Medicine balls and stability balls are the most commonly used types of exercise balls, both of which are commonly used by physical therapists and personal trainers to improve core strength, balance and upper body strength.
They are inexpensive, portable, easy to store and versatile.
Medicine balls range in size and weight.
They are usually made of durable rubber or leather and then filled with sand.
They range from 2 to 30 pounds in weight.
Most exercise with medicine balls involves throwing and catching the ball (or throwing it against a wall, if it bounces, so you won't need a partner).
Because the ball is so heavy, it challenges your upper body and core muscles as you catch and release the ball.
You can also use it as a weight for lifting, in place of a dumbbell.
Some medicine balls have handles on them for easier manageability.
Make sure you choose a medicine ball that is heavy enough to challenge your arms, shoulders, back and abdominal muscles, but not so heavy to wear you out in a few repetitions.
Stability balls are larger than medicine balls, but are very light because they are filled with air.
Ranging from 45-80 centimeters in diameter, you will want to find a stability ball that allows you to position your legs so that your knees are at a 90 degree angle when you sit on the ball.
Stability balls are used for a variety of balancing and strengthening exercises, such as holding plank positions, doing crunches, performing push-ups and executing squats.
The ball provides a challenging back drop for these exercises, forcing you to engage your abdominal muscles as you balance and perform.
If you want to maximize your exercise potential, invest in a medicine ball and a stability ball, then hire a personal trainer for one session to learn the basics of exercise ball routines.
Another option is to attend aerobics classes at a fitness center or to invest in a DVD of stability and medicine ball exercise techniques.
You'll find that exercise with the medicine ball and stability ball combined can most muscle groups effectively.
They are inexpensive, portable, easy to store and versatile.
Medicine balls range in size and weight.
They are usually made of durable rubber or leather and then filled with sand.
They range from 2 to 30 pounds in weight.
Most exercise with medicine balls involves throwing and catching the ball (or throwing it against a wall, if it bounces, so you won't need a partner).
Because the ball is so heavy, it challenges your upper body and core muscles as you catch and release the ball.
You can also use it as a weight for lifting, in place of a dumbbell.
Some medicine balls have handles on them for easier manageability.
Make sure you choose a medicine ball that is heavy enough to challenge your arms, shoulders, back and abdominal muscles, but not so heavy to wear you out in a few repetitions.
Stability balls are larger than medicine balls, but are very light because they are filled with air.
Ranging from 45-80 centimeters in diameter, you will want to find a stability ball that allows you to position your legs so that your knees are at a 90 degree angle when you sit on the ball.
Stability balls are used for a variety of balancing and strengthening exercises, such as holding plank positions, doing crunches, performing push-ups and executing squats.
The ball provides a challenging back drop for these exercises, forcing you to engage your abdominal muscles as you balance and perform.
If you want to maximize your exercise potential, invest in a medicine ball and a stability ball, then hire a personal trainer for one session to learn the basics of exercise ball routines.
Another option is to attend aerobics classes at a fitness center or to invest in a DVD of stability and medicine ball exercise techniques.
You'll find that exercise with the medicine ball and stability ball combined can most muscle groups effectively.
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