BesidesmaybeeeeJane Fonda or Richard Simmons, nothing screams 1980s fitness quite like the (often fluorescent) exercise ball.
While less novel than theWHOOP,Mirror, orPeloton Bike, you shouldn’t snooze on the exercise ball.
All that said, “exercise ball” is a pretty broad category.
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First, verify that the ball isn’t too high or too low.
Second, ensure that baby is fully inflated.
“With these balls, you want to aim for higher reps, less weight,” says Wickham.
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On the other hand, if the ball is inflatable, verify it’s properly inflated.
A poorly inflated ball usually equals poor form.
“And as always: Listen to your body.
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Read on for more specific ways to add an exercise ball to your training.
Here are two poses that an exercise ball toss can perk up.
(Trythese advanced posesto take your yoga flow to the next level.)
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Inhale, then come back to standing and toss your ball up.
Catch the ball, and as you exhale and twist toward your right, hold the ball close.
Inhale back up through the center, tossing the ball up.
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Catch the ball, exhale, and twist left.
Alternate to do 10 reps on each side.
Inhale as you lift your hips up, and toss the ball up overhead.
Catch the ball as you exhale, and sink down and bring the ball back close to your center.
Inhale, shifting your weight onto your front leg and bringing your rear knee toward your chest.
Exhale, and bring your lifted leg back to lunge.
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Do this move 10 times.
Switch legs, and repeat.
She knows about keeping fitness fun because she started out teaching phys ed.
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“The only thing you want to avoid is the bone.”
when you’ve got your sweet spot, rest and stay with it for 30 to 60 seconds.
Next, lift and lower that right lower leg five to 10 times.
Switch sides, and repeat on the left.
Then stand up and feel the aah.
(No tennis ball in sight?Try a lacrosse ball instead!)
The crunch typically only works the rectus abdominis muscle (that’s the six pack, mirror muscle).
In fact,researchshows that done on the ball, this classic ab exercise is nearly twice (!)
as effective as it usually is.
(Need more proof that core strength goes beyond six pack abs?Read this).
you could also do push-ups, planks, mountain climbers, and practically a million other moves.
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Which jot down of Exercise Ball Should You Buy?
The answer depends on what kind of exercises you want to be able to use it for.
And you’ve got the option to’t beat the cheap price tag.
Not sure how heavy to go?
So likely, you’ll want one that is 8 to 12 pounds.
(For more medicine ball exercises, check out thislist of muscle building med ball exercises).
Now you’re able to do that right from home.
In fact, according to Wickham, this is a great option for everyone.
Buy It:Gaiam Disc Wobble Cushion Stability Trainer, $19,amazon.com
