~ the humble exercise ball - tips on how, when to and why use them ~

Hey all, i have just bought myself an exercise ball, you know, those massive blow up balls you sit on...

Prices start from about $10AU in most department stores (in the fitness sections)
i believe they are worth their weight in gold!
for this price, they are definately

worth a try.... when and why you ask?

I bought mine just to help with my back pains, and i found it to be very helpful! not only am i feeling less or no pains, im also finding that my muscles are getting a great workout!
so now i have decided to ditch the chairs and couches, as this ball not only gives me comfort, its helping me lose those unwanted flabs :)
Here are some situations on when how and why you can use them as an overall gain:

DURING PREGNANCY:
It relieves discomfort in your hips and back, and its comfortable to sit on.  Not only is it benificial for pain relief, but using it to sit on instead of couches and computer chairs really helps with toning your muscles without even knowing it!

LABOUR:
Yes! most maternity wards have these at hand for you to do with them as you wish they are usually called ''birth balls'' because of the situation, i felt some relief rocking back and forth during labour, they are also used to help with positioning the baby before birth, to lean/lay on while giving birth also :)

AFTER CHILDBIRTH:
They are the simplest and a very effective way of losing that pregnancy weight, and to tone your belly, legs and bum up in the comfort of you own home while watching telivision , its not hard to sit on them and rock back and forth, rocking far back helps more with your back, bum and belly, rocking far forward helps with your legs. Also bending down, touch one foot, back up straight, bend down, touch the other foot (and repeat)
you can also use the ball as a weight, standing behind it, bending down (with legs straight) and picking it up into the air and putting it back down (repeat), they also help for support for your legs as you do crunches... :)
really there is no limit as to what you can do with an exercise ball!!!

there are also exercise balls out now with little nubbies (soft spikes) all over them which also help massage while you are leaning your body on it...

A link to some workout ideas

i hoped you enjoyed reading this, and for those looking for that toning/weight loss help, this is a great peice of equipment to try :)