Yoga Ball

A yoga ball is a special exercise ball made of elastic rubber having a diameter of about 22 to 34 inches (55 to 85 cm). It has come to be known by a variety of names like exercise ball, sports ball, gym ball, Swiss ball, Pilates ball, fitness ball, and body ball.

Yoga ball exercises can be used for a number of poses including backbends, hip openers, the triangle pose and the shoulder stand.  Besides exercise, yoga ball is used in physical therapy. However, it should not be confused with the medicine ball which is smaller but heavier than it.

An interesting fact is that some people sit on a yoga ball instead of a chair (for example, an office chair), since this position serves to engage their abdominal and back muscles and helps maintain proper posture that will keep them balanced on the ball.

Benefits of Yoga Ball Exercises

When doing yoga ball exercises, your body attains greater balance by directly responding to the instability of the ball. This is not the case in exercising over a hard flat surface. In a yoga ball exercise workout, more muscles of the body are in contact with the ball and move accordingly to remain balanced. In the process, these muscles get stronger over time. The yoga ball is a great aid in exercises that focus on developing the strength of core body muscles i.e. the muscles of the abdomen and the back.

Yoga Ball in a Fitness Program    

Yoga ball exrecises can cover a wide range of difficulty levels. Some of the common uses of the ball include: developing overall control and strength of the core body muscles; increasing lower back mobility; increasing abdominal and back muscle strength; improving balance and stability; and learning proper body mechanics and posture while lifting objects. 

Lower Back Pain

Exercise Ball Exercises are great for reducing lower back pain. Special yoga ball exercises not only effectively treat the lower back pain but also help prevent further episodes of pain. The ball helps strengthen and develop the core body muscles that help to stabilize the spine, thus rehabilitating the back.