Balance Ball for Beginners

Balance balls are excellent for improving strength, stability and balance. However, they can be tricky to use. If you’re not accustomed to stability exercises or your core muscles need strengthening you’ll find a balance ball workout extremely challenging. But don’t miss out on the benefits of a balance ball just because it’s tricky! Use these tips to help you get started successfully.

Image via Wikipedia#1 Make sure you have the right sized ball. If your ball is too big or too small you’re going to have a tougher time. Use the following guidelines to make sure you have the ideal size and fit.

If you’re:

4'11" - 5'4" choose a 55 cm ball.
5'5" - 5'11" choose a 65 cm ball
6'0" - 6' 7” choose a 75 cm ball

#2 Make sure your ball is properly inflated. If your ball is hard and very inflated it will be more difficult to balance on it. A softer, less inflated ball will be easier to work out on. As you gain confidence and skill, you can add pressure to your balance ball.

#3 Sit on it. Start becoming accustomed to your balance ball by simply sitting on it. Sounds easy, right? It’s not as easy as you might think. When you sit on a ball the ball wants to roll. You’re going to have to use your core muscles to keep the ball in place and to stay on top of it. Make sure you’re practicing with bare feet or tennis shoes. This will give you some extra support and friction so you don’t slip off.

You can also gain a little confidence with your exercise ball by using a balance ball for beginners workout DVD. The Balance Ball® For Beginners Workout DVD with Suzanne Deason is a great place to start. This workout provides a full 100 minutes of balance ball exercises. It blends yoga, Pilates and strength and flexibility training all into one easy to use beginner workout. Once you’ve mastered this DVD you’ll not only have lost weight and toned your muscles from head to toe, you’ll also be an expert with the balance ball. You’ll be ready to move onto more advanced balance ball techniques.

The DVD comes with an explanation of how to perform the balance ball moves for maximum results. It also comes with a bonus daily stretch for health and a sixty minute workout. All you need is the right sized balance ball and you’re ready to start toning, shaping and losing weight - and it won't cost you much more than a large cup of coffee. Also check out Suzanne’s other balance ball DVDs including Balance Ball For Weight Loss.

Balance Ball Workout Resources: