Strength Ball Training: Building strength and resistance
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A stability ball is also known as a Swiss ball, exercise ball or flexibility ball. It is a large, inflated, rubber ball which was originally created in Italy in the 1960s. It is based on the principle of extending instability or resistance which requires athletes to make use of their core muscles to attain balance. It helps develop strength and flexibility of those muscles. Strength ball training augments core stability of the body. A lot of emphasis is being laid on core stability exercises in contemporary times to fight injuries, enhance overall performance and develop strength.

Strong muscles lead to stronger bones and a decreased risk of injury. Weak muscles increase the body’s susceptibility to injury and have been associated with lower back pain. It improves athletic performance and augments rapid and controlled limb movement. Strength ball training exercises are targeted towards activating the trunk muscles to a larger extent than most traditional forms of exercise. A flexibility ball is an adaptable and enjoyable means by which one can develop strength, agility and proper posture.

Benefits of Strength Ball Training:

There are various advantages of exercising on a Swiss ball.
It can be used by almost everyone and of any age group.
It helps enhance core muscle strength and flexibility.
It helps strengthen the weakened muscles of the back.
With a stability ball, a small set of dumbbells and resistance bands, several exercises can be performed to attain maximum benefits.
It builds resistance to injury.
It occupies less space as compared to other strength training equipment such as benches and racks.
It helps rectify posture and promotes complete wellness of the body.

Stability Ball and Exercises:

There are a number of exercises that can be performed by using a fitness ball such as inclined dumbbell chest press, squat press, stability ball crunch, low back extension, shoulder press, dumbbell bent over row etc. In order to use a fitness ball effectively, you must consult a licensed trainer and obtain appropriate information on the various techniques of using the ball. Applying the wrong technique or using it incorrectly can result in a serious injury. You can also obtain information on using the ball through the internet, website forums, blogs, discussion boards etc. One of the most effective ways of learning how to tame a fitness ball is by watching a number of videos and reading magazines.  Fitness balls are widely used in physiotherapy and play a significant role in boosting general fitness. They are used by a number of professional athletes while performing strength exercises and go a long way in enabling them to gain strength.

One of the biggest advantages of a Swiss ball is that it can be used in a gym, in your home as well as in the office. It is used in various forms of therapy and augments strength, resistance, balance and stability. It also helps in neuromuscular coordination and benefits people suffering from problems related to maintaining their balance, concentration and agility.

A stability ball is designed to create instability and must not be used by the elderly, injured, pregnant women or anyone else subject to the lack of stability or is at an increased risk of falling. Most stability ball workouts cover the major muscle groups of the body but are not designed to be used with very heavy weights. Overload can be achieved within 15 to 20 repetitions which can be completed in 2 to 3 sessions per week. All exercises must be performed with a slow, even tempo in order to avail maximum benefits.

Before performing any exercises it is essential for you to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if your body is capable of handling the strain of the exercises or not. You must also discuss any ailments you might be suffering from such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, anxiety disorder, hypertension etc. with your doctor before joining any training sessions. Strength training helps increase bone density, boosts the body’s resistance to injury and enhances performance in several sports and other activities.