Yoga Ball

[chryssiie718]

Someone talked about how much fun these things were so I was wondering if anyone had any experience using one. I read a little about them and it sounds promising. I generally hate exercise so I need all the help I can get! :D

[Animosity]

I've never used an actual yoga ball, Do you mean the big ones? I've been looking into geting one myself. When I was a kid I used to play on giant yoga-sized balls for fun. I think you should try it. It's easy exercise. Better workout than your everyday sit-up routine and way more enjoyable.

[Dirty Martini]

They're fantastic for your core because you can do a ton of balancing exercises. I'd recommend looking up videos on youtube.com searching for "swiss ball" and "balance ball."

[gillibean]

I was starting to tell you how much I love my yoga ball when I noticed your username and realized I already have told you :)

[chryssiie718]

I was starting to tell you how much I love my yoga ball when I noticed your username and realized I already have told you :)

Yep, it was you who started this whole idea!! :lol:

[Shamandura]

I use to have one and loved it! It was great for strengthing/straitening my messed up back. I first got one after I had my child to help bounce back in shape. There is alot of techniques of using them, most come with a chart w/pictures to help out.

[zoebird]

i think they're generally useless. they don't make a good yoga prop as they roll and yoga requires a good deal of stability and builds that stability without balls, so it's better to just do yoga.

i also think that for core work and stuff, they're pretty silly. i mean, you can get better results from other sources, and some of the movements are downright dangerous.

but, people really do seem to like them for core work and other 'swiss ball' work--so if you like it and find it fun, then go for it.

[LucidAnne]

i like it, i have had a bad back and some basic physical issues, esp with balance and simple strength...so it helps when i have the motivation to go thru a whole exercise program! lol.

i like doing alot of arm work w/ weights while on the ball, b/c it also engages the core in a position which i can seem to manage and hold. just my experience.

sometimes, you can check those discount stores, like marshalls or tjmaxx and find a whole bunch of those type of yoga/ exercise accessories.

[Terry B.]

I have one that gets pulled out from time to time though there is nothing magical about it.

If you "hate exercise", it could be another prop that ends up in the corner as it won't do the workouts for you. However, it is a relatively inexpensive investment and a lot of people really do enjoy them.

[evelinadatta]

We use it for some exercises in my pilates class and also sometimes in the warm-ups in my martial arts class. It's great for balancing exercises. I am not sure why it is called yoga ball as I have never seen it used in yoga. But overall it's an okay tool. I don't have it at home though because it takes up too much space IMO.

[Libellula]

i think they're generally useless. they don't make a good yoga prop as they roll and yoga requires a good deal of stability and builds that stability without balls, so it's better to just do yoga.

i also think that for core work and stuff, they're pretty silly. i mean, you can get better results from other sources, and some of the movements are downright dangerous.

but, people really do seem to like them for core work and other 'swiss ball' work--so if you like it and find it fun, then go for it.

which movements are dangerous? and what other sources could provide better results?

[LucidAnne]

there are yoga blocks and shoes/ socks or mats...
ive never seen the ball used in yoga either. the blocks and things keep you from sliding around.

i generally use my ball for free weights, crunches and balancing things...but i have to say, my best investment was a set of 3 pilates bands. with these, you can do stretches nd some stability/ core exercises, strengthening... and they are also easy to take along when you are traveling.

[zoebird]

pretty much any movement that requires a certain level of stability in order to be safe (such as an overhead press or other weight-lifting exercise on a ball), would be safer at a higher weight, lower rep on a seat or bench that can provide support. and proper form forces the belly to be drawn in.

most crunches on the ball can be done on the floor, the ball doesn't add much in terms of anything to the movement--pulley crunches are a good alternative (and weighted) and just weighted crunches on the floor can do a lot. leg lifts--either hanging from a bar or using one of those stands where your back presses against a pad and your elbows/forearmsa re supporting you are also good. and doing those weighted is better.

that's just my take, though.

[chryssiie718]

Thank you all for the input!! I looked at the balls at Target today and the price is right. They have one for only $12 but I think I like the one that comes with a set of bands, and a DVD better. They also have one that is suppose to stay stable and not roll. I appreciate all the comments and I probably will get one sometime soon. :)