Health Network News

There are dozens of devices available out there that promise miraculous results in the area of physical fitness. If you doubt that just turn on any infomercial TV channel for a while. You’re sure to see several ads touting the latest and greatest miracle of engineering design. Some famous people have even lent their names and reputations to some of these devices. If these gadgets work so well, why do you see so many turning up at garage sales? Why, because most of them are not what’s advertised. The exception is the core exercise ball, which may be the most effective piece of fitness equipment on the market.

Also known as a stability or fitness ball, it’s basically a huge, inflatable rubber ball designed to withstand pressure of up to one thousand pounds. You can sit on it, lean on it or lie down across it, which are positions utilized when working out with this piece of fitness equipment.

Its use has become so popular in recent years that no serious professional fitness trainer would be without one. They’re inexpensive to buy, easy to learn to use, and possibly the most effective device known for strengthening your core muscles. And developing your core muscles makes every other exercise you do easier and more effective.

Your core muscles are the muscle groups that are used for initiating all of your body movements. They are in the center or core of your body, also known as the torso. If you strengthen your core you will be increasing support for all of your body and benefiting your whole self.

The key in training with an exercise ball is the need to maintain balance to keep from rolling over and falling off. To be able to do this, the core muscles are required to flex constantly. The more you practice the easier it will be and the fitter you will become.

If you’ve ever wondered how some people are able to get those ’six-pack abs’, here’s some news for you. Sit-ups won’t do it. In fact, this particular exercise has been found to be detrimental to your body, especially the lower back and spine. But a similar exercise, done with the aid of an exercise ball, will help you get exactly what you’re looking for — fat loss and harder abdominal muscles. What’s key is working the core muscles properly.

Fitness balls come in half a dozen different sizes. The size that’s right for you will be determined by your height. Your knees should form a right angle when sitting on the ball with your feet flat on the floor. If not, get a different size. Be advised, also, that firmer balls are more difficult to work with so, as a beginner, you should go for a softer one.

The first core exercise balls were used to aid in rehabilitating spinal injury sufferers and people with neurological problems. They have fast become a favorite among professional trainers because of their ability to aid in the development of awesome abs through their effective abs exercises. They also help reduce fat, allowing the ’six-pack’ to show through.