Posts Tagged ‘ab equipment’

The Many Advantages Of Training With A Core Exercise Ball

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

There are dozens of devices available out there that promise miraculous results in the area of physical fitness. If you doubt that just turn on any infomercial TV channel for a while. You’re sure to see several ads touting the latest and greatest miracle of engineering design. Some famous people have even lent their names and reputations to some of these devices. If these gadgets work so well, why do you see so many turning up at garage sales? Why, because most of them are not what’s advertised. The exception is the core exercise ball, which may be the most effective piece of fitness equipment on the market.

Also known as a stability or fitness ball, it’s basically a huge, inflatable rubber ball designed to withstand pressure of up to one thousand pounds. You can sit on it, lean on it or lie down across it, which are positions utilized when working out with this piece of fitness equipment.

Its use has become so widespread that it’s a ‘must have’ item for personal trainers and exercise gurus. It’s easy to use and inexpensive to acquire. Exercise balls may be the single most efficient means for developing your core muscle groups. Properly strengthening your core muscles will make every other exercise you do more effective.

Core muscles refer to the muscles within the center or torso of the body. They include the abdominals (in front of the stomach), the obliques (on either side of the stomach), the erector spinae (neck and back), the hip flexors, and lower trapezius (back and shoulders). These muscles are responsible for the origination of all body movements. Strengthening your core benefits and provides support for your entire body.

Here’s why the ball is so effective. In order to sit on it without falling over your core is called into constant action. It needs to continually flex, thereby working the muscles together. Different exercises will target specific muscle groups within your core.

Everyone’s seen those guys with the six-pack abs and maybe wished they could have them too. You may have even tried to knock out some sit-ups on a regular basis to try to accomplish this. Sorry, but this won’t work. In fact, it’s been determined that doing sit-ups can actually harm your body, especially your lower back. This isn’t a problem when using a fitness ball. What’s important is developing a strong core.

There are several sizes to choose from and you should get an exercise ball that’s properly suited to your individual height. If you sit on your exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor and your knees form a 90 degree angle, you’ve got the right size. Some stability balls are softer than others, and are recommended for beginners since they’re easier to use.

Although originally designed to aid in the therapy of people who had suffered spinal injuries or had neurological disorders, the core exercise ball has evolved become a mainstay of exercise gurus everywhere. Use of the ball is the very best way accomplish beneficial abs exercises to develop awesome abs and, along the way, reduce the fat that’s been hiding that six pack all this time.

Discover how to use a core exercise ball to get into great shape. Purchase your core exercise ball by shopping online. Head there now to find the best way to exercise.