Why You Should Get on the Exercise Ball

The exercise ball (also called a Swiss ball or physio ball) is growing in popularity as a great sculpting tool for your core, as well as your glutes, chest and back. It is ideal for using with many exercises because it conforms to specific positions of your body that are necessary in performing an exercise. The exercise ball also provides you with additional support while relieving your joints of unwanted stress.

Here is an exercise you can perform with an exercise ball, designed to shape your glutes:

Roll onto the ball so that your waist is directly on the top portion of it. Your legs and upper torso should be balanced perfectly on top of the ball.

Maintain a push-up position above the ball, placing your hands onto the floor at your sides so that your elbows are bent at a 45-degree angle. You want your legs to be extended behind you.

With your knees straight, slowly lift your legs behind you, pointing your toes. While your legs are lifting, you want to squeeze your glutes while you exhale. Keep raising your legs as far as they can go and squeeze firmly.

Slowly lower your legs to the starting position and repeat the motion. Try 3 sets of between 16-20 reps for an excellent sculpting routine.You can go to Spine-Health.com and find a great article entitled “Exercise Ball Therapy for Lower Back Pain Relief”. All of the benefits of an exercise ball for relieving back pain are described. This should get you started should you be one of the many women who suffer from lower back pain.

I have 2 different exercise balls at home and I find them to be great sculpting tools, particularly for my abdominals. As well, I have strengthened my back considerably since first starting to use an exercise ball.

If you are an exercise ball devotee or new to this great sculpting tool, let me know about it.

Have a great evening!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International