Stability Ball Exercises Manual by Doris St-Arnaud

This book uses the ball as a support base for various toning and stretching exercises. Where does this miracle tool come from? the use of the ball began in the early 60's when physiotherapists in Switzerland began using it as a therapeutic tool to improve the physical fitness of patients affected by neurological and orthopaedic disorders. This is why it is often called the "Swiss Ball". In the following years, the use of balls in European and North American fitness rooms propagated at an incredible speed. Most of the physical activities practiced today, like jogging, cycling, walking, or dancing, concentrate especially on lower body muscles. Little attention is paid to the trunk muscles, core of the entire body muscle structure. Imagine the trunk as a solid column which connects upper and lower extremities in a uniform structure. Recent studies led by American universities support the use of the ball and describe it as an amazing tool. These studies demonstrate that only 2 hours of ball training each week proves to be one of the most effective ways to improve physical balance in elderly individuals. I am sure you have already noticed adults bending over and walking in a shuffle simply because they are afraid to fall due to a lack of physical balance. If you train regularly with the ball, you will gain or maintain balance, reduce injury risks and enjoy your favorite activities much longer as you get older.