Exercise Ball

The Exercise Ball is one of the newest exercise equipments used by fitness enthusiasts. This ball is also known as the Swiss ball and is made up of soft elastic PVC. It has a diameter of approximately 14 to 34 inches or 35 to 85 centimeters. For exercises and physical therapy, this ball has a number of uses. The ‘Swiss Ball’ name became popular

when American physical therapists used it in America after seeing its benefits in Switzerland.

The Exercise Ball is also known by a various other names like pilates ball, stability ball, Swedish ball, Pezzi ball, birth ball, sports ball, gym ball, gymnastic ball, physioball, therapy ball, yoga ball, balance ball, fitness ball and body ball. The medicine ball is heavier and smaller than the Swiss ball.

History of the Exercise Ball

An Italian plastics manufacturer, Aquilino Cosani developed the Exercise Ball in 1963. He improved the procedure of molding large plastic balls which were puncture-resistant. These balls were known as ‘Pezzi balls’. The balls were used by a British physiotherapist, Mary Quinton in Switzerland. She used it for treatment programs for infants and newborns.

The Swiss Ball exercises were used for neuro-developmental treatments by Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach, director at the Physical Therapy School in Basel, Switzerland. She also supported the use of the ball for treatment of orthopedic or medical problems for adults.

Benefits of the Exercise Ball

From physical therapy equipment it is now also used in athletic training in fitness routines. It is also included in alternative exercises like yoga. The main benefit of exercising with the ball is that it engages more muscles to work out. This happens because the muscles try to react to the steadiness of the unbalanced ball. The main target body muscles for exercise ball fitness programs are the back muscles and abdominal muscles.

Other Uses of the Exercise Ball

The ball is also sometimes used as a chair to maintain proper posture as the back and abdominal muscles are always active while sitting and balancing the ball. Another use of the ball is among pregnant women to help the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis in labor.