Fun, Affordable, and Effective Exercise with a Fitness Ball

Exercise equipment and memberships at gyms can be expensive. If you wish to exercise at home inexpensively, why not choose a fitness ball? Along with a DVD showing you how to use the ball, it’s easy to add this exercise to your routine. Averaging around $19.99, you can purchase a quality fitness ball online. Here are some features and workouts which you may find on the accompanying DVDs.

The Valeo Body Ball seems to be the fitness ball of choice. It is part of the successful Fitness Gear line of products. Each exercise involves several muscle groups for total body workout. It is recommended by top fitness trainers and physical therapists. The ball improves balance, coordination and flexibility and promotes a healthier posture. The package includes a wall chart of step-by-step instructions for a complete body workout program. It even comes with a high volume air pump.

There are three 10-minute workouts which can be done individually or combined since they focus on different areas. The first concentrates on the lower body with squats while holding the ball, balancing on it for and squeezing it with the upper thighs. The second tones the arms and back by lifting dumbbells while sitting or leaning on the ball and using it for pushups. The final routine is specifically for the abs: sit-ups, curls, yoga's plank and downward dog. Weights are recommended for the second routine.

An exercise ball is also recommended by physical therapists to alleviate lower back pain. Considered durable and well priced, consumers boast they can perform core strengthening exercises without pain. Others claim they feel the burn in their abs and arms using the fitness ball.

Still others claim that these workouts are fast and effective. There are many creative uses for the ball in all of these workouts. Those who have purchased the DVD state that the upper body segments requires heavy and light weights; however, using five pound weights is effective, especially when used the first few times. Some of the exercises are difficult the first time, but there are alternatives for beginners. Many of the exercises in all the workouts require good balance and core stability.

All in all, a fitness ball is an inexpensive and effective piece of exercise equipment. Check out the Valeo Body Ball and the variety of fitness balls online, and add a DVD so that your exercise routine will be an enjoyable one.