An abdominal exercise ball is an inflatable ball used during exercise. The most common type is large enough for an adult to sit on comfortably and is used for crunches and other workouts. A smaller ball is placed behind the back for additional muscle work. Exercise balls are affordable and recommended by doctors and nutritionists. There is also a children’s version for physical therapy.
An abdominal exercise ball is an inflatable ball, usually made of rubber or a similar material, used during exercise. The most common type of ball is generally large enough for an adult to sit on comfortably, measuring about two feet (61 cm) around. Another type of abdominal exercise ball is slightly smaller than an average size basketball or football. Both are used for the same purposes, although the larger model is generally more versatile in the types of exercises that can be completed.
A large ab exercise ball is typically used to lie on while doing crunches and other workouts such as back curls and leg raises. The main benefit of doing these movements on an exercise ball instead of on a flat surface is that the person performing them must use their abdominal muscles for balance while also doing strengthening exercises. This requires someone to work harder and burn fat faster. Even while doing other exercises, the crunches help keep the person stable, making almost any exercise an abdominal exercise.
The smaller type of ab exercise ball is usually placed behind the back as the person lies on the floor. He or she can do crunches as usual while on top of the ball. The benefit of this type of ball is that instead of coming back flat on the floor like with regular crunches, you can lean back slightly as you balance on the ball. This works additional muscles to provide a more complete workout.
Both ab exercise ball options can be found in department stores, sporting goods stores, online, or at certain gyms. They are generally reasonably priced, especially when compared to traditional weight machines and other expensive exercise equipment. The use of an exercise ball is also highly recommended by many doctors and nutritionists not only to lose weight, but also to improve balance.
There is a children’s version of the abdominal exercise ball that can be used for exercise or physical therapy to improve balance. They are generally of the larger variety, only instead of being completely round, they usually sit on a base to prevent injury. These can be found in some sporting goods stores, toy stores, or specialty children’s stores.
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