| |
Why a Ball?
|
You've no doubt wondered "why a
ball?". Every few years a new piece of
exercise equipment comes along to catch
our interest, and keep us motivated to go to the gym; but, the fact is,
the ball has been around for over 30 years. The history of the exercise ball in physical therapy and it's
use in rehabilitation
is well known.
Why a ball? It is the unstable
nature of the ball that makes it unique. The
advantage of its instability is that it challenges the following
skills necessary for advancement in an exercise program and maintenance
of a healthy spine:
- Joint
mobility
-
Flexibility
-
Righting Reflexes
-
Reaction Time
-
Coordination
-
Posture
-
Balance
-
Strength
-
Proprioception
Golf,
baseball, hockey, scuba
diving, gymnastics, soccer, dance, boxing - as unique as each of these
sports is, they all have one thing in common. All require a strong core
and the efficient transfer of power between the upper and lower body.
Professional athletes now include core strengthening as a fundamental
part of their training regime. As an athlete with a highly developed
core stability, you will jump further, swing harder, run faster, and
swim with greater efficiency.
The body must respond to
movement
of the ball to remain balanced,
engaging many more muscles than doing the same exercise on a stable
flat surface. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or new to the fitness
scene, an exercise ball will enhance your work out. Exercise ball
exercises are done with a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment and
include exercises for the novice and athlete.
Studies have shown that exercise ball exercises result in a quicker
return of spinal stability when compared to doing exercises on a
floor.1 Significant
improvements in stability are seen after a 6 week exercise ball
exercise program.2
1.Cosio-Lima et al.
2.Stanton et al.
See our research page for more references.
?
|
Return from Why a Ball to Home
|
