Getting started with any exercise equipment, no matter what it is, involves knowing how to safely use it. Learning balance ball safety tips is no different. Many people use these big, fun inflatable balls of various sizes to get a great workout.
However, what many people don’t realize is that just because the routine is fun, it doesn’t mean it can be done without any regard to balance ball safety tips. Dangers from using any exercise equipment can appear out of nowhere. Many of them are completely unsuspecting, such as in the case of aggravating a medical condition or an existing injury. Similarly, using the ball improperly can pose a danger in terms of twisting badly or falling and injuring yourself.
Before your next workout, consider the following balance ball safety tips to keep yourself safe:
• Talk to your doctor
If you have any medical conditions or if you’ve suffered injuries in the past other than the typical bruise or scrape, take the time to talk to your doctor about whether the balance ball workout is right for you. This is particularly important if you have a heart condition, if you feel chest pain when you’re physically active, if you suffer chest pain when you’re inactive, if you suffer dizzy spells, are prone to fainting or have balance issues, if you have high blood pressure, if you have muscular, joint or bone problems, or if you’re pregnant. If you’re not sure if you experience any of those symptoms, talk to your doctor to know for certain.
• Warm up a bit
A good five minute warm up can help to get your muscles and joints ready for the types of movements you will require of them. Similarly, finish your workout with at least five minutes of cooling down.
• Remember to breathe
When you’re using the balance ball and are focused on holding a tough pose or keeping your balance, it can be easy to find yourself holding your breath. However, this can be hard on your muscles which need more oxygen than usual and it can even cause you to feel faint or weak. Remind yourself to breathe throughout your entire workout.
• Pain doesn’t necessarily mean gain
Certain types of pain can mean you’re using your muscles to the max. That said, other types of pain mean you’re causing yourself an injury of some degree. Unless you’re working with a professional who understands the different types of pain you can feel during a workout, or until you become experienced and educated enough in kinesiology to know what type of pain you’re feeling, interpret the sensation as a signal to stop before you hurt yourself.