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For such a simple piece of equipment, gym balls are an amazingly effective addition to your workout routine. These large elastic/rubber balls have multiple uses, from physical therapy through core work to an alternative to a bench for strength training. They go by many names, including:
- Exercise ball
- Swiss ball
- Fitness ball
- Sports ball
- Stability ball
- Pilates ball
They are most commonly used for working the core muscles of the body (abs and low back in particular), where they can add up to 60% to the effectiveness of simple exercises like crunches.
The effectiveness of gym balls comes from their instability. Because the body is moving slightly the whole time you, you are forced to engage the core muscles. With the core muscles having to work so hard to keep you balanced, they are forced to become stronger.
This is a great piece of equipment to add to your home workout program, with the benefits of regular use including:
- Increased control and strength of the core muscles
- Increased low back mobility
- Improving balance and stability
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