Disease Proof

Could Swiss exercise balls be the next best thing for fitness? Chris Sparling of That’s Fit digs them. Take a look:

There are dozens of abdominal/core exercises you can perform using a Swiss Ball (I'll stick to this name, since it's what I regularly refer to it as). Among the more popular moves is the crunch, which is a good thing since this exercise, when done on the ball, works both the rectus abdominis (front abs) and the obliques (side ab muscles). However, to really take advantage of this movement, it's best to do two things: 1) Keep your feet somewhat close together, and 2) Place the ball under the lower portion of your back.

The first suggestion, keeping your feet close together (but not touching. Shoulder width is fine), will force you to really push your core muscles, otherwise you'll tip over. As for the second suggestion, Japanese researchers found that placing the ball under your lower back (as opposed to being under the upper portion of your back) causes greater stimulation to your abdominal muscles.

I haven’t tried them yet, maybe I should.

There are a lot of exercises you can do on a Swiss Ball...they make Core Stability work MUCH more effective. I love mine, but even though it's anti-burst, I have to keep it away from the kitties! They've busted two of 'em on me already...

funny, look at what I just got in my email:
http://www.lifescript.com/channels/diet_fitness/Fitness_Tips/swiss_ball_squat.asp

Hey Lilly-

"Swiss Ball Squat?" Sounds kind of dirty.

LOL!

Peace.
-Gerry

Gerry, it's definitely a tongue-twister! try saying it 3x's fast! swiss ball squat...swiss ball squat...swiss ball squat...LOL ;)

Hey Lilly-

Okay, I just did and I'm not repeating what it sounded like--EEP!

LOL!

Peace.
-Gerry