The Benefits of a Fitness Ball

I am in the final segment of my “The Benefits of…” series. I am ending today with the benefits of a fitness ball, otherwise known as a stability ball. Now I am about to paint a really scary picture for you. Actually, it was mostly scary to my nephew who was about 4 years old when it happened. My first experience with one of these oversized balls was when I was giving birth to my youngest son (who is now 12). I had to sit on one of these to move my labor along. I will never forget my nephew’s … Continue reading

The Benefits of Core Body Exercises

We have been looking at the benefits to different types of exercises. Today we will be talking about core body exercises, which focus on your abdomen going down to your lower torso. Although your abdominal muscles don’t contribute much to core stability, the reality is that any core muscle which isn’t conditioned or strengthened could increase the risk of injuries and discomfort. Strengthening your body overall is important to a fitness routine, so focusing on the core body should be part of it. Your core body includes your abdomen, hips and buttocks. One of the best types of exercise equipment … Continue reading

Hallway Ball

In the time I’ve spent with my son so far I’ve had some difficulty getting him to play on his own. My attempts to surround him with toys have fallen flat. My work towards entertaining him with anything that isn’t me simply hasn’t worked. When I sit down at my desk and begin to type I am inevitably treated to a view of my son stressfully squeeling and reaching up towards me in some obvoius discomfort. He’s figured me out: when Dad sits down at the computer he is dead to the world and focused on something else. Eventually I … Continue reading

The Perfect Size Exercise Ball for You

The exercise ball is deceiving. It does not look like a useful fitness item that will help you to get into shape, but believe or not, it is. By using the exercise ball in combination with a good weight loss regime you will be in shape in no time. Exercise balls are used in Pilates, Yoga and in simple floor exercises. However, to obtain the full beneficial results when exercising you need to buy the correct size ball. The correct size ball is determined by your height. They range in sizes of 45 cm to 85 cm. If you are: … Continue reading

Bursting Fitness Balls and Fat Flyers

Fitness ball fanatics beware… those large, inflatable balls that you use for crunches and other exercises are popping at an alarming rate. EB Brands is recalling about 3 million of its fitness balls after getting dozens of reports of balls bursting because of overinflation. What’s more, the popping balls have resulted in numerous injuries, including fractures and bruises. According to reports, nearly 50 balls have burst while individuals were using them to complete exercises. The recall includes 55, 65, and 75-centimeter diameter size fitness balls in various colors with the Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, or Valeo logos printed on them. … Continue reading

Athletes Embracing Yoga

You don’t have to be a Hollywood actress, a college-coed or flexible fitness fanatic to excel at yoga, just ask the dozens of athletes (professional and amateur) who have discovered the benefits of this ancient exercise option. NFL football players, pro golfers and stars of the NBA are speaking out about why they have turned to yoga in order to enhance their performance on the field, the golf course and on the court. According to the pros, yoga is one of the best ways to cross-train for a variety of sports, including running, surfing, swimming and skiing, where the body … Continue reading

Pre-Natal Fitness: Exercises You Shouldn’t Do

We have talked about maintaining a positive fitness program while you are pregnant, but it’s equally important to consider that while there is much you can do – there are also activities you need to avoid. It’s important to know what these activities are so you don’t accidentally push yourself too far. So protect yourself and your pregnancy and avoid: Scuba Diving – As pleasurable as scuba diving can be, it’s also taking your body into an area of varying underwater pressure and this can be hard on your baby and dangerous for your pregnancy Contact Sports – These are … Continue reading

Tuesday’s Top Ten: A Few of My Favorite Exercises

I enjoy writing about fitness. I enjoy working out. I enjoy learning about fitness. Once upon a time, I was one of those people that bought every fitness fad product that came down the line. I bought books by the tonnage (but I think that has more to do with the fact that I love books) and I bought lots of tools from hand weights to stability balls to resistance bands. What makes it neat is I use pretty much every one of these pieces. Still there are some exercises and exercise routines that I love above all others and … Continue reading

Four More Reasons to Yoga Today

Were you looking for a few more reasons why you should give Yoga try? If so, you’re in luck. I have four great reasons for why incorporating yoga into your workouts is a great plan. So keep track here and if you’re inspired, go out and get a yoga mat or DVD tomorrow or enroll in a yoga class to give it a try for yourself. Make Cellulite Go Away Yoga can help tighten up your muscles and mold your body into a lithe shape. Yoga can help your body flush cellulite out as it increases circulation and reduce the … Continue reading

Yoga for Dummies – DVD Review

Yoga for Dummies is a designed to provide balanced workout for the mind and the body. These exercises can all be found in Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies For someone who has never practiced yoga, this is a great beginning DVD for first timers. The host is named Sara Ivanhoe. She teaches what she calls the daily dozen. These are 12 basic poses including some challenges and modifications. Ivanhoe has a very approachable voice and a calming manner. She offers the concepts and information along with the jargon in a manner that is ideal for introduction to yoga. However, those … Continue reading