Cardio and strength moves can benefit from a ball

It’s no wonder the stability ball is such a popular piece of strength training and cardio equipment. There are so many uses you could probably find more exercises to do with one of them than some sub-par home gyms that are on the market.

How do they work?

Stability ball exercises force the body to use stabilizer muscles and core strength to keep balanced on an uneven surface. Whether you’re using the ball in place of a weight bench and doing dumbbell presses, leaning into it for crunches or straddling it for thigh squeezes, your body is constantly working additional muscles to keep you from rolling off.

Do they work?

As long as you’re not using your stability ball solely for watching TV it’s a great addition to the home gym. Like the BOSU Balance Trainer it has a variety of uses and can be included in all aspects of your fitness routine, whether you’re a beginner or already hooked.

Suitable for:

Use a balance ball instead of a bench while you lift weights. The fact that you’re on an uneven surface will make your muscles work harder to stabilize your body while you try to lift a barbell above your body for already beneficial bench presses.

You can also use stability balls in place of a mat for abdominal work or hold them for added weight during cardio movements. When you’re done working out they’re useful around the house for stretching, sitting or playing.