Physioball anyone???

[gabbyh]

Just wondering if anyone has one or has ever used one? I'm trying to purchase one and it has become rather complicated with lots of different ones to choose. I've heard they do great work on abs, if I don't roll off and break my neck, that is! I'm trying to keep me motivated, which is a switch in the right direction I hope. Would appreciate any help or info.

[aggie94]

This probably won't be terribly helpful, but my husband has a ball that his PT suggested for lower back exercises. I've tried to use it for abs and haven't been successful so far, although my husband swears it's a great ab workout!

[Seattlegirl99]

Hi Gabby -- Good for you! Personally, I love my physio ball!!! I use it mostly for ab exercises and squats. The thing I like the most about the physio ball is that you can't do any exercise wrong as your back is always aligned. If you have a gym near by definitely check to see if they offer a class in how to exercise with the physio ball. I took the class at our local gym and was AMAZED at all the different exercises you can do with this thing! Also, check out www.bodytrends.com (http://www.bodytrends.com) - there is alot of great info on all the different types of balls and some exercise tips.

[gabbyh]

Seattlegirl99,
Thanks for all the great info! I'll be ordering my ball from the site you posted. This is the one I saw originally! I'll let you know how I make out. I've also signed up for a weekly Yoga class, and lift weights 3 times a week. I read an article that said a 50-year-old woman can have a better body than a 25-year-old with regular weight training. Since I will be in this category very shortly (August), I figure I'll give it a go!

[Sara Emily]

Dear gabbyh,
You responded to my FIRST EVER posting on a computer bulletin board (!!) re: bone density scans; now it's MY turn to respond to you! I'm not quite sure just WHAT constitutes a "physioball," but I recently visited one of those "Discovery Store of Knowledge" shops at an upscale mall and purchased what is called a "Balance Ball." They had a TV monitor set up that was playing the video tapes they sell for it, all done by instructor Suzanne Deason, and I was INTRIGUED! It looked as though it would benefit A LOT of DIFFERENT muscle groups, as well as adding interest and variety to my work-out routines. The other attractive feature to me is that it is inflatable and comes with its own pump, so I could use it when I travel and stay in hotels that do not have health rooms. Just spread a towel or mat out on the carpet.

I have barely started using it due to some recent illness, and it DOES take some getting used to but, so far, I REALLY LIKE IT! A beginners video came with the ball AND I purchased four additional tapes to go with it. (I'm SERIOUS about using it!!!) They cover upper body, lower body, and ab workouts. I think I will be using some OLD muscles in NEW ways!

[gabbyh]

Sara Emily,
Thanks for the great info...I'm ordering my physioball tomorrow!! Where did you get the tapes?

[Sara Emily]

If you don't have a Discovery "Store Of Knowledge" in a large mall near you, there is the MOST WONDERFUL mail order source for exercise tapes of all types, including those for using your ball. It is called COLLAGE VIDEO. Their mailing address is:
5390 Main St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55421-1128
Their phone number is 1-800-433-6769. I LOVE their company for several reasons, one of which is the fact that they guarantee the tapes you buy from them for life! If you wear one out or somehow destroy one purchased from them, they will replace it for you! The other great feature is that all their phone operators have done many, many of the tapes they sell and can give you honest info and assessments so that you can get one that really suits you!

They sell the tapes I made reference to on page 17 of their current catalogue, and they are $14.95 each, or all three for $39.95 plus a reasonable shipping and handling. You will LIKE doing business with these folks! Enjoy!! I certainly am getting more and more into using my exercise ball as I get more familiar with the tapes and the basic moves.