Search - Quick Fix - Stability Ball Workout on DVD

Nice Change to the Typical Workout

M. Marshall | 10/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 30 minute workout is broken out into three, 10 minute segments that target first the lower body, then the upper body and lastly, the abs. The upper body portion is done using two sets of dumbbells; I used 5 and 8 lbs. You can choose to do one, two or all three segments. When I previewed this workout, I thought it might be too easy for me, an intermediate level exerciser. Well, I just finished it, and I am whipped. I was sweating after the first segment and was so motivated that I completed the other two segments as well. There is an exercise done in the lower body segment that really worked my hamstrings. This is my first stability ball workout, and I recommend it."

The best of six ball workouts I've tried.

M. Marshall | Grand Canyon, AZ USA | 04/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Enjoyable and effective workout for the whole body, especially the core muscles. I have a bad back, so I do the 10-minute session on back & abs every morning plus a few push-ups and bridges with the ball. Two or three times a week I fit in the whole 30-minute workout, with 5- & 8-lb weights.

To be safe I went through it with my physical therapist and he was impressed at the well-thought out working of all the major muscle groups without anything harmful (although he did recommend doing some sections at a slower pace, and not lifting your arms too high on the side weight lift).

A couple of modifications I like that I got off of other tapes:
--In the Back & Abs section: For the back extensions, try bracing your feet against a door or wall. You can work your back more effectively if your feet are securely braced instead of sliding along the floor. (I don't have a yoga mat; maybe they give you a better grip than carpet or linoleum but the door method sure works for me.)
--In the Lower Body section: Instead of doing the single-leg bridge exercizes (which put a lot of strain behind my knees) I do a set with the ball close up to my knees instead of under my heels. And then a set with my legs bent and the soles of my feet planted against the ball instead of the floor. Each set works different muscles and works my spine in a different way, which feels great to my bad back.

I tried two Gaiam tapes at the local gym (which I thought were totally worthless), then bought this one and three others, but this is the one that's Just Right and almost the only one I ever actually use! Nothing in it is a problem for my back, no time is wasted, it's not too hard but since you control how you do each exercize it's a good resistance workout whatever your fitness level, the pace is great...and the price is right! You can't beat it."