Inflatable Resistance Balls

These light-weight balls are becoming very popular in fitness centers and are excellent for abdominal, lower back, stability, and stretching exercises. The goal in resistance ball training is to keep your balance and stability while performing exercises on the ball, which acts as an unstable base. Resistance balls are typically 18 to 30 inches in diameter and cost about $30. Purchase a resistance ball that when you sit on it after it is fully inflated, your thighs are parallel to the deck. In addition, when you purchase these balls, you get a video of various exercises and routines. One drawback is that you need access to an air pump because, if the ball is kept inflated, it can take up a lot of storage space.

Strength Exercises

Table 10-1 shows exercises that can be performed using resistance tubing (bands) and balls. When performing elastic tubing exercises, you can use a partner, instead of an anchor, to secure the tubing during your exercise. Just be sure your partner holds the tubing at the appropriate height and distance from you (and doesn't let go!). When using the resistance bands, it is important to anchor them properly. Some examples are shown in Figure 10-1.

Figure 10-1. Anchoring Elastic Tubing

1. Wrap the band around the top and sides of both feet, then pull the handles up through the middle of your feet. This type of wrap is useful for anchoring the band during rowing exercises.

2. a. Using the 1 ft. elastic loop, sit down and place your right foot on the middle of the loop, b. Wrap the right end of the tubing over your foot, с Pull the left end of the tubing up through the right end of the tubing loop.

d. Take the left end of the tubing loop and wrap it around your left foot. This type of anchor is useful for leg lifts and leg curls.

 

Table 10-1. Exercises to Perform in Confined Spaces

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Bent-Over Row with Band

Grab one end of the band in each hand. Step on the middle of the band with your left foot, step back 2 ft. with your right foot. Bend forward slightly at the waist, keep your shoulders and hips facing forward. Count 1: Lift both hands from your thighs to your waist. This should take 2 seconds. Pause for 1 second. Count 2: Return hands to thigh level in 4 seconds. Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the exercise. Works the back and biceps muscles.

Lat Pulldown with Band

Secure the middle of the band to a fixed object

above your head. Grasp one handle in each

hand. Facing the anchor, step back 1 foot and

kneel. Arms should be extended above head.

Count 1: Pull hands down to shoulder height in

front of your head, keeping chest and head up.

Back should remain straight. Press your

shoulder blades together in the middle of your

back as you pull your arms down. This should

take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Count 2:

Return to start position in 4 seconds. Variation:

may need to use the tubing loop instead of a band for adequate

resistance.

Seated Row with Band

Sit on deck with legs extended, knees slightly bent. Place the center of the band under your feet. Count 1: With arms extended at chest level and hands over knees, bend your elbows and pull your hands back to each side of your chest. This should take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Count 2; Return to start position in 4 seconds. Works back and biceps.

Lower Back on Ball

Kneel beside resistance ball, lay your

chest on top of the ball, place your

hands in front of the ball. Extend your

legs so only your feet are on the deck

and walk forward, rolling the ball back

closer to your hips. Place your hands

behind your back. Count 1: Keep your back straight and raise

your torso up off the ball until your back is extended. Count 2:

Return to the start position. Try to keep ball steady during

exercise. Works the lower back. Similar to prone back

extension performed on the deck. Variations: Can do all the

same extension exercises as on the deck.

Abdominal Crunch with Band

Anchor the middle of the band above your head. Kneel 1 ft. in front of the anchor, and grasp both ends of the band in your hands. Place your hands palms down on your shoulders. Count 1: Pull your rib cage down closer to your hips. This should take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Keep your hips and legs still. Count 2: Return to the start position in 4 seconds.

Abdominal Crunch on Ball

Sit on ball, slowly walk feet away from ball

as you lie back on to the ball. Ball should

be underneath your midback. Place your

hands behind your head. Count 1: Pull

your rib cage closer to your hips. Count 2:

Return to the start position. Try to keep

ball steady during exercise. Works the

abdominals. Variations: Use a towel under your lower back

instead of the ball; perform side crunches on the ball to target

the obliques.

Table 10-1. Exercises to Perform in Confined Spaces

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Chest Fly with Band

Sit on the deck with your left leg straight and

your right leg bent, with your right foot

touching your left thigh. Hold one handle of

the band in each hand. Wrap the band under

your left heel, about 1/3 the length of the

band down from your left hand. Keep your

back straight, head up, and shoulders back.

Place your right hand on the deck by your

right knee. Straighten your left arm so that

your elbow is only slightly bent and raise your

arm in front of you to chest level. Count 1:

Slowly pull your upper left arm across your

chest without bending your elbow; this

should take 2 seconds. Pause for 1 second.

Count 2: Return to the start position in 4 seconds. Your torso and hips

should not move during this exercise. Works your chest

muscles.Variations: a) perform this standing or kneeling by anchoring

the band to a stationary object at chest height; b) lie on your back on a

bench and use dumbbells; c) have a partner push (manual resistance)

against your upper arms as you do the exercise.

Chest Press with Band

Wrap the band at shoulder height around a bench

that is wider than shoulder-width (or secure with

two anchors). Keep your back straight, shoulders

down and head up. Grip one end of the band in

each hand, and place your hands on each side of

your chest. Count 1: Extend arms straight in front

of you at chest height, do not lock your elbows;

this should take 2 seconds. Pause for 1 second.

Count 2: Return to the start position in 4 seconds.

Works your chest, shoulders, and

triceps.Variations: a) have a partner hold the band in both hands,

keeping his hands at your shoulder height and wider than your

shoulder-width; b) lie on back on a bench and use dumbbells; c)

have a partner provide manual resistance against your hands as you

perform a press.

Incline Press with Band

Grab one end of the band in each

hand. Step on the band with your

right foot, step your left foot through

the band and forward 2 ft. Bring your

hands to your shoulders with your

palms facing forward. Count 1:

Extend your arms up and forward in

front; your hands should be in front of

and a little higher than your forehead.

This should take 2 seconds. Pause

for 1 second. Count 2: Return to start

position. Works the chest and shoulders. Variations: a) for

more resistance, use a second tube and place it under your

front foot; b) for less resistance, anchor the tube to a stationary

object at waist height, step forward 2 ft. and perform the

exercise.

Biceps Curl with Band

Grab one end of the band in each hand. Step on the band with your left foot, step your right foot through the band and forward 2 ft. Count 1: With hands at sides and palms up, bring your palms to your shoulders. This should take 2 seconds. Pause for 1 second. Count 2: Return to start position. Works the biceps. Variations: a) for more resistance, use a second tube (as shown) and place it under your front foot); b) use dumbbells; c) have a partner pull against your lower arm during the curl.

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Table 10-1. Exercises to Perform in Confined Spaces

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Triceps Extension with Band

Stand with feet hip distance apart, knees

slightly bent. Grab one end of the band in

your right hand and place it over your right

shoulder. Your right elbow should be

beside your head and the band should be

dangling down your back. Reach around

your back with your left hand and grab the

other end of the band with your left hand.

Place your left hand on your low back.

Count 1: Extend your right arm straight

above your head, keeping your left hand

still and your right elbow close to your head. Do not lock your right

elbow. This should take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Count 2:

Return to the start position in 4 seconds. Works the right triceps.

Switch arms to work the left triceps.Variations: a) if you have a long

piece of tubing, grab the middle of the tubing (instead of the end)

with your left hand; b) use dumbbells.

Triceps Kickback with Band

Grab one end of the band in each hand.

Step on the middle of the band with your

left foot, step back 2 ft. with your right

foot. Bend forward slightly at the waist,

keep your shoulders and hips facing

forward. Place your left hand on your left

thigh for support. Pull your right hand up

to your right hip, keeping your right elbow

close to your body. Count 1: Straighten

your lower right arm behind your back without lifting your elbow. This

should take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Count 2: Return to the start

position in 4 seconds. Works the right triceps. Switch to work the left

triceps. Variations: a) use dumbbells; b) have a partner push against

your lower arm during the lift.

Lateral Raise with Band

Grab one end of the band in each hand.

Stand on middle of the band, feet

shoulder-width apart, knees slightly

bent. With arms at sides, bend elbows

90°. Count 1: raise your upper arms to

each side until your elbow (still bent

90°) is level with your shoulder. This

should take 2 seconds. Pause 1

second. Count 2: Return to start

position in 4 seconds. Keep your elbow

bent during the lift. Works the

shoulders. Variations: a) for more resistance, use 2 bands,

stand on only one band with each foot, hold one end of each

band in each hand; b) use dumbbells; c) have a partner push

down against your upper arms as you lift; d) increase the

difficulty of the exercise by straightening your elbow.

Upright Rows with Band

Stand on the middle of the band, feet

shoulder-width apart, knees slightly

bent. Cross ends of band in front of you

and grasp one end of the band in each

hand, palms facing back. Count 1: With

arms extended and hands together at

the center of your body, pull elbows up

and back to the level of your shoulders.

Your arms should form a "V". This

should take 2 seconds. Pause 1

second. Count 2: Return to start

position in 4 seconds. Do not arch your

back during the lift. Works the front of the shoulders. Variations:

a) for more resistance, use 2 bands, stand on only one band

with each foot, hold one end of each band in each hand; b) use

dumbbells.

Table 10-1. Exercises to Perform in Confined Spaces

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Reverse Fly with Band

Anchor the middle of the band at chest height.

Facing the anchor, step back 4-5 ft. Grab one end

of the band in each hand. Extend your arms straight

in front of you at chest level, elbows slightly bent.

Count 1: Pull your upper arms out to each side

without bending your elbows any more. This should

take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Count 2: Return

to the start position in 4 seconds. Works the back of

the shoulders. Variations: a) kneel on one knee,

bend at the waist, rest chest on opposite thigh, and

use dumbbells or have a partner push against your upper arms.

Lunge with Band

Grab one end of the band in each hand.

Step on the middle of the band with your left

foot, step your right foot through the band

and beside your left foot. Bring hands up to

shoulders, palms facing forward. Band

should be behind your arms. Count 1: Take

a large step forward with your right foot,

keep your back straight and head up. Count

2: Squat straight down, dropping your left

knee, until your right knee is over your right

ankle. Count 3: Lift up. Count 4: Push off

your right foot to return to the start position. Works the leg muscles.

Switch sides. Variation: a) for more resistance, use a second tube and

place it under your front foot; b) on Count 1, step to the left or right

instead of straight ahead; c) use dumbbells.

Leg Curl with Band

Wrap one end of the tubing loop around your right foot. Hook the other end on your left foot. Lie on your stomach with both legs extended. Count 1: Lift your left heel up toward your buttocks, keeping your right knee and hips flat on the deck. This should take 2 seconds. Pause 1 second. Count 2: Lower your leg to the start position in 4 seconds. Works the hamstrings.

Leg Lifts with Band

Anchor the band at shin height. Wrap the band

around your left ankle and, facing the anchor,

step back 3 ft. Place feet side by side and point

your left foot up. Place your hand on the wall for

support and slightly bend your right knee.

Count 1: Keeping your left leg extended, pull

your left ankle back 1 -2 ft. This should take 2

seconds. Pause for 1 second. Count 2: Return

to start position in 4 seconds. Switch legs.

Works hamstring and gluteal muscles.

Variations: a) to work inner and outer thighs

and hip flexors, change the position of your body so you pull

against the band in all four directions (front, back, and two

sides); b) lie down and use ankle weights.

Squat with Band

Grasp one handle in each hand, step

on the band with feet hip-width apart,

knees slightly bent. Bring hands up to

shoulders, palms facing forward.

Band should be behind your arms.

Count 1: Slowly squat down; look

forward, keeping your shoulders back,

chest and head up. Squat until your

knees are above your toes. This

should take 2 seconds. Pause 1

second. Count 2: Return to the start

position in 4 seconds. Works the quadriceps and gluteals.

Wall Squat with Ball

Stand against a flat wall, place both feet 2 ft. from the wall hip distance apart. Place a small ball between your knees. Count 1: Slide down the wall until your knees are over your feet and squeeze the ball between your knees. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Count 2: Return to the