fitness ball anyone?

I've just started adding more and more ball work into my workouts. I got a really neat book from the library that really enhanced my understanding of the benefits. Even my hubby's doing a lot of it too. I did a lot of the stablity exercises recommened just to see where you are at ( level wise) and I was pleased that althought I couldn't maintain stablitiy at the advanced level at all, I was well beyonf beginner for a lot of the exercises.

The book is, Powersculpt by Paul Frediani. It's "for women" and if you can get past the occasion remark like - " tired of those baggy arms" it's a great book, good photos, lots of info on progressing, keeping proper form and so on.

Irulan

I use it for torso and hamstring strength, and love sitting on it at the computer, best thing since sliced bread.

Those Swedish balls are great. I'd like to look at the book, though. I forget half the exercises...
It's Carnival time! Stuck at home with a cold :mad:

Lizzzy

I keep having to push the ball things out of the way in the gym. They seem to creep about the weight room with their own goals and power. I rarely see anyone using them. They just seem to be stalking about on the uneven floors! I need a change from the Roman chair and incline bench, will check it out. It's just hard to do something for the first time with other people about. Is there any way to figure out which size to use? Maybe that's in the book too?

the book I read had sizes by your hieght... I'm 5-3 and have a 55". I have the ball at the house in the TV room and I do a lot of the exercises while rotting my mind in front of the tube. :cool:

Irulan

How much did it cost, where'd you get it?
My daughter just got the Winsor Pilates DVDs. It sounds like a lot of core stuff too. Have you ever tried Pilates? I'm sure I'll give them a go. But I'm thinking that using the ball here and there would probably be good for times when I don't want to invest a 45 min block of time on a tape. Hope the library has the book!

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Originally posted by kpc
How much did it cost, where'd you get it?
My daughter just got the Winsor Pilates DVDs. It sounds like a lot of core stuff too. Have you ever tried Pilates? I'm sure I'll give them a go. But I'm thinking that using the ball here and there would probably be good for times when I don't want to invest a 45 min block of time on a tape. Hope the library has the book!

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the ball was 13.99 at big 5 on sale.

Irulan

Hi kpc - I've been doing Pilates for close to 5 years now - it's great. I go to a studio. My core strength is "awesome" to quote one of my teachers. If there is a studio near you I'd really recommend a couple of classes at least. It is possible to injure yourself if you don't do Pilates correctly.

Quote:

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Originally posted by kpc
How much did it cost, where'd you get it?
My daughter just got the Winsor Pilates DVDs. It sounds like a lot of core stuff too. Have you ever tried Pilates? I'm sure I'll give them a go. But I'm thinking that using the ball here and there would probably be good for times when I don't want to invest a 45 min block of time on a tape. Hope the library has the book!

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Thanks for the info!

Resurrecting a really ancient thread. I can't find that anyone has recommended a DVD for the fitness ball. But beaucoup years later maybe someone can??

Irulan, how's the mind rotting going?

This should get you started.

Have you used any of the videos, zen? I find that some personalities just annoy me and others are fine. I like Rodney Yee and his power yoga workouts. Patricia Deason drives me bonkers. Brian Kest is good and provides much later entertainment when we're mountainbiking. Rather than breathe, "fall with awareness and sensitivity"

Nah, no videos for me. I just go to the gym and do stuff on 'em.:p
Helpful, huh?

I get a lot of workouts from the About.com site.

Hey, look it this! Another way to visit with Evil Coach Troy.
http://www.spinervals.com/index.php?...roducts_id=238

And who the heck came up with the name "Snow Angel?" Gag me now.
http://www.spinervals.com/index.php?...ex&cPath=53_79

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

And who the heck came up with the name "Snow Angel?" Gag me now.

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They're named that because by the end of the DVD you end up lying on the floor flapping your arms about.