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Weights on the Ball Workbook: Step-by-Step Guide with Over 350 Photosx$11.21
  (12 reviews)
Best Price: $14.95 $11.21
Weights are great for working the arms and upper body, and the exercise ball produces exceptional results in the core abs and lower body. With exercises suited for all skill levels, Weights on the Ball Workbook shows how to simultaneously use both pieces of equipment for the ultimate total-body workout.
Just sitting on a bench while performing arm curls leaves abdominals doing virtually nothing and leg muscles completely relaxed. Sit balanced on the ball while doing those same curls and a simple arm movement explodes into a total-body exercise as the mid- and lower-body stabilizer muscles are forced to work equally hard. Weights on the Ball Workbook teaches combination exercises like seated curls as well as dozens of specially designed movements that fully utilize the potential of this unique equipment tandem.
In addition to programs that are easily tailored to individual fitness levels, Weights on the Ball Workbook describes proper training methods and explains how to achieve specific goals by varying the workout and carefully monitoring the number of repetitions. Last but not least, the author shows how to have fun and enjoy a workout that produces results in half the time of a traditional workout.
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Customer Reviews
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Useful, but some caveats
By A1J93EGDYK0IWA on 2006-03-29
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.
Just what the doctor ordered
By A369A0GJ2UZD07 on 2005-08-18
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.
Just what I was looking for.
By A4NDKOP0JQPF2 on 2004-11-17
Ulysses Press has done it again - another top-quality exercise book. Lay-flat binding for ease of use, well organized, well presented, informative, with excellent workouts, clear exercise explanations, packed with photos. If you want to do weight workouts on the swiss ball, this is the book for you. I am VERY pleased with this book and will get much use out of it.
Excellent source for using weights with the stability ball
By A22WHJZIWA7TCK on 2005-09-29
This book is a great tool for working out with weights and the stability ball! It's really hard to find a dvd with work outs on the stability ball using weights. I'm not sure why one of the reviews said great color pictures, because it's all in black and white. However, it's easy to follow and shows you how to make the exercise more challenging each time. You can follow their plan or make up your own
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 with the weights and I'm even getting a better more well rounded work out.
Buy this book if you are looking for great work out ideas using the stability ball and weights. Also consider this book if your looking to spice up your present work out routine.
Excellent
By AG6OPB8KPWE9P on 2005-02-26
The Editorial Review is real, the content is comprehensive, informative, clearly presented, various workouts for different ability/goals. All it needs now is a companion CD.
- Effective weight workouts
By AYNRAEJ69GP7W on 2005-12-18
I'd searched high and low for a book of this nature, and this easy-read, easy-to-follow instruction piece fits the bill perfectly. There are several different workout formats to follow, all dependent upon your workout goals (i.e. weight loss, toning, muscle building, etc), and the individual exercises are pictured in several different stages of the select moves, as opposed to just one or two different views, leaving the reader having to "guess" how the rest of the move is supposed to be done. I use this book about three times a week (forty-five minute sessions) and on those days I also incorporate a couple of additional ball moves I'd found in other places, such as Denise Austin's "Sculpt Your Body With Balls and Bands" book, and also do about four or five days of elliptical for cardio. Overall, I am hoping to achieve some great results.
This is absolutely terrific, and highly recommended!
- Easy to follow
By A1JSFS90BYCRNF on 2004-08-17
Great book, easy to follow format....well planned exercise program...can be used by many.
- A Total Resource
By AT8RJ4N8VYW99 on 2007-01-11
This book, though small, provides a very concise and necessary guide for anyone who wants to add variety to their strength training routines. Acquisition of these skills will eliminate the word 'routine!' There are so many options as each page includes a basic, intermediate, and advanced instruction for each exercise! Directions are simple and straight-forward and there are very few superfluous instructions. It is truly a "just the facts" guide.
- Great resource!
By A3ANYN1P6HGVTB on 2006-07-06
I like this book very much; the exercises are all great and cover a wide range. My book was not spiral-bound as one reviewer mentioned. That would have been a great bonus!
- Take the Routine Out of Your Routines
By A2CRUEQ9QIOT70 on 2007-04-10
Add variety to your strength training routines with the skills in this guide. Basic, intermediate, and advanced directions are included for each exercise.
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Weights on the Ball Workbook: Step-by-Step Guide with Over 350 Photos Accessories
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