Swiss Balls (Gym Balls)
Swiss balls, also known as gym balls, physio balls or fit balls were developed by physiotherapists in Switzerland during the 1960's for use during physiotherapy rehabilitation. The Swiss Ball has increased in popularity and is now used in gyms and as part of home exercise programmes.
The Swiss Ball (gym ball, fit ball) is a versatile fitness tool that can be used for core strength, core stability, stretching, yoga and Pilates type exercises. The Swiss Ball is regularly used in the home rehabilitation of low back pain, sciatica, herniated disc, facet syndrome, postural problem, posture related back ache and sacro iliac joint dysfunction.
Swiss Balls (Gym Balls) – Buyer’s Guide
The Swiss Ball (also known as a gym ball, physio ball or fit ball) is a versatile fitness tool that can be used for core strength, core stability, stretching, yoga and Pilates type exercises. All these exercises improve your posture and strengthen the back muscles, preventing low back pain. The mere act of sitting on a stabilised Swiss Ball can promote good posture. Once you have a back injury or are suffering from back pain, the Swiss Ball can be used in the home to relieve the symptoms of low back pain, sciatica, herniated disc, facet syndrome, posture-related back ache and sacro iliac joint dysfunction.
Swiss Balls are inflatable, anti-burst spheres that are available in a variety of colours and sizes. The size of Swiss Ball that you choose - 55cm, 65cm or 75cm diameter – depends on your height. There is also a peanut-shaped ‘ball’ for users who experience balance problems. The inflatable ‘peanut’ can be used for exercise therapy in exactly the same way as a Swiss Ball but, because it moves less easily, is ideal if you have difficulty in holding your balance.
A Swiss Ball Support is a non-slip ring into which you can place a Swiss Ball to prevent it rolling away, making it ideal for safe storage of your ball. As the ball does not touch the floor and the ring does not slide, even on a slippery floor, a Ball Support provides a more stable base for your exercise therapy and core strength exercise programmes, especially for beginners, who might need the extra stability. You can also improve your core stability and posture by simply sitting on a Swiss Ball. Using a gym ball in conjunction with a Ball Support provides a steadier platform for this exercise. You simply choose the size of Ball Support that matches the size of your Swiss Ball.
Swiss Ball Supports Product Range
You will need a pump to inflate your Swiss Ball. A bicycle-type pump is ideal, but a dual action pump makes the inflation process easier and is provided with a set of adaptors so that it can be used for other types of ball, and bicycle tyres. It is important that you do not over-inflate the Swiss Ball, so it is not advisable to use a compressor.
As the Swiss Balls have a minimum diameter of 55cm, a carry strap makes them easier to transport, without having to deflate and re-inflate them each time.
Pumps & Carry Straps Product Range
