• Font Size    
E-mail

Close Window E-mail This Page

Shape It Up: Stability Ball Workout

Required fields are marked with an asterisk(*)

The information you provide will be used only to send the requested e-mail and will not be used to send any other e-mail communications. Read more in our Privacy Policy

Send E-mail

   Print     Share +    Comments
Jun 15, 2006 6:05 am US/Eastern

Shape It Up: Stability Ball Workout

Stephanie Oakes
NEW YORK (CBS) ― Stability balls are large colorful balls filled with air and used as an exercise tool. They can be found in many gyms.

We've seen traditional stability ball exercises like crunches and curls, but did you know other types of resistance work can be incorporated with the ball?

Try the following exercises, and I'm sure you'll see results.

Upper Body: Chest presses & chest flys (with weights)

Lower Body: Hamstring curls, hip lifts, reverse leg raises (works the glutes)

Core: Plank pose with an arm roll (for shoulders, back and abs).

For folks sitting in an office all day, try replacing your desk chair with a stability ball. This can really work your core muscles.

A stability ball for home (usually comes with some instructions) can be easily found at Wal-Mart, Target, Whole Foods, The Sports Authority and The Gym Source, among other sporting goods stores.

Additionally, many area gyms offer classes built around stability balls.

Try Equinox Fitness Center, Crunch Fitness Center, the Sports Club LA and Core Fusion, to name but a few.

Also, check your local bookstore or online for books and videos for exercise instruction.

All stability ball exercises, such as lower back exercises, balance workouts, stretches and weight work, should be done with a ball that is right for your height.

Balls are not one size fits all. A good rule of thumb is when you sit on the ball, your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your feet should be flat on the floor.

Adults 5' to 5'6" tall should use a 55 cm ball; 5'7" and over should use a 65 cm ball.

When you inflate the ball use more air for a more unstable -- or tougher -- workout, while less air is better suited to those just getting used to ball and will make workouts easier.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Add Comment

here. here. Need a log in? Register here
  •  * Will not be displayed with comment
  •  * e.g. (http://www.mywebsite.com)
  •  
  • Click here to refresh with new letters

Show Comments (0)

Close Window Login


Close Window Flag Comment


loading...
You need the latest Flash player to view video content.
Click here to download.

Click here to bypass this detection if you already have the latest Flash Player.

Top Stories

Top News Stories

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.