Swiss Balls & Gym Balls
Swiss balls are also known as gym balls, exercise balls or fit balls. They were developed by physiotherapists in Switzerland during the 1960's. And they're intended for use during physiotherapy rehabilitation. The Swiss Ball has increased in popularity and is now used in gyms and as for home exercise programmes. The Swiss Ball is a versatile fitness tool that can be used for core strength and stability. It's also great for stretching, yoga and Pilates. The Exercise Ball is often used in the home rehabilitation of low back pain, sciatica, herniated disc, facet syndrome, postural problem, posture-related back ache and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
FAQs
Gym balls are fantastic pieces of equipment to help improve core stability strength. The unpredictable nature of a gym ball challenges the intricate "core" muscles around the abdomen and lower back. This makes them an ideal tool to help improve lower back pain. They can also improve stability for more fluid, pain-free movements in everyday life or if you participate in sports.
Gym balls can be used to improve athletic performance by providing an unstable exercise base. This challenges core stability and balance, which are both crucial in preventing injuries on the pitch. Having a strong and stable "core" helps minimise the strain on other joints. This can prevent injuries to the feet, knees or shoulders. All of these can benefit from a more stable base at the core of the body.
Swiss balls are fantastic pieces of equipment to help train core stability strength. They can also improve overall balance, coordination and stability. We also have a ball that is just like a swiss ball, but it has 6 'legs' to stop it from rolling away. The slightly unstable base improves your posture and prevents slouching. It also stops prolonged stress on the structures of the lower back. The ball is also burst-resistant. Even if damaged with knives, or other pointed objects there's no danger of sudden lack of pressure.
Stronger core muscle strength will help improve posture and prevent injuries around the lower back. These can be caused by prolonged sitting or poor postural habits. Gym balls are also hugely beneficial in improving sports performance.
Anti-Burst gym balls are highly recommended, as they are the safest exercise ball variants available. If an exercise ball has an Anti-Burst rating, it will deflate slowly when punctured. Other balls may burst suddenly and potentially cause injury.
One of our most popular swiss balls is designed using anti-burst material. This is so that exercises can be carried out safely during pregnancy. This design provides peace of mind while doing sit ups and exercising on it. The cushioned surface and shape of the ball help to prevent bad posture or technique.
An exercise ball is designed to challenge overall balance and stability. It also addresses core muscle strength around the abdomen and lower back to help protect against injuries. The core muscles that support the spine and pelvis have to work hard in order to maintain an upright position. Even when just sitting on it!
To correctly use a gym ball, start with simply sitting on the ball. Make sure your hips, knees and ankles are all positioned at 90 degrees to each other. Once this position becomes easier, exercises can be progressed to. Try sitting and tilting the pelvis backwards and forwards. Or try marching on the spot, lifting one foot off the floor at a time and holding. These exercises may all sound simple, but on the unstable surface of the gym ball, they really challenge the core muscles.
As you progress, more advanced exercises such as hamstring curls, press-ups, hip flexion, planking and more can be completed. Gradually increasing the difficulty of exercises can help with conditions such as lower back pain. It can also help with sacro-iliac pain, pelvic instability after pregnancy and many further sports-related injuries. These all rely on a stable core to base more intricate movements upon. Seek the advice of a Chartered Physiotherapist to help with the prescription of exercises. They can also dictate the rate of progression for your individual needs.
To get the most out of your exercise ball, you need to choose a size that is suitable for your height. Swiss balls come in different diameters and should be chosen depending on your weight and height. Ideally, the hips, knees and ankles should all be positioned at 90 degrees to each other when you're sat down. But if you cannot test the gym ball before buying, see below for a guide below from Spine Health.
- Diameter Person's Height
- Diameter: 45cm for heights: 5ft and under
- Diamter: 55cm for heights: 5'1" - 5'8"
- Diameter: 65cm for heights: 5'9" - 6'2"
- Diameter: 75cm for heights: 6'3" - 6'7"
- Diameter: 85cm for heights: 6'8" and above
Swiss Balls & Gym Balls
A stability ball can be used to help strengthen the abdominal muscles during a range of Swiss ball exercises during exercise. Or, you can use a balance ball for improving your posture while at home or at work.
Pregnancy & Birthing Balls
Birthing balls are essentially the same as exercise balls. They're both made from a durable material that makes them extremely difficult to puncture. You can use an exercise ball as a birthing ball. But ensure that it is an anti-burst exercise ball with an anti-slip finish to help with stability. Don't forget to keep it pumped up with our dual action pump.
Gym balls are popular for use before and after childbirth. This is as they help re-tone and engage the muscles that are stretched and injured. They can also help to retrain the core muscles to improve stability. Plus, they can help prevent lower back, Sacro-iliac or pelvic pain. Birthing balls can reduce pain and help you feel more comfortable during labour. Gently bounce on your ball during the late stages of pregnancy. This is useful for helping the baby's head drop into the pelvic area.
Many birthing balls are a round like swiss ball, but some are also in the shape of a peanut. Peanut balls are made from the same material. But instead of being round, these balls are larger on the ends and have a narrow middle, like a peanut. Peanut balls make it easier to get into a comfortable, relaxed position. They're great for use while resting or sleeping as you're able to lift your legs over or around a peanut ball.
Improve Core Muscles With a Swiss Ball
Use a Pilates Ball during a home core workout for a twist. You can set up in the plank position using inflatable exercise balls. Or, carry out exercises sitting on your ball whilst working from home.
Improve Posture With a Stability Ball
Stability ball exercises carried out with feet flat or raised one at a time can help to improve core stability. Use your Physical Therapy ball to strengthen muscles that can help to minimise the risk of injury.
Use a Fitness Ball For Lower & Upper-Body Strength
At PhysioRoom, we have a wide range of buying choices for Physio balls. Shop by product size and design. Then, you can start using your fitness ball during body weight exercises. Try using a push-up position as your starting position or experimenting with planking. Consult a physical therapist if you have any questions or concerns about incorporating your fitness ball into your workout routine.