An exercise ball is known by various names including a yoga ball, a physio ball, a sports ball, a stability ball, a Pilates ball, a Swiss ball, a Swedish ball, a birth ball, a fitness ball, a balance ball, a gym ball, a body ball and a therapy ball. It is considerably larger than a medicine ball, often with a diameter measuring around 14–35 inches. An exercise ball is used for exercising and is normally made from a soft stretchable PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material. This material is relatively strong and durable for extensive use in gyms including home gyms.
The exercise ball is one of the preferred pieces of exercise equipment for several reasons. Firstly, it helps improve a person’s balance and stability. A number of muscles are engaged when exercising with this ball and given a thorough workout and such muscles develop strength and vitality. The act of balancing also provides a good workout to the muscles of the back and the stomach in particular. The exercise ball can be used either for a light workout or for a heavy workout since the level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the individual preferences and experience of the user. Exercise balls improve muscle strength and control, balance, mobility of the lower back and also help to improve posture.
Even if you just sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair, it helps improve posture and exercises the muscles of the back and the abdomen. It also requires good motor coordination to remain balanced on the ball for long. It is an excellent exercise for people with sedentary lifestyles or those whose jobs require them to sit on a chair for long hours. Patients suffering from back problems and those who have poor posture can also benefit tremendously from an exercise ball.
It is also very beneficial for pregnant women because it helps reduce labour pains. Sitting on the ball and rocking gently back and forth helps reduces the pain of contractions during labour but pregnant women should only perform this following medical advice and need the support of a sturdy table, bed or chair to hold onto. Using an exercise ball can be one of the most beneficial workouts as well as being valuable during labour, but it must be used sensibly and with caution in these situations.
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