Yoga balls are often used in physical therapy. They are also called exercise balls or stability balls. A yoga ball provides support during hip openers, back bends and other restorative yoga poses. It can help a yoga practitioner increase overall strength and flexibility.
What is a Yoga Ball?
Yoga balls are versatile exercise tools. Despite their name, yoga balls can be used for a lot more than just the practice of yoga. Yoga balls are used regularly in gyms, rehabilitation centers and fitness classes of all kinds.
Yoga balls are especially popular amongst people who want to strengthen their back and core (stomach muscles). This is because yoga balls allow practitioners a wider range of motion while forcing one to maintain proper alignment.
What to Consider When Buying a Yoga Ball
A yoga ball buyer should select a sturdy yoga ball that is suitable for the size of his or her body and the type of yoga exercise routines he or she normally practices.
Yoga Balls for Every Person's Size
Select a yoga ball that is height-appropriate. A 75cm ball works well for people who are at least six feet tall. A 55cm yoga ball is better for adults who are shorter than 64 inches (5 feet, 4 inches) tall. A 65cm works well for everyone else in between.
Core Advantage Stability Balls
Core Advantage stability balls provide exercise tools for full-body workouts. This type of ball comes with a resistance band for the arms. Core Advantage stability balls provide a challenging and efficient workout that thus strengthens not only back and core muscles but also the arms. These balls are available in the same variety of sizes as normal yoga balls.
Thera-Band Exercise Balls
Thera-Band exercise balls can be used for exercise, but are designed specifically for the purpose of rehabilitation. They can help strengthen the muscles responsible for enabling good posture. This in turn eases people's back pain. Thera-Band exercise balls come in the same variety of sizes as regular yoga balls.
How to Use a Yoga Ball
A yoga ball can be used for extra support while one practices difficult yoga postures. There are many DVDs available about how to use a yoga ball when practicing yoga or Pilates. Another option is to take classes that incorporate the use of yoga balls.
Yoga balls also generally come with a manual that inform one about how to incorporate the ball into any existing fitness routine.
A yoga ball can support one in doing challenging exercises. It is important to ensure that the type of ball one selects is sturdy, appropriate for his or her size and suitable for his or her fitness purposes.
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