My husband mistakenly bought me a small exercise ball for Christmas and I, being a little shy of six feet tall, couldn't use it. So, I returned it for this set and I couldn't be happier. The ball itself comes with a really easy to use hand pump and has a nice, sticky finish to it that clings to my hardwood floor like a yoga mat. I was only really looking for a yoga ball, but the theraband and DVDs were great to get with this kit as well.
The DVD is also a wonderful tool to have. The main workout dvd focuses on legs, arms and abs. WHOA does it target your muscles! I was amazed at the amount of muscle isolation and how this seemingly "easy" set of moves really targeted my muscles. It was a great workout- wonderfully shot, nicely explained and just fun to do. I can't wait to add it to my exercise regimen. Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit (65cm)
Various back and hip pains had me looking for a replacement for my Aeron chair. (Can't believe what I paid for that thing. Talk about effective marketing...) I work at my computer 8 to 10 hrs. a day, five to seven days a week. Extensive research brought me to the exercise ball. Luck (and the good Gaiam name) had me choose this ball. But I got the wrong size at first. Many sites recommend 65 cm for those 5'9" tall. This is WAY too short. I got 75 cm, and it seems to be the perfect height for me, and for anyone of any height, actually. Otherwise you're way too low.
My posture improved instantly. It was relatively easy to use, and by the end of the first week I was totally and completely in love. I sit at my computer 12 hrs. a day, 7 days a week. This thing makes me use my abs, legs, and back muscles all day long, but in a way I just don't notice. "Active exercise" is the term. I'm secretly hoping that my legs, butt, and abs will slowly but surely become tighter and more toned than ever. (Hey, a girl can dream.) And, as many others say here, I am much less tired at the end of the day. This ball is a great product. Buy Gaiam! Everything I've gotten from them has been the top of the line.
EDIT
Bonus benefit: Weight loss. It's now 10 days, and I've lost a tiny bit of weight every day while on the ball. Makes sense--my back/thighs/abs are getting a real workout. At first, I was tired after a couple hrs. on it. Now I use it all day before I'm tired. Am confident that as I shape up, the tiredness will disappear. And the disappearing weight is FANTASTIC. I feel so light on my feet!
I have been fumbling on my own with the balance balls in the gym and finally decided to buy a guided work out, and I am glad that I did.
Not only have I learned the right kind of exercises for the ball, but I have seen big results, in a small amount of time and with low impact on my joints, which is a huge plus at my height of 6'2".
The workouts are fun and done at a comfortable pace. Also, the woman in the first dvd, which focuses on your legs, arms, and abs video, is not annoying and it was nice to see that she and the other people in the video struggled with the ball as well ;)
Long story short, I love doing this and I look forward to challenging myself with some new videos.
This ball is the perfect size for me even though I'm shorter than the recommended height (I'm 5'4.5"). I also have the smaller purple ball, which the manufacturer claims is the proper size for someone my height, and it is much too small for me. If you are unsure about which size to get, I would recommend getting the next size up.
I've used other balance balls in the past, but this so far has been my favorite. very comfortable and durable. The hand pump isn't difficult to use at all. I love that this kit comes with a resistance strap and a DVD. The instructor, Tanja Djelevic, is delightful. Her voice is so soothing, I could listen to her for hours. She wonderfully optimistic and upbeat, without being annoying and fake perky like some other work out instructors voices that come to mind.
The activies on the DVDs are challenging but not impossible for even a beginner like myself to do. Over all, this is a great product and I've recommended it to many of my friends and family. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Sarah Beesley
www.scentsy.com/beesley
I have used this ball a few times and I really like it. I used to have a larger ball from a different manufacturer. I didn't realize that balance balls came in different sizes and having one that's smaller (I'm 5'1") makes all the difference. I like the pump it came with. It's sturdy and easy to use. I could be wrong but I think it even has a safety feature that keeps you from over-inflating the ball. As I pumped the ball to full size I began to hear a leaking sound from the pump. I assume this was because the ball had reached it's capacity. The ball itself seems sturdy and after use I have not yet needed to re-inflate it. The CDs that come with the ball are pretty good. I was skeptical that the band used for the exercises would really do anything but it provides a great deal of resistance and I got a great workout. I wouldn't depend on using the included CDs for too long because they are short and I can see myself becoming bored quickly. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase. - Exercise Ball - Balance Ball - Exercise - Stability Ball'
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