mrsallen08 Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Hiya guys, Decided I need to get myself fit. I hate running and I cant afford to pay gym memberships. I am thinking of getting an exercise ball and dvd and use this to start getting fit??? Has anyone ever used one or uses one still? Wouldn't mind some feedback! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 I have one but I only ever seem to use it when I sit on it to help James with his homework. I sometimes use one at Pilates too so I know some good exercises. Before you go and buy one nip down your local boot sale there are always loads there if you look - usually they have never been inflated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted August 31, 2008 Author Share Posted August 31, 2008 Thanks pengy! I know there's always a few on freecycle which made me wonder??? But Im considering buying a cheap one from argos as with a dvd only £9??? I definately need soem instructions and if the man on dvd is a bit buff it may hold my attention! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Yes , I have two excercise ball (different sizes). I know loads of excercises. They are really good for core strength stuff. There's a book called 'Strong To The Core' by Lisa Westlake cost £6.99 ( ISBN 978 1 85410 947 7 ) that's full of good stuff related to excercise balls. Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 An exercise ball will not get you fit. Only increasing your heart rate thereby training your heart muscle will do that. A fitball can help you improve muscle tone in the abdomen and is a useful tool for some leg and upper body exercises. The best thing to do is book a one-off session with a personal trainer and get them to put a program together for you, these pieces of kit can and do damage people's backs when used incorrectly and without guidance (and I put home exercise DVD's and vids into that category). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted August 31, 2008 Author Share Posted August 31, 2008 Thanks webmuppet. I know there are a lot of different exercises and ways to use them other than just doing situps with them. nce I get the hang of it hopefully Ill be able to try more things like your core strength book. Erm.. thanks rhapsody. I really cant afford a personal trainer, even if just for one session! I do plenty of walking, and at a pace to increase heartbeat but i dont have any confidence to go out running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna_0 Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Hi :0) The swiss ball/exercise ball is a brilliant way to strengthen your core muscles, but I would buy one that is the right size for you (they come in small to large sizes, I'm 5ft 5in and use the medium size, as the larger one I find really uncomfortable) It would help to get someone you know who uses one of these to show you how to position yourself properly on it. Remember to do as much work on your back as you do on your front/abs as this could cause a bad body position ( i.e stooping forwards). If you don't want to use a gym, outdoor fast walking/jogging is excellent..all you need is a good pair of trainers, some comfy kit and plenty of enthusiasm If you don't have any confidence to go jogging, could you maybe find a friend to go with you? Starting out doing a fast walk is just as good, and then once you are happy with that maybe start just slowly jogging for a block and walking again. It is hard getting the motivation and confidence to go outdoors running, but I find it really helps and once you have done it you feel refreshed and good about yourself :0) Hope this has helped you x x -Barbara 28/07/08 -Margot 04/08/08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reikiranf Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Errrm........... I put my feet up on mine when I'm sitting in the garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel19 Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 I use one at the gym for doing sit ups and side cruches - the half ball ones are good too as you can turn them upside down and use the flat side for balance exercises also. I have to say that running is the best though - or cycling if you have a bike as you do need some high energy aerobic work too and I'd say walking isn't really enough tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 If you are very committed to home exercise I found Joanna Hall's 28 Day Total Body Plan DVD very good and kept with it for months. I'd echo the comment about finding the right size ball. I've done sit ups on one before. They're used by some horseriders to strengthen muscles (might be worth a google) and there are versions shaped more like a bean where it is much harder to fall off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 The one that I have got came with a DVD that included some overhead warmup excersises but my ceilings were too low to do them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted September 1, 2008 Author Share Posted September 1, 2008 Thanks a lot people! I'm pretty determined now to get one and start toning up. It is mainly toning up I need and a bit stricter with snacks. Since I got married in April I have let myself slide a bit but when I checked scales this morning I actually wasn't as heavy as I thought! So that gave me some confidence! If you are very committed to home exercise I found Joanna Hall's 28 Day Total Body Plan DVD very good and kept with it for months. Thanks for the idea but I really don't think I have the patience/commitment/self discipline to follow anything like that! I am at least honest about my lack of self control! The one that I have got came with a DVD that included some overhead warmup excersises but my ceilings were too low to do them This did make me laugh! Im in an old house but hopefully as Im only 4ft10 I should be still okay with that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Do you have a bike? I don't have the time nor money for gyms etc and desperately need to get fit and lose weight. I try and cycle 2-3 miles each night, takes me 20-30 mins (which I can just about fit in!) and it's making a difference in a short space of time. May be worthwhile going for pedal power? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fowlbird Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 until I became so disabled I couldn't do it any more, I cycled everywhere. It's good exercise but does nothing for the bits I need to reduce - bosoms and belly... I use a ball for exercising my back and a tummy trimmer thinggy for crunches - hasn't worked ever so well but I'm not dedicated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I use one regularly, but will echo what Rhapsody says (I think she used to be a trainer too). They won't get you fit, but used correctly, will strengthen your core muscles and help your posture. It is essential though to get someone who knows what they are doing to make sure that you are doing the exercises corrrectly to gain max benefit and not injure yourself. I am 5'1" and use the 65cm ball if that helps. Sitting on one when working at a desk is great for your posture, but as with all things, only if you use it correctly. I hope that you enjoy getting back into shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsallen08 Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 Okay, I got my ball! Yay! Husband thinks I will not use it after 1 week max. The dvd which came with it is pretty rubbish so I may try to find another one. ATM just goign to start easy by using it for crunches and pushups. The dog loves it so I have to keep him out the room or he just comes pouncing on me! Thanks for all your great advice! I'll keep you posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
