Swiss Balls & Gym Balls

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