27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Useful, but some caveats, March 29, 2006
This review is from: Weights on the Ball Workbook: Step-by-Step Guide with Over 350 Photos (Paperback)
This is one of the best books I've seen of it's type. It is well organized and the approach is realistic. There are three general types of workouts which are mentioned in other reviews i.e. firm foundation, slim and trim and muscle bound. Under each one there are three levels of difficulty. These workouts are well thought out and the general lifting guidelines are valid.
The book also does a nice job of presenting the workouts in an easy to understand format with useful pictures and variations for many of the movements. What I see as a drawback, however, is information on how to get on and off the ball safely with weights and sufficient warnings and/or tips about potentially hazardous movements. Even so, the information that is presented is better than other books of its type that I have seen.
I have been doing a lot of the exercises on the ball and I think the concept is useful and it adds another dimension to each exercise. It also forces one to stabilize their core, which is important to have functional strength and to protect the back. On the other hand, this also increases exercise risk and the possiblity of a fall.
Many of these exercises are what you might see in any book on using dumbbells with some imaginative additions. The main difference on conventional exercises is the use of a ball instead of a bench. I would say roughly a third of the exercises are what you would see in a standard dumbbell book where a ball isn't necessary or a bench is the replacement for the ball.
One thing the book doesn't talk about is different kinds of balls with respect to punctures or leaks. My understanding is that you can get slow deflate balls in case of a puncture or leak. I understand Thera-Band makes these.
For people who want to use light weight on a ball or even resistance straps, I think it's possible to get a great workout. This approach to exercise also lends itself to circuit training, especially if adjustable dumbbells are used so the rest between sets is not too long. Using resistance straps for the exercises is also a safer option to consider.
I didn't give this book 5 full stars because of the safety stuff about getting on and off the ball. I think this is a big deal because a back, knee or other injury can be forever.
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just what the doctor ordered, August 17, 2005
This review is from: Weights on the Ball Workbook: Step-by-Step Guide with Over 350 Photos (Paperback)
Now this is what I was looking for in an exercise ball book. I wanted one with routines and this has routines. You can train for Firm Foundation, Slim and Trim, and Muscle Bound. Within each routine one has three choices, twice a week for 20-30 minutes, three times a week for 20-30 minutes and three times a week 45 minutes. Five stars for color pictures and spiral bound.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent source for using weights with the stability ball, September 29, 2005
This review is from: Weights on the Ball Workbook: Step-by-Step Guide with Over 350 Photos (Paperback)
This book is a great tool for working out with weights and the stability ball! It's very difficult to find any workout books using the stability ball & weights. The book has great black & white photos that show you step by step how to use the stability ball. It's easy to follow and makes exercising more challenging each time. You can follow their plan or make up your own routine.
The daily routine of working out can become boring and monotonous at times. I like to mix it up with different videos and different work outs. I've been following the "Body for Life" work out eating and exercise plan for years now. It's really taught me how to eat properly and what to eat. It also includes working out with weights and aerobic exercise. Now, I've added the stability ball work out with the weights and I'm even getting a better well rounded work out.
Buy this book if you are looking for great work out ideas using the stability ball and weights. You should also consider this book if you're looking to spice up your present workout routine.
Weights on the Ball Workbook: Step-by-Step Guide with Over 350 Photos
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