Gymnic Stability Balls Review

I do not know anyone who refers to these balls as anything other than stability balls. However you may have heard of them referred to as the Swiss ball. They have been around for decades being used in physical therapy. I like them because they are versatile and fun. They not only work every body part but can improve balance, increase flexibility, and loosen stiff joints.

I recommend that if you have never used one you either take a class or have someone show you how to use it. Some of the movements on the ball can be dangerous if not done correctly.

If you have any medical conditions, have never worked out, are a woman over 50 or a man over 40 talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

The Gymnic Stability Ball:

I use Gymnic among other brands at my gym. They range in price from $12.00 to $30.00 depending on the size. They are made of latex-free vinyl material with a diameter of around (12 to 34 inches).

They have a 2-year warranty and will hold up to 900 pounds. This means that you can and I do use weights while sitting on the ball.

They come in four sizes:
Up to 5'7" tall use 55cm; 5'8" to 6' use 65cm; 6'to 6'4" use 75cm; 6'4" and over use 85cm. I use the 55cm at 5'4" tall. Using the correct size is crucial for both your form and safety.

They come in pink, red, blue and yellow.

I have found that even with the use they get in the gym they hold their air very well.

You can use a bike pump or buy an inflation device.

If you are comparing brands, balls by Spri hold 600 pounds. Other than that they are essentially the same and in the same price range - give or take a few dollars.

You should wipe it down after each workout session to keep it in good condition. Also do not expose it to heat or sunlight.

You'll get an exercise sheet with this.

Exercise Suggestions:

I will start with a couple of very easy exercises and then give you a couple that are a bit more difficult. You can use the ball to work your triceps very nicely. The triceps muscles are on the underside of your upper arm. Hold the ball using the palm of your hands. You will get more out of many of these exercises if you do not use your entire hand. Raise the ball overhead and then bring it down behind your head like you would do in an overhead triceps extension. Make sure your elbows are pointed forward. To make this more difficult squeeze the ball on the way down.

Both in class and with clients the ball is often used to warm up and stretch the upper body. Swing the ball holding it with your hands (You do not have to use your palms on this one since we are just warming up.) from side to side. Lift it higher and swing it from side to side. You will be warming up many muscles including your deltoids (shoulder) and areas of your back. You are also warming up your oblique muscles (The muscles on the sides of your body.) and getting a good stretch in at the same time.

The Gymnic Ball has become known as a fantastic way to work your abdominal muscles. I choose the stability ball over the mat many times in class if given a choice. Your body position on this is a bit tricky so make sure you look carefully at the instruction sheet if no one can show you. From a seated position roll down so that your lower back is on the ball. Put your hands behind your head without clasping them keeping your elbows wide and looking up at the ceiling. Lift slowly, just enough to feel a crunch in your abdomen. Again if you do this correctly I can promise you will feel this ab exercise perhaps more than with any other gizmo. The key is to make sure your abs are tight. To know if you are in what is called the "core" position, cough. When you cough you tighten those muscles. Keep them that way the entire time you are working out.

One more for your abs. Lie flat on the floor or mat with your hands under your butt to protect your back. Put the ball between your legs either at the ankles or knees. You will have to squeeze the ball to keep it in place so this works not only your abdominal muscles but your inner thighs and quadriceps (top of thighs) as well. Straighten your legs as much as you can and come down only until you feel your back lifting off the floor. Once you feel that come back up again.

The Ball is an excellent way to do push ups. If you think you cannot do them, then think again because you will be able to. You want to lie your body on the ball making sure that your hips are on the ball and your upper body is not. Place your hands below your shoulders and do a push up. It is that easy. You will be amazed! While in this position you may as well raise each leg a dozen times on each side. This is great for your glutes (butt) and hamstring muscles (back of thighs).

Jo's Viewpoint

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