People are always looking for new ways to do things, trying to keep up with the latest and greatest innovations with the thinking that latest gadgets and gizmo's will be the way to get them into shape. This might work for some and that is fine, but for a lot of folks out there the simple tried and true will work best for them without having to buy some crazy piece of equipment. We all want to avoid the boredom that can, sooner or later, creep into a fitness routine so looking for that variation in routine to stimulate change and keep our interests is totally understandable.
No matter the type of exerciser you are one of the best things you can do for a stale routine is get on the ball, literally.Exercise balls are one of the best pieces of equipment that you can use and buy. Everything you do on a machine, every muscle you used can be tested and worked out on a ball or a movement using a ball. The challenge for most folks is getting over their fear because the ball moves. It rolls, it bounces, it is not as stable as sitting on a 200-500lbs. machine to do a leg press but really, that is the point.
Using the ball for your routine will force you to use your core muscles (ones you don't even see) to stabilize the ball and yourself as you do an exercise. This will present new challenges to the same old movements you already know. Don't panic, start simple. Try just sitting on the ball with some dumbbells and do some curls and or lateral raises or just put the weights on the floor and try doing some crunches on the ball. All the "fancy" moves are just moves you do all the time but on a stable surface so you can work up to them as you build confidence. Still not feeling too secure? If you have stability issues definitely take your time, but know this is something you can do even if you need to get someone to help you in the beginning. Ask a trainer at a gym to help you and if doing this at home, then just practice sitting on the ball until you get a feel for it. Brace you feet against something stable so you wont roll around as much as you think you might. You will be surprised how quickly you can adapt to the being on the ball and the boost that it can give to the same old dull routine.
