public over the past 5-10 years. They can now be found at most gyms, and their relative low cost means that they are available to the home user, as well. Working out with an exercise ball is a lot of fun. They are easy to carry, easy to learn how to us, and they are great for doing exercises as a group.
Exercise balls are made out of elastic, soft PVC with a diameter ranging from 15-35 inches. They are mainly used for physical therapy, athletic training and physical exercise. The exercise ball is also known as the Swiss ball, balance ball, birth ball, body ball, or fitness ball.
Exercise balls help improve the efficiency of your workouts because they force your body to use micro-muscle movements to stabilize itself during exercise. The result is that you burn more calories and get stronger muscles than if you were to just sit on the floor or on a bench.
If you are interested in getting stronger ab muscles and have (or can get) access to an exercise ball, you are in luck. The exercise ball is great for building stronger stomach muscles and helping you get that washboard look. Here are three exercise ball ab workouts you can try at home or at the gym:
Face-Up Position
This one provides you with a great ab workout. Here's how:
1. Lie with your lower back on resting on the ball, face-up.
2. Put your arms across your chest or behind your head.
3. Use your abs to lift your body (torso) off the ball, swaying slightly so that your torso moves in the direction of your hips. Make sure to keep the ball stable: you should not roll the ball.
4. Lower back down while stretching your abs, then repeat for 15 reps.
Abdominal Tuck
1. Get into a push-up position, placing the ball under your knees. Your hands should be flat on the floor.
2. Bring your knees toward your chest as the ball rolls toward your ankles.
3. Return to the starting position. Be sure to stay balanced on your ball.
4. Do this for about 10 reps.
Balance Exercise
This one works your stomach muscles less directly than do the other two. However, the act of forcing your body to remain balanced on the ball will give your stomach a good workout.
1. Sit on the ball while placing your hands on your hips.
2. Stretch out your spine. Trick: imagine a string pulling your head upward.
3. Keep your feet together on the ground, just in front of the ball.
4. Lift one foot off the floor and hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds.
5. Now switch legs and repeat 8 times with each leg.
Exercise balls not only provide you with a great workout - they are also a lot of fun to use. Get yourself an exercise ball or try one at the gym next time you are there. Your abs - and your entire body - will thank you.
Getting a washboard stomach can go from being a dream to being a reality in your life. Get some of the best flat-stomach, no-belly-fat tips available today at: [http://www.No-Fat-Yes-Muscle.com/].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_C._March http://EzineArticles.com/?Popular-Exercise-Ball-Ab-Workouts&id=3274825
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_C._March]John C. March
Exercise balls have become more popular among the general exercising public over the past 5-10 years. They can now be found at most gyms, and their relative low cost means that they are available to the home user, as well. Working out with an exercise ball is a lot of fun. They are easy to carry, easy to learn how to us, and they are great for doing exercises as a group.
Exercise balls are made out of elastic, soft PVC with a diameter ranging from 15-35 inches. They are mainly used for physical therapy, athletic training and physical exercise. The exercise ball is also known as the Swiss ball, balance ball, birth ball, body ball, or fitness ball.
Exercise balls help improve the efficiency of your workouts because they force your body to use micro-muscle movements to stabilize itself during exercise. The result is that you burn more calories and get stronger muscles than if you were to just sit on the floor or on a bench.
If you are interested in getting stronger ab muscles and have (or can get) access to an exercise ball, you are in luck. The exercise ball is great for building stronger stomach muscles and helping you get that washboard look. Here are three exercise ball ab workouts you can try at home or at the gym:
Face-Up Position
This one provides you with a great ab workout. Here's how:
1. Lie with your lower back on resting on the ball, face-up.
2. Put your arms across your chest or behind your head.
3. Use your abs to lift your body (torso) off the ball, swaying slightly so that your torso moves in the direction of your hips. Make sure to keep the ball stable: you should not roll the ball.
4. Lower back down while stretching your abs, then repeat for 15 reps.
Abdominal Tuck
1. Get into a push-up position, placing the ball under your knees. Your hands should be flat on the floor.
2. Bring your knees toward your chest as the ball rolls toward your ankles.
3. Return to the starting position. Be sure to stay balanced on your ball.
4. Do this for about 10 reps.
Balance Exercise
This one works your stomach muscles less directly than do the other two. However, the act of forcing your body to remain balanced on the ball will give your stomach a good workout.
1. Sit on the ball while placing your hands on your hips.
2. Stretch out your spine. Trick: imagine a string pulling your head upward.
3. Keep your feet together on the ground, just in front of the ball.
4. Lift one foot off the floor and hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds.
5. Now switch legs and repeat 8 times with each leg.
Exercise balls not only provide you with a great workout - they are also a lot of fun to use. Get yourself an exercise ball or try one at the gym next time you are there. Your abs - and your entire body - will thank you.
Getting a washboard stomach can go from being a dream to being a reality in your life. Get some of the best flat-stomach, no-belly-fat tips available today at: [http://www.No-Fat-Yes-Muscle.com/].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_C._March http://EzineArticles.com/?Popular-Exercise-Ball-Ab-Workouts&id=3274825
Medicine Ball Madness
Medicine Ball Madness
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kaleena_A_Lawless]Kaleena A Lawless
I love medicine balls! They are great for strength, power and agility training. They're not just used to throw at a boxer's stomachs, you know!
Medicine balls have been around since ancient times. They were used by athletes such as wrestlers and on the other end of the spectrum, Hippocrates' rehabilitation patients.
Medicine balls typically come in weights ranging from 2-25 lbs and can be made from various materials. Some look basketballs, some like Pilates balls and other are made from leather.
You can use the medicine ball simply as added resistance to basic exercises such as squats and lunges. Or as a substitute for free weights, like for tricep extensions and bicep curls. Alternately you can combine the basics with the free weight exercises comfortably with the ball to form some pretty badass compound exercises. My favourite compounds with the medicine balls are:
lunge + tricep extensions
walking lunges + twisting for the abs
squat + bicep curl + shoulder raise
Using the ball this way really gets your heart going and definitely makes you sweat.
Medicine balls are commonly known for power training. When I train outdoors I do a drill where I throw the ball out from my chest as hard as I can, sprint to it, throw it overhead and repeat. This really works your chest, arms, shoulders, abs and legs. With a lighter med ball I lay on my back, throw it up in to the air and catch it. However, you have to have good hand-eye co-ordination for this one and also, know how to get away from the ball, in case you can't catch it!
Medicine balls are also great for ab work. Adding a little resistance to your crunches puts on muscle and holding on to the ball is more comfortable than a free weight. Pretty much any crunch you can do, can be enhanced with a medicine ball. Try your crunches with a medicine AND stability ball. The possibilities are truly endless!
Medicine balls are affordable, transportable and durable. They make a great addition to home gyms, outdoor training and are a great way to take your workout up a notch.
Try it!
Kaleena Lawless
Personal Training Specialist http://www.kalisthenixfitnessblog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaleena_A_Lawless http://EzineArticles.com/?Medicine-Ball-Madness&id=1042326
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kaleena_A_Lawless]Kaleena A Lawless
I love medicine balls! They are great for strength, power and agility training. They're not just used to throw at a boxer's stomachs, you know!
Medicine balls have been around since ancient times. They were used by athletes such as wrestlers and on the other end of the spectrum, Hippocrates' rehabilitation patients.
Medicine balls typically come in weights ranging from 2-25 lbs and can be made from various materials. Some look basketballs, some like Pilates balls and other are made from leather.
You can use the medicine ball simply as added resistance to basic exercises such as squats and lunges. Or as a substitute for free weights, like for tricep extensions and bicep curls. Alternately you can combine the basics with the free weight exercises comfortably with the ball to form some pretty badass compound exercises. My favourite compounds with the medicine balls are:
lunge + tricep extensions
walking lunges + twisting for the abs
squat + bicep curl + shoulder raise
Using the ball this way really gets your heart going and definitely makes you sweat.
Medicine balls are commonly known for power training. When I train outdoors I do a drill where I throw the ball out from my chest as hard as I can, sprint to it, throw it overhead and repeat. This really works your chest, arms, shoulders, abs and legs. With a lighter med ball I lay on my back, throw it up in to the air and catch it. However, you have to have good hand-eye co-ordination for this one and also, know how to get away from the ball, in case you can't catch it!
Medicine balls are also great for ab work. Adding a little resistance to your crunches puts on muscle and holding on to the ball is more comfortable than a free weight. Pretty much any crunch you can do, can be enhanced with a medicine ball. Try your crunches with a medicine AND stability ball. The possibilities are truly endless!
Medicine balls are affordable, transportable and durable. They make a great addition to home gyms, outdoor training and are a great way to take your workout up a notch.
Try it!
Kaleena Lawless
Personal Training Specialist http://www.kalisthenixfitnessblog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaleena_A_Lawless http://EzineArticles.com/?Medicine-Ball-Madness&id=1042326
How To Build A Low Cost Home Gym
How To Build A Low Cost Home Gym
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lynn_VanDyke]Lynn VanDyke
Purchasing a home gym can become quite a daunting task. Walk into any sporting goods store and your senses will quickly become stimulated. Your eyes will gaze at all the attachments and cables. Your ears will hear the greasy sales pitch from the store associate. Your mouth will drop to the floor when you realize a home gym is going to set you back thousands of dollars.
Consumers have alternatives to the clunky and expensive home gyms on the market these days. A few simple pieces of equipment can save you precious space and loads of cash. You may have heard of the following home gym alternatives, but rest assured they are just as effective as the super-duper model 5000 brand in your local sporting goods store.
A high quality adjustable bench is the first low cost piece of equipment. An adjustable bench will replace the need for an incline bench, a flat bench, and a decline bench. One adjustable bench will save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying all three single benches. An adjustable bench is highly versatile and can be used in almost any exercise.
A set or two of dumbbells is next on the shopping list. Dumbbells have long been hailed as the better choice among strength training equipment. They are much smaller than large home gym machines and much cheaper. The beauty of free weights is you can start off with 1 or 2 sets and as you become stronger you can purchase higher weights. Dumbbells are extremely versatile as well. Almost every exercise incorporates the use of weights.
The last low cost piece of equipment is a burst resistant stability ball. These balls are the best thing in fitness these days. They are excellent for abdominal work because they support the spine and isolate the stomach muscles. A stability ball works the abs more than a crunch or sit-up could ever dream of. These balls are highly versatile. The ball may even take the place of a bench in some exercises.
All three pieces of equipment are low in cost, are extremely versatile and save loads of space compared to a bulky home gym. While this equipment may not be very jazzy, it will get the job done for less money and they will take up less space in your home. Beginners or those on a budget should rejoice at the simplicity and versatility that an adjustable bench, dumbbells and a stability ball bring to fitness.
Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of [http://strength-training-woman.com/store.html] . Her expertise is quickly becoming recognized in the fitness industry. You may find out more about the equipment by clicking on the above link.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_VanDyke http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Build-A-Low-Cost-Home-Gym&id=81600
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lynn_VanDyke]Lynn VanDyke
Purchasing a home gym can become quite a daunting task. Walk into any sporting goods store and your senses will quickly become stimulated. Your eyes will gaze at all the attachments and cables. Your ears will hear the greasy sales pitch from the store associate. Your mouth will drop to the floor when you realize a home gym is going to set you back thousands of dollars.
Consumers have alternatives to the clunky and expensive home gyms on the market these days. A few simple pieces of equipment can save you precious space and loads of cash. You may have heard of the following home gym alternatives, but rest assured they are just as effective as the super-duper model 5000 brand in your local sporting goods store.
A high quality adjustable bench is the first low cost piece of equipment. An adjustable bench will replace the need for an incline bench, a flat bench, and a decline bench. One adjustable bench will save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying all three single benches. An adjustable bench is highly versatile and can be used in almost any exercise.
A set or two of dumbbells is next on the shopping list. Dumbbells have long been hailed as the better choice among strength training equipment. They are much smaller than large home gym machines and much cheaper. The beauty of free weights is you can start off with 1 or 2 sets and as you become stronger you can purchase higher weights. Dumbbells are extremely versatile as well. Almost every exercise incorporates the use of weights.
The last low cost piece of equipment is a burst resistant stability ball. These balls are the best thing in fitness these days. They are excellent for abdominal work because they support the spine and isolate the stomach muscles. A stability ball works the abs more than a crunch or sit-up could ever dream of. These balls are highly versatile. The ball may even take the place of a bench in some exercises.
All three pieces of equipment are low in cost, are extremely versatile and save loads of space compared to a bulky home gym. While this equipment may not be very jazzy, it will get the job done for less money and they will take up less space in your home. Beginners or those on a budget should rejoice at the simplicity and versatility that an adjustable bench, dumbbells and a stability ball bring to fitness.
Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of [http://strength-training-woman.com/store.html] . Her expertise is quickly becoming recognized in the fitness industry. You may find out more about the equipment by clicking on the above link.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_VanDyke http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Build-A-Low-Cost-Home-Gym&id=81600
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