The concept of an exercise ball is kind of weird and sometimes hard to grasp. Can something so simple…be so effective?  The answer is…Yes!

An exercise ball, also known as a Swiss ball, stability ball, Pilate’s ball, and a sports ball, is actually a very affective exercise tool in strengthening your core. How does it differ from sit-ups or crunches on a floor?  When you do sit-ups or crunches on the floor, the solid ground helps to stabilize your core.  Because the floor stabilizes your body, you only get an abdominal workout instead of a full core workout.

The reason an exercise ball works, and the reason you see them in gyms and physical therapy centers, is because you are laying on an object that is unstable.  Because you are lying on an exercise ball that is unstable, your core muscles (just not abdominal muscles) have to work to stabilize your body when you perform an exercise.  Exercise balls help you to workout all those little supporting muscles that you cannot target if you were just to do sit-ups or crunches on a floor.

What about using your exercise ball as a chair?

Although sitting on an exercise ball can help strengthen your core, do not believe the myth that you will get six-pack Abs from sitting on a ball all day. There are a lot of factors that you need for great looking Abs, cardio, weight lifting, core exercise, and a great nutrition plan.

Exercise Balls are great to have and there are tons of workouts you can do with them. Exercise balls are cheap and affordable and can definitely help you in reaching your fitness goals.

Do you have a question? Then ask me! Just click on the “Ask the Fitness Dude A Question” at the bottom right of the page.