Is a "Swiss Ball" a good exercise tool to use?

1. 86

   ii3rittlesposted 13 years ago

   Is a "Swiss Ball" a good exercise tool to use?
   
   I looked at some exercises with a swiss, or exercise ball and they seem to be easy yet challenging. I know I need cardio to lose weight, but would swiss ball help me lose weight and tone up? I've gained about 45 pounds over the last two years thanks to stress, anxiety, having to quit my job, chronic neck pain, poor dieting and quitting smoking. Long story short, I want to be my old weight and healthier by my 24th birthday which is about 4 months away. I'd love to be about 20 pounds lighter by Christmas. I don't have many options as most exercises aggravate my neck. Any advice is welcome!!

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2. 60

   cmontijoposted 13 years ago

   Well, if you can't do exercise, because it will get you into pain...hmm i suggest you drink plenty of water, cut the sugars, eat salads, get good rest, hmm... make sure you stabilize your metabolism into a fast pace. For example: Wake up early in the morning and eat breakfast, then after 2 hours eat an apple with water, then have some lunch, avoid fried stuff, and make sure to eat in the right portions, then after 2 hours eat a yogurt or another apple/banana and then have a decent meal, and do not eat after 7pm only drink water. Aah another thing you can walk for 30 minutes each day if you can ))
   
   This is my method and have worked for me, hope it helps you out as well
   Good luck
   I was 230pounds on March last year and now I'm at 180 so it's worth a try.

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3. 74

   debbie robertsposted 13 years ago

   Swiss balls are a wonderful piece of gym equipment. Although not really cardio - they are generally used for stretching, toning and balance, which are important. They are brilliant for strengthening the core muscles. You can use them like a stool whilst on the PC and because they are unstable, you have to use you core muscles for balance. They can be used as a support whilst using light weights, which also uses your core muscles. there uses are endless. I'd recommend you use them to stretch out after a good cardio workout. Using one will increase flexibility and stability. Check with a doctor if you are unsure and have bad neck problems. Goodluck with your weightloss. Slowly, slowly is the best approach!!

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4. 76

   Zubair Ahmedposted 13 years ago

   Swiss Ball or any other Balls - are good for stretching exercises that will help you improve your suppleness and agility.  To lose weight in a relatively quick time you need to do high intensity training (H.I.T), this will help you improve your cardio and muscular systems.
   
   HIT - is a way of training that allows you to start off slow and increase your exercise intensity fora short burst of time e.g. say you are using the treadmill, start of slow pace and once you have warmed up for say 5-10 mins then increase the pace to a level that makes you run extremely fast for about 5-10mins (depending on your health and ability) - you then gradually slow it down to a level where you are at a comfortable pace - repeat that process for 30-40 mins.
   
   You then do a similar thing with weights etc.
   
   This kind of exercise works faster and you can achieve more in a shorter time frame.

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5. 0

   fit2dayposted 13 years ago

   Swiss balls are excellent tools to exercise with and there's a wide range of exercises you can use them for. As for the chronic neck pain, if it's due to stiffness, I'd recommend neck rotational exercises, you may even want to do those while sitting on the ball before or after an exercise routine.
   
   As for weight loss, what you eat is very important in attaining and maintaining a healthy weight, but I suggest you set little goals for weight-loss and first commit to a diet and exercise plan. It's important to be disciplined, because there will be plenty of times you'll want to make an excuse. Instead of saying you'll workout later, have a sense of urgency and tell yourself "I have to do this now".

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