Stability Ball or Exercise Ball Review

Also known as Exercise balls, Yoga balls, Swiss balls, Pilates balls, or Balance balls,  Stability balls or whatever you choose to call them have become as common to home gyms as dumbbells.  Invented by Aquilino Cosani in 1963, the ball was initially created as a plastic toy ball and was later used for physical therapy in Switzerland.  Seeing the effectiveness of the ball, the US began using it for physical therapy and later coined the term, “swiss ball”.

Within the last 20 to 25 years, the Swiss Ball has been a part of the mainstream fitness equipment found in homes and gyms everywhere.  People use it for Pilates, weight training, yoga and other fitness programs.  Not only does it help strengthen your core muscles, it also helps improve balance and can be used as a tool to assist in targeting other muscle groups.

Upper Body & Lower Body

Stability balls can help target the upper body indirectly through various methods.  You can get in a push up position with the ball tucked under your feet and can perform pushups.  You can also lay on the ball and perform chest presses.  Turn around and have your stomach resting on top of the ball and you can perform back exercises.

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The  Stability ball can help you exercise your legs just as effectively as your upper body.  Place the ball between you and a wall and rest your back against the ball.  Start doing squats and allow the ball to roll up and down your back.

Abs

Abs is one body part the Stability ball can help you target effectively.  Lay down on the ball facing upwards.  Position the ball in the middle of your back and perform crunches.   Go back to the push up position with your feet resting on top of the ball and perform some planks.

Overall, there are numerous benefits to including the Stability ball in your workouts.  If you’re looking to build up your home gym, then a Stability ball is must have if you want to add tools to your arsenal of core exercises.