Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Improves core stability . |
| Disadvantages: |
None really but must be used correctly . |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
I keep trying this health and fitness lark at home and this is another one of my efforts, a gym ball. I have used them at the gym before. When I don`t have time to go to the gym, which is often since increasing my work hours, I like to be able to, not only exercise at home, but vary it. The gym ball is my cheapest piece of gym equipment (not that I have any more now except DVD`s).
What is a Gym Ball?
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A gym ball is a ball as the name suggests! It is made of very tough rubber (I think). A gym ball is also known as a swiss ball or stability ball. The ball does bounce quite well, but that is not what it is for. It is to allow you to exercise effectively, but obviously you still need to put a lot of effort in.
My gym ball is 26 inches but they do vary in size (I think there are only about 2 sizes), the smaller ones being the hardest work. If they are soft and squashy they are not as hard work as if they are hard, as you will be using your muscles more to maintain stability than if your bottom were allowed to sink into it. My gym ball is purple. They are available in several colours. I did not have a choice, I bought it from the internet for about £5.
It is not a problem posting the gymball and they do not come inflated, you just need to inflate it yourself which was not a problem. Mine came with a little insert making it easy to inflate.
What to do with the Gym Ball.
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Once you have inflated it, which is simple, you can then play with it. Throw it around and bounce it if you like but it is thicker and harder than ordinary balls, so, especially the size of it, you are more likely to either break something or hurt someone. Just keep an eye on the children in your house, that includes big kids or husbands.
The gym ball can be used for a variety of exercises. I used to attend the gym regularly and would sometimes use the ball, it would be used as either part of the class or for the whole class ie. pilates on the ball. There were also gym balls available in the gym area for use as required.
The gym ball seems to be used mainly for the abs but do correct me if I am wrong. Many people do ab crunches on them, which is what I do primarily at home. I aim to do some of these each morning for a short time so at least I have done something. If I have time later on I will do something else, but at least I am sticking to the little and often principle.
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Here is an idea of a few exercises.
Ab crunches are performed by lying on the ball, you must at least have the small of your back on the ball to suppport it. You must never have it higher than that or it may strain your back. To do these you have your legs on the floor. Put your hands to the side of your head and raise your head, you don`t need to raise it very far. If you have your bottom on the ball, it is harder, you need to use you stomach muscles more.
You can also lie on the floor with your legs bent and your feet or heels resting on the ball. Make sure you are lying on a mat. You then raise your bottom off the floor. The further away your bottom is from the ball, the harder it is. I don`t know what this one is called but it works your thigh muscles as well as your stomach muscles.
There is another exercise where you stand against the wall with the ball between your back and the wall starting with it in the small of your back. You then bend your knees and go down as far as you can, ideally until you cannot go any further and then back again. This again is good for the thighs.
This is just an idea of some of the exercises that I have been taught at the gym. There are many more exercises that can be done, as already mentioned, pilates on the ball would last a whole hour.
I am not a gym instructor, though I used to attend the gym a lot at one time. I would not advise anyone to do anything that I have mentioned in the review, unless you have experience because, as with any form of exercise, it is possible to injure yourself if not performed correctly.
Advantages of the Gym Ball.
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Doesn`t take up too much space.
Easy to move as light.
Offers lots of choice of exercises.
Very good for core stability.
It is harder than doing exercises on the floor as you need to use your core muscles just to remain balanced on the ball.
Improves balance.
Can use for a short time, or a long time.
Available in a variety of colours (OK, so does it matter what colour?).
There are many DVD`s available which demonstrate exercises on the ball.
Disadvantages.
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I don`t have a DVD with exercises so I don`t often do much more than ab crunch.
Could cause injury if used incorrectly.
Would I recommend?
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Yes, I would definately recommend the Gym Ball. What I would say though is, make sure you know how to use one first.
As with any exercise, make sure you are warmed up first.
For anyone who has not used a Gym Ball before, I would advise purchasing a DVD for guidance. A reputable DVD with a qualified instructor demonstrating and talking through the exercises is essential because you can do more harm than good if not done correctly. Either that or go to the gym first for classes.
As for the Gym Ball, these are easy to buy on the internet for a small price. The packs are more expensive with the DVD, but I would recommend this, unless already proficient at using the ball. For those already familiar with using the ball, it is cheaper to buy the ball on it`s own. I often wish I had bought the DVD pack though as sometimes it is easier to exercise when you have a bit of guidance and would also offer more variety.
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
