A yoga ball is a highly useful fitness tool mostly used for stretching, core and strength training. It’s a large inflated rubber ball found in most gyms, fitness centers and often around your house! Many people underestimate its potential and don’t know what to do with it when they have one.
Also referred to as an exercise ball, stability ball or Swiss ball, yoga balls are extremely versatile and allow you to strengthen and sculpt your whole body. However, they’re not just good for yoga sessions! Check-out these various and innovative ways you can use yours.
Ways to Use Your Yoga Ball
Strengthening Your Core
A yoga ball increases the demand for stability in your shoulder, hips and core. Almost any core exercise you can do on your own can be optimized on a yoga ball! This includes crunches, planks, push-ups, knee tucks and body twists. Depending on type of exercise, a yoga ball has the potential to work your lower abs, upper abs and even your external obliques.
Using it as a Sitting Chair
Whether you’re watching TV or working at your desk, consider using a yoga ball as your chair. It forces you to improve your posture by requiring you to make small adjustments for better balance. Not only can it strengthen various muscles like your core, even while sitting, but it can also lengthen your spine and help reduce your risk for back injuries.
Building Better Balance
The round surface of a yoga ball forces your body to stabilize itself so you don’t fall off. Because of its high muscle engagement, it’s also great for building better balance and (surprise surprise) strengthening your core to prevent the ball from rolling underneath you.
Yoga and Pilates
We know we said yoga balls are good for more than just yoga, but they’re a truly beloved addition to these types of workouts. If you want a more structured workout, a yoga ball can help you perform many different yoga and Pilates poses. You might find that it enhances your flexibility and makes certain poses easier. While yoga balls add extra support during these workouts, they also help you tone various muscles, improve balance and shake things up a bit.
General Strength Training
Yoga balls make great supplements to everyday strength workouts. If you’re lifting weights, try sitting on the ball and working your core as well as your arms. It can also be used with a weighted cable pull system and hand weights. Get creative and see how you can incorporate yours!
Add Spice to Your Next Workout
The versatility of yoga balls make them a great addition to many different workouts. They strengthen your core, tone various muscles, improve flexibility and correct your posture. Use them in your home, fitness studio or even at the gym! They’re fairly cheap to buy and will give you months, or years, of added workout and health benefits.
