Swiss Ball: For Strength, Tone and Posture [Paperback]

Maureen Flett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2003

They're the ultimate in core training, the key to increased muscle isolation, improved balance, greater dexterity, and enhanced strength. Swiss balls--colorful balls that come in various sizes to suit different bodies and routines--are today's hottest workout trend, and here's the complete guide to the phenomenon. Packed with more than 300 color photos, Swiss Ball shows each routine from a variety of angles with concise captions that describe exactly how to perform each one for maximum results. General information covers choosing the right ball; gentle warm ups; and exercises for each area of the body, plus cardiovascular routines. Boost the effect of abdominal curls by doing them while gripping the ball with both legs. Or do a two-legged bridge with feet resting on the ball to tone the hamstrings, buttocks and lower back. The programs incorporate yoga and pilates to enhance mind/body awareness too. Once you've mastered the basics, try more advanced routines that use additional equipment such as weights and an elastic resistive band. You'll notice the difference immediately!

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: PRC Publishing (May 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185648663X
• ISBN-13: 978-1856486637
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #654,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent for beginner to intermediate, April 24, 2004

By 

R.R. (Chennai, India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swiss Ball: For Strength, Tone and Posture (Paperback)

I agree with the other reviewer that this books is not meant for a person who is already seasoned with Stability Ball training. So here is my background if that will help others make up their minds - I consider myself intermediate to advanced exerciser in the category of people who workout to stay in shape and keep fit (i.e not in the athlete category). I do regular cardio and weight training - either style on any day for at least an hour, four to six times a week. I did a bit of stability ball work after looking at exercises in M&F magazine and loved it. I bought this book and "Get on the Ball" to learn more.

Before this book there were stability ball exercises from mags that I could do. And those I simply could not. And I had no idea why. This book teaches you the technique of gaining control on the ball first. And then takes you through Beginner, Intermediate, Advnaced exercises for different body parts. So I can now do exercises I could not earlier.

There are many excellent photographs. Each exercise is demonstrated - sometimes including photographs of bad form. I do a tricky exercise in front of a mirror the first few times to make sure I am in the right form - so I find this a very useful feature.

There is a section for mums-to-be. And one for Senior Citizens that my mum intends to get started on.

Four and not Five stars because:
a. The book does not recommend the number of reps and sets you should do of each exercise.
b. While there is information about the purpose of each exercise by and large,(example shoulder flexibility, increased muscle tone in the butt) this is not consistent. Perhaps the author assumes the reader will know. I like having this spelt out clearly.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to stability ball work, January 16, 2005

By 

Beth Cholette "doctor_beth" (Upstate NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swiss Ball: For Strength, Tone and Posture (Paperback)

I recently purchased a stability ball, and I wanted a book which would provide a general introduction to exercises on the ball. For the most part, this book met my needs. It begins with some good preliminary information on ball work, equipment, safety issues, and alignment. The first exercise chapter features some excellent stretches with the ball designed to be used during either the warm-up or cool-down portion of your workout.

The following chapters are each broken into color-coded sections on basic, intermediate, and advanced exercises. Although I liked this format, I was disappointed to see that the intermediate and advanced exercises often required the use of additional equipment--dumbbells, ankle weights, stability cushions, etc. Each chapter also focuses on a particular area of the body, including core (back work), abdominals, spinal mobility and strength, upper body, and lower body; specialized populations--senior citizens and pregnant women--are featured in the final two chapters.

I found the exercises to be clear, with easy-to-follow, concise instructions and helpful photo illustrations. The upper body chapter contained a particularly nice variety of exercises, most of which required only dumbbells as extra equipment. Overall, this book provides a nice reference for those new to stability ball work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Swiss Ball:For Strength, Tone and Posture, March 3, 2010

By 

M. Johnson-Masters - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Swiss Ball: For Strength, Tone and Posture (Paperback)

My husband had borrowed this book from the library, but felt it so useful that I bought it for him.