Swiss balls are known by many other names—exercise ball, Pilates ball, stability ball, gym ball, and many others. They are all essentially the same, with small differences in size and shape to suit specific usage. They have become increasingly popular as a tool for overall fitness and strength. Can Swiss balls also improve physical balance and stability?
Improve Your Balance And Stability With Swiss Balls
Swiss balls can help a lot in improving overall physical balance and stability. They are useful for everyone, from kids and teens who struggle with balance to older adults who have difficulty balancing. Most young and middle-aged people also have trouble with stability and other related issues, and Swiss balls can help with such issues as well.
Wall squats: Place a Swiss ball behind your back and squeeze it between your back and the wall. Slowly lower yourself keeping the ball behind your back such that you look like you are sitting on a chair. Ensure the ball stays in place while you hold this position.
Planks: Add a bit of zing to your normal planks by placing a Swiss ball under your hands or your elbows while doing planks. This way, you balance on the Swiss ball instead of placing your hands or arms on the floor.
Back extensions: Place a Swiss ball on the floor and lie down on your front such that the ball is under your abdomen. Place your feet against a wall such that your toes touch the floor. Using this as a starting position, perform regular back extensions.
Using Swiss balls can be difficult initially, so ensure you check with your trainer on how to use them correctly to avoid injury.
Why Use Swiss Balls
They encourage active balancing while exercising or dong other activities like sitting and working. Replace your chair with a Swiss ball for a short time every day while working.
They improve balance and stability, reducing the likelihood of falling, especially among older adults.
They strengthen the core muscles, which improves posture and overall strength and fitness.
It increases the amount of calories you burn when you work out every day, thus helping weight loss and muscle gain.
Although you should not expect fitness miracles immediately, Swiss balls can go a long way in improving overall health and fitness. They make your workout sessions more intensive, help you burn more calories than a regular workout, and help tone and strengthen your core muscles.
