What is an Exercise Ball?
Exercise balls are known by many generic names.
Examples include Swiss ball, birthing ball, fitness ball, gym ball, stability ball, therapy ball and yoga ball—to name a few.
The modern-day version of the exercise ball originated
in 1963 when an Italian manufacturer began producing toys made from vinyl
instead of rubber. The first large brightly colored Gymnastik™ balls were sold
in Europe and used by physical therapists, centered in Switzerland, to
treat their patients. In 1981, the company was divided and a new brand of balls
was developed and sold under the Gymnic™ brand name. Both of these brands of therapy balls are widely used in hospitals
and clinics worldwide.
Who uses them?
Due to the simplicity of the exercise ball it has a
wide array of uses and functions. Mainly Exercise
Balls are used during physical therapy, occupational therapy or at your local fitness center. The Therapy Ball is great at building and strengthening
your core muscles and helping to achieve better balance and coordination. This is accomplished by performing various movements or exercises while sitting
or lying on the exercise ball.
How should I use them?
One of the many ways to use an Exercise Ball is to
replace your chair with it. The chairs we have are not helping our body’s
stay fit and strong in fact with all the support they offer it can be counterproductive. Using the Therapy Ball instead of
a chair will force your body to build more core strength and balance.
With Adults and Children who have Autism and Sensory Integration Disorder having an exercise
ball in the house is a
necessity. Having them utilize an Exercise Ball in their normal routine will also help them to have longer attention spans and has been known to be calming
for them.