Exercise equipment

Exercise equipment in a gymnastic-hall

Exercise equipment is any object used in exercise. This can include balls, treadmills, weights, bicycles, track shoes, jungle gyms, hydraulic equipment or protective equipment such as a back brace.

Bossaball even requires a construction that combines trampolines with inflatables.

Exercise Balls

Exercise balls are available in a number of forms. There are large pilates balls specifically suited to pilates exercises. Medicine balls are somewhat larger than a basketball and are used as a training aid for a variety of different exercises. There are also a number of different types of timing balls used in developing accuracy and timing of martial arts strikes and kicks.

An exercise ball can also be used to help treat low back pain and to prevent future back pain episodes. The ball helps by strengthening and developing the core body muscles (the belt of abdominal and back muscles) that help to stabilize the spine (or vertebral column). An exercise ball creates instability to the exercise that normally wouldn't be there, forcing the body (and the core) to keep balanced. This strengthens the muscles that are doing the balancing. [1]

Exercise balls work for many types of athletes, including older people and pregnant women. There are specific exercises developed for use with the ball that are appropriate for these and other special interest groups.

See also

• Exercise machines
• Physical fitness
• CSAFE - Exercise Equipment Communications Protocol

External links

• Buying the Right Exercise Equipment
• Exercise (including exercise ball) for older patients
• Back exercise & fitness for people with back problems