Gymnastic balls

Health benefits

Active sitting: An exercise ball requires constant, albeit minimal, movement to maintain balance. These micro-movements strengthen the core muscles, especially the deep muscles responsible for good posture

Strengthening the core muscles : Exercise ball exercises often target the core. A strong core contributes significantly to good posture and can minimize the risk of back pain.

Spinal flexibility: Gently rolling on the ball can help increase spinal flexibility. This can relieve tension and reduce pain.

Reduction of pressure points : Sitting on a conventional chair can put pressure on certain points on the buttocks and thighs, which can lead to pain. An exercise ball distributes the body weight more evenly and can reduce pressure points.

Posture awareness: Sitting on an exercise ball makes us more aware of our posture. This can help us identify and correct bad postures.

Prevention of muscle tension: Since you are not sitting rigidly on the ball but are always in slight movement, this can help prevent muscle tension, which often leads to pain.

Benefits of the exercise ball in sports activities

Strengthening the stabilizing muscles: The unstable surface feeling of the ball targets and trains the deep, stabilizing muscles in particular. This not only promotes core strength, but also balance and coordination.

Increased intensity: Many traditional exercises, such as push-ups or planks, can be varied on the exercise ball to increase intensity and target new muscle groups.

Joint-friendly training: The ball's flexible surface reduces shocks and strains on the joints, allowing for joint-friendly training.

Fun factor : Many people find exercises on the exercise ball entertaining and varied, which increases motivation and reduces monotony during training.

Promoting proprioception: Proprioceptive perception, i.e. awareness of the position and movement of one's own body in space, is trained through training with the exercise ball. This can be particularly useful in sports that require a high degree of body awareness.

Functional training: Exercise ball exercises often mimic natural movements and train the body in a way that is applicable to real life and sports situations.

Flexibility and stretching: The ball can also be used as a supporting tool in stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

Versatile training: A gym ball can be used for a variety of exercises, ranging from building strength to endurance and flexibility. This makes it a versatile training device for the entire body.

Overall, the exercise ball offers numerous advantages for athletes in a wide range of disciplines. Whether in the gym, at home or in professional sports training - the exercise ball is a versatile tool that can enrich your everyday training routine.

Tips for the safe use of exercise balls

While exercise balls offer many benefits, it's important to use them safely. Here are some tips:

1. Choose the right ball for your height and weight.
2. Make sure the ball is not damaged and has no visible cracks.
3. Use the ball on a non-slip surface.
4. When sitting on the ball, your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle.
5. Perform new exercises slowly and with caution, especially if you are not yet familiar with the ball.
6. Avoid jumping on the ball or putting sharp objects on it.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of an exercise ball while minimizing the risk of injury.

Improved athletic performance and varied workouts

The exercise ball is much more than just an additional piece of equipment. It opens up a world of possibilities for learning the basics of training as well as performing advanced exercises for professionals.

Health benefits and rehabilitation

From rehabilitation to birth preparation: the exercise ball is a valuable tool that strengthens the body, increases flexibility and helps prevent and heal injuries.

Ergonomics and well-being in the workplace

An ergonomic workplace not only promotes productivity, but also protects health. The exercise ball can play a key role here by replacing traditional office chairs and activating the muscles even during working hours.

Training exercises with the gym ball

The exercise ball is not just a piece of furniture, but a multifunctional training device. Its instability activates and strengthens the muscles in a special way. It can replace classic training equipment, such as the weight bench for chest or shoulder presses. Crunches or planks on the ball are ideal for the core area, while it supports flexibility exercises. It also offers cardio benefits for exercises such as high squats or jumps. Beginners should start with basic exercises and gradually increase the intensity.

Beginner exercises: For beginners, ball sitting, which requires you to maintain balance, is ideal. The ball seesaw trains hip movements, while the ball plank strengthens the core.

Advanced exercises: Experienced users can increase the intensity with ball push-ups and leg raises. The back extension, where you lie on the ball with your stomach, trains the back area.

Buying advice: How to find the right exercise ball

An exercise ball is a versatile training tool and can be a valuable addition in both the fitness and therapy world. But how do you find the ideal exercise ball for your needs? Here are some factors to consider when choosing:

Size of the ball

The ideal size of the exercise ball depends on your height. Here is a rough guide:

• Height under 1.6 m: ball diameter of 45 cm
• Height 1.60 m - 1.70 m: ball diameter of 55 cm
• Height 1.70 m - 1.80 m: ball diameter of 65 cm
• Height 1.80 m - 1.90 m: ball diameter of 75 cm
• Height over 1.90 m: ball diameter of 85 cm

Tip : When you sit on the ball, your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle.

Material and quality

A high-quality exercise ball is often made of non-slip and durable PVC material. Make sure that it is free of harmful plasticizers and has a certain load limit (often stated in kg).

Inflation and care

The ideal hardness of the ball depends on your personal comfort and the type of exercise. A good ball will come with a pump that allows you to adjust the hardness as needed. Clean the ball regularly with a damp cloth and protect it from direct sunlight to preserve the material.

Additional functions and accessories

Some exercise balls have a textured surface for extra grip or are equipped with nubs that can have a massaging effect. Others come with accessories such as exercise DVDs, pumps or elastic bands.

Whether you want to use the exercise ball for fitness exercises, to improve your posture or to relax, it is important to choose a ball that suits your needs. With proper care and handling, your exercise ball will serve you well for many years.