Gaelikaa chose the topic for this weeks episode of the Loose Blogging Consortium.
Stability
Swiss Balls may have only come onto the exercise market in recent years, but Swiss Balls have been around for over 40 years and are used by physios all over the world.
Many people refer to Swiss Balls as Stability Balls among other names, but as long as it is burst resistant it makes no difference which name you chose to call them as they are all designed for the same purpose. A Stability Ball is constructed of elastic soft PVC with a diameter of approximately 35 to 85 centimetres (14 to 34 inches) and filled with air. The air pressure is changed by removing a valve stem and either filling with air or letting the ball deflate. It is most often used in physical therapy, athletic training and exercise. It can also be used for weight training.
When inflating a Stability Ball for the first time you should inflate it to 70% and then leave over night before fully inflating to the correct diameter. When inflated to it’s correct diameter a Stability Ball should be firm, but not hard. When in use the Stability Ball then responds to the shape of your body giving support where it is needed and helps improve posture.
By adding weight to a Stability Ball (i.e. sitting on it etc…) it makes it unstable, your natural reflexes then use what is known as your core muscles to keep your balance. This is why using a Stability Ball is a better platform for doing many exercises on, rather than using a stationary one like the floor.
Stability Balls are ideal for use when doing general exercise such as strength and resistance training, as well as circuits, physiotherapy, pilates, rehabilitation and yoga either at home or in a gym environment. They are even used for sitting on at work.
When purchasing a Stability Ball as a seat, it is a good idea to buy a larger size than the one you need so you can slightly deflate the ball for greater comfort.
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