Ok, to begin with I am fully aware of the bathroom humor that accompanies any discussion of core exercise balls, and to be perfectly honest, I participate in that sort of sophomoric tomfoolery more than almost anyone! But to get this review past all those Internet content filters, we'll exit that road right there, and stick with the clean names…
So whether you call yours a Pilate Ball, or a Fitness Ball, or a Pezzi Ball, they've been around for nearly 50 years, and many folks swear by them! The most common uses of the core exercise ball are for flexibility training and abdominal training, and for the purposes of the list I've compiled here, those are the activities I've focused on. Certainly, there are many other reasonable, and perhaps some not-so-reasonable, ways to utilize the core exercise ball, but for all the “cooky stuff,” you're on your own.
The overall concept is simple: exercising on, and with, hard surfaces that don't “give,” create stress on the body, and especially on the joints. If we can introduce a softer surface to the process, we should be able to exercise longer with less negative impact on the joints, right? Hence, the creation of the core exercise ball!
The Core Exercise Ball is great for flexibility and balance, and is commonly incorporated into many aerobic activities as a way to stretch and loosen up at the beginning of a workout. Similarly, the Core Exercise Ball is also recognized as a highly effective Abdominal Training tool, by getting the back and butt up off the hard floor and onto the softer pillow like surface; thus, it is often incorporated into a “core abdominal routine” at the end of the workout.
Two things to look for in a Core Exercise Ball Book:
1) Does it focus on the right exercises? You don't want to get a book about Pilates if you're looking for a strength routine.
2) Is it the appropriate fitness ability level? Many of these books have beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and there certainly is no shame in thinking ambitiously; but why waste time or torture your self confidence by reading content that is totally out of reach.
Three things to look for in a Core Exercise Ball DVD:
1) As with books, is it a DVD focused on the exercise routines you're looking for?
2) Is it the appropriate fitness ability level? This may take a little more research than with books, given that many of these workout themes have different “levels” for.
3) Is it the appropriate length and contain the type music you like?
With the best core ball workout books, you'll be on your way to success. Learning how to workout means you'll burn the most fat and build the most muscle. Choose from exercise ball workout DVDs and books.
