Why Use an Exercise Ball to Start Getting Back in Shape?

 Often, we get out of shape because we stop moving. We sit in our cars. We sit at our desks in front of the computer. We sit on the couch in front of our televisions. With all the sitting we do, we forget to move. If we begin to add more movement into our daily lives, we will begin to get back in shape. An exercise ball is helpful for creating more movement. We can use the ball at our desks or in front of our televisions. To start getting back in shape, an exercise ball can be our number one piece of fitness equipment.

yoga exercise ball

Let's face it; most of us would like to get back in shape, without having to sweat. However, once we start to get into shape, exercise becomes more appealing. Our bodies respond to movement and want more. Starting an exercise program is difficult. The idea of a workout can be enough to stop our exercise plans before we begin. Adding an exercise ball to our office, T.V. room or home gym creates an easier way to start getting into better shape.

What is so fantastic about an exercise ball?

• It is Fun!

The first great benefit of using an exercise ball is that it is fun. Bouncing, rolling, and stretching on the ball feel good. In general, we do things that feel good and avoid things that feel unpleasant. The ball gets us over the inertia of sitting statically and gets us moving. It gets our exercise program rolling and builds our exercise momentum. We will keep coming back for more because we like the way we feel on the ball. This is an excellent first step in our quest to get back in shape.

• It is Effective.

Another important benefit of an exercise ball is that it is effective. By sitting on the ball, the muscles of our legs, hips, pelvis, and torso are constantly readjusting to keep us upright. Little postural control muscles contract automatically when balancing on a ball. When we are out of shape and don't really look forward to a workout, isn't it nice to exercise, without even being aware that we are doing it?

• It can be a Complete Workout.

Besides working our postural muscles, with dynamic muscle contractions, we can get a full-body workout with a ball. By balancing or bouncing on the ball, we strengthen our major muscle groups. As we bounce on the ball, we get a good cardiovascular workout, and we strengthen our quads and gluteal muscles. As we do this, we get our lymphatic system pumping as well. To round out our workout, the ball also makes stretching, core stabilizing and bodyweight exercises easy to do.

• It can help Reduce Back Pain.

Some people find that sitting on an exercise or stability ball, for short periods at their desks, helps to reduce their back pain and stiffness. When sitting on the ball, the muscles of the trunk need to constantly contract and relax to make adjustments. As the muscles do this, they improve the circulation in the muscles along the spine, helping to reduce back pain, which is often caused by prolonged sitting in regular chairs.

One precaution we need to take when using an exercise ball is making sure our balance is good enough, to keep us from falling off the ball. As with any new exercise program, we need to consult with our healthcare practitioner to make sure it is appropriate for us to begin.

When we think about getting back in shape, we need to think about getting on an exercise ball. The price is right. The ball is fun to use, portable, and most importantly, it is effective at getting us moving in the right direction.

Intent Sports offers a wide range of exercise equipment, including yoga exercise balls, ab roller wheel kit, battle rope, jump rope, pull up bands, fitness products, and more.

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