Build a strong Posture with a Swiss Ball

Swiss Ball also known as an exercise ball is known to be one of the best equipment to build an elegant and strong posture. It’s ergonomic, affordable, and available at all sports shops and fitness stores. Apart from building a strng posture it also improves balance, reaction speed and core strength.

This is because a Swiss Ball provides an enriched and challenging environment in which to train.

Also Swiss Ball exercises are fun and achievable for most people, as they can be easily adapted to suit all levels of ability.

What the Swiss Ball can do for you:

Improve your posture: A Swiss Ball or Exercise Ball stimulates all those essential muscles that help maintain a healthy posture. This is because they are constantly working to maintain your centre of gravity so that you don’t fall off the ball.

Strengthen your Core: Using a Swiss Ball requires the consistent recruitment of the core musculature and as all movement is initiated and supported by the core, a stronger core leads to stronger extremities (arms and legs).

Improve your Balance and Stability: During regular daily activities your body is challenged by many forces in all dimensions. Since most machines are anchored to the floor they do not require you to recruit your stabiliser muscles, dumbing down your systems ability to control your body’s movement. Swiss Ball training requires you to recruit your core muscles to manage these forces improving balance, co-ordination and stability.

Improve Nervous System Activation: Swiss Balls provide an enriched training environment which challenges the nervous system and improves your ability to react to a changing base of support.

Effective Rehabilitation: Because Swiss balls are naturally unstable, sitting, exercising or balancing on it activates a myriad of motor recruitment patterns, increasing muscle function and awareness. This is particularly beneficial when rehabilitating because often muscles are inhibited as a result of injury.

Points to be Noted:

Adjustments: Although you can buy height adjusters for this particular chair, depending on your setup, the ball may be too low or too high in relation to your monitor and keyboard. You may need to adjust your whole workstation.

No Leaning Back: You can’t really just lean back on this chair and relax.

Don’t bounce too much: If you bounce too much you may get a headache.

Warm conditions: The ball can get sticky in warm weather.

If you have experienced using a Swiss Ball or are already using one, do share it with us. If you want to know more about Swiss Ball Exercises and how to perform it or have any queries regarding fitness, do feel free to get in touch with us.

Article Credit: Lifehacker, Pulsept

Image Credit: Jen, Brad Gouthro, wingpig