fitballs questions
 

I found a fitball on clearence at Walmart the other day and bought it on a whim. I like the idea of excercising with it, only problem is I'm not sure what to do with it?? Pathetic huh?? Also I
accidentally purchased and oblong one (40") and now I am thinking i should have gotten the other I think it was 26" round.

Does anyone do this, can anyone recommend sites etc... for excercises and does the shape of the ball make a big difference?

Do you mean an inflated very light rubbery type ball, like the ones used in "swiss ball" excercises?

If so, then there are two workouts I use them for.

One is for abs. You sit on the ball, then lean backwards until your back is straight and parallel to the ground resting on the ball. Your knees should be bent perpendicular to the ground. Hold this position, then with both your arms reach straight behind your head, lift your upper body up for about 3 or 4 inches holding the newly levitated position for about 3 or 4 seconds, then return to the original position. Do as many as you feel comfortable with, I suppose.

The second one where you stand with the ball rested near the middle of your back against a wall. Then, slowly lower yourself downwards, until you're almost in a seating position with your thighs parallel to the floor and your knees perpendicular while you brace yourself against the ball with your back pressing it against the wall behind you. You slowly lower yourself to this position, then raise yourself up again.

Not sure if my description is clear of even if this is what you're asking.

Anyway, hope it has helped.

Some examples to get you started:

http://gymball.com/exercise.html

The ones being demonstrated on those pages use th spherical balls, but most look like they're adaptable to the oblong balls. I use a ball for crunches because it's much easier on my back than pressing into the floor or a mat. I've also used it while doing plie squats (like what Frederick described above, but with feet pointed out--good for inner thighs) to make sure I keep decent form.

At any rate, good luck! :)

Yep that's what I meant. I did go back the other day and bought the round one so now I have 2.....the round one actually came with an excercise chart with like 15 different excercises on it and that's pretty cool.

Thanks guys.....

I just bought one of those balls also and I really like it. I bought it mainly to help stretch my back because it's in horrible shape. The one I purchased came with an exercise video with sample exercises and they're great. Very low impact. I'm currently looking for a tape specific for back and abs.

Good luck!

Charlene