Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Fun but Effective ! |
| Disadvantages: |
None |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
A new approach to fitness which is currently sweeping through the gyms and health clubs is the Gym ball, otherwise known as Swiss balls, exercise balls and body balls.
WHAT IS A GYM BALL?
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Gym balls are manufactured in anti-burst materials and can take a maximum weight of 400 kilograms or 880 lbs.
The balls are available in four basic sizes and should be purchased according to your body height. Ball size 53 cm for people of 5'3" and under; a 65 cm size suitable for people from 5'4" to 5'10"; a 75 cm size for people from 5'11" to 6'4" in height; and a 85 cm size for people of 6'5" and over. I am 5' 9" and use the 65 cm size with no problems at all.
Most gym balls come ready supplied with a pump for inflating, but otherwise you would have to buy your own. Even with the purpose built pump they are hard work to pump up for the first time and this can take quite a while. Fortunately once they are inflated all you have to do is top up the air once in a while.
The ball should be inflated to the point where it becomes firm but still has some 'give' to it. This is necesary to allow the ball to contour to your body's shape.
COST
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The average cost of a gym ball is about £10 - £15. I was lucky and got mine in the sale from Superdrug for £3 including pump. If you are willing to shop around I think you could pick one up quite cheaply.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
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The gym ball allows you to perform a whole range of toning, strenthening and postural exercises without imposing unnecessary stress upon the body. They are said to be particularly effective in improving core stability, posture, balance and co-ordination.
Most Gym balls come complete with an instruction leaflet illustrating a variety of exercises. In addition, there are plenty of dvd's books and websites dedicated to getting the most out of your Gym ball.
Many of the exercises require more strength, balance and co-ordination than it may first appear.
The ball is ideal for flexibility and stretching exercises, such as back stretches and side stretches, as it offers very good support.
Strenthening exercises including stomach crunches, press-ups and bridge exercises are incredibly effective. I have read that due to the core stability required in performing stomach crunches on a gym ball, crunches are actually 40% more effective than when carried out in the conventional way.
You can also use the Gym ball in a range of aerobic and balancing exercises.
In fact, even just sittlng on a Gym ball (while watching television, for example) is providing you with an abdominal workout, as the core muscles have to work to simply keep you upright on the ball.
VERDICT
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I find the Gym ball to be a fun and interesting way to exercise. In comparison with a lot of exercise equipment it is very cheap and easy to use. I can't think of any other single piece of exercise equipment that provides such an all-round workout ranging from flexibility to strength training.
Its also quite a fun item to have around the house, my children use mine to bounce on or just to sit on!
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