Stability ball workouts have really become mainstream.
We see them in the gym, there are classes based on them and we see lots of books and videos on how to use them.
But what are the real benefits of doing these stability ball exercises? There are several benefits and today we are going to cover how they can improve your balance and posture.
Improving your balance seems like a great idea but when you don't have much time at the gym or to devote to your exercise routine, it might not be the top of your list.
However, if you've ever had a lower body injury, you know that balance can be very difficult to regain.
Improving your balance helps with athletic performance (practicing soccer with your kids!), reducing injury (when you slip on an icy sidewalk!) and can reduce lower back pain as well as muscle imbalance pain (using one side of your body dominantly - shoveling, playing tennis...
).
So how does doing stability ball workouts help to improve your balance? When you use a stability ball, you are working many muscles of the core (abs, butt and back) involuntarily because they are working to keep you from rolling off of the ball.
By continually doing this, those muscles that are many times difficult to target are getting stronger and therefore helping to improve your balance, which you might not really notice unless you are balanced precariously on a ladder or walking across any icy parking lot.
Improving posture seems like something out of a colonial times movie but it really is something we should all be working on.
We spend so much of our time sitting, many times behind a computer, in a car, slouched in front of the TV and it takes a toll on our neck, shoulders and back.
What you also might not realize is that since everything is connected in our bodies, a muscle imbalance in your back can lead to tight hamstrings which can cause knee pain.
Ridiculous, right?! So here's what you do.
Throughout the day, when you can, take a few short breaks and focus on your posture.
Sit tall, roll back those shoulders, squeeze the shoulder blades together and pull your belly button to your spine.
Also, as you sit if you are sticking your booty out creating a curve in the back then tuck your butt back in by tilting your hips.
If you have a rounded back then just sitting tall will help.
Well, it seems like we just fixed your posture so why do you need stability ball workouts? I'm so glad you asked.
Using a stability requires lots of balance as we mentioned above and also proper posture to keep that balance.
In order to do the moves efficiently and effectively, especially if you're adding dumbbells, you need to have the correct body alignment or "proper form" in trainer speak.
Basically, a stability ball keeps you honest in your form with a bonus of working muscles you might not usually target.
So there you have it.
Now you know the benefits and the basics of doing stability ball workouts to improve your balance and posture.
We see them in the gym, there are classes based on them and we see lots of books and videos on how to use them.
But what are the real benefits of doing these stability ball exercises? There are several benefits and today we are going to cover how they can improve your balance and posture.
Improving your balance seems like a great idea but when you don't have much time at the gym or to devote to your exercise routine, it might not be the top of your list.
However, if you've ever had a lower body injury, you know that balance can be very difficult to regain.
Improving your balance helps with athletic performance (practicing soccer with your kids!), reducing injury (when you slip on an icy sidewalk!) and can reduce lower back pain as well as muscle imbalance pain (using one side of your body dominantly - shoveling, playing tennis...
).
So how does doing stability ball workouts help to improve your balance? When you use a stability ball, you are working many muscles of the core (abs, butt and back) involuntarily because they are working to keep you from rolling off of the ball.
By continually doing this, those muscles that are many times difficult to target are getting stronger and therefore helping to improve your balance, which you might not really notice unless you are balanced precariously on a ladder or walking across any icy parking lot.
Improving posture seems like something out of a colonial times movie but it really is something we should all be working on.
We spend so much of our time sitting, many times behind a computer, in a car, slouched in front of the TV and it takes a toll on our neck, shoulders and back.
What you also might not realize is that since everything is connected in our bodies, a muscle imbalance in your back can lead to tight hamstrings which can cause knee pain.
Ridiculous, right?! So here's what you do.
Throughout the day, when you can, take a few short breaks and focus on your posture.
Sit tall, roll back those shoulders, squeeze the shoulder blades together and pull your belly button to your spine.
Also, as you sit if you are sticking your booty out creating a curve in the back then tuck your butt back in by tilting your hips.
If you have a rounded back then just sitting tall will help.
Well, it seems like we just fixed your posture so why do you need stability ball workouts? I'm so glad you asked.
Using a stability requires lots of balance as we mentioned above and also proper posture to keep that balance.
In order to do the moves efficiently and effectively, especially if you're adding dumbbells, you need to have the correct body alignment or "proper form" in trainer speak.
Basically, a stability ball keeps you honest in your form with a bonus of working muscles you might not usually target.
So there you have it.
Now you know the benefits and the basics of doing stability ball workouts to improve your balance and posture.
SHARE
