Whether you call it a Swiss, stability, balance, exercise or physio ball, the physio ball has been around 60 years and is here to stay.
Originally called the Pezzi Ball by its creator Italian engineer Aquilino Cosani for gymnastics exercise, it quickly took off as a physical therapy aid and is now an essential exercise tool used by most athletes.
Physio balls, made of sturdy rubber, come in several sizes ranging from 22 inches to 30 inches in diameter. Incorporating one into your workout can help strengthen your core, improve balance, coordination, and flexibility and relieve back and spine issues.
They are versatile, lightweight, soft and easy to maneuver.
It can be tricky to balance at first but they are simple and lightweight. They are perfect for body-weight exercises, strengthening your core and helping improve flexibility and balance.
Perform crunches while sitting on the ball instead of the floor to engage your abs. You can also execute planks by placing your forearms on the ball and balancing for a tougher core exercise.
Oblique crunch
- Lie on your back, placing the ball underneath your knees and legs resting on top.
- Place hands behind your head and elbows wide then crunch up to the center, rotate to the left and bring your right elbow toward your left leg. Rotate back to the center.
- Lower your body back to starting, Repeat for 8 reps, then switch sides.
Ball pass
- Lie with your legs extended and arms extended over your head. Hold the ball between your hands.
- Simultaneously lift your legs and upper body up, reaching your hands forward to meet your feet, forming a V.
- In this position, balance as you pass the ball from your hands to your feet.
- Then lower your torso, arms and legs back down until your arms and legs are hovering a few inches above the floor.
- Repeat and pass the ball back and forth for 12 reps.