We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Cardio Ball?

By Micki Elizabeth
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,371
Share

The term cardio ball most commonly refers to an inflatable, rubber ball ranging 17.7 inches (45 cm) to 29.5 inches (75 cm) in diameter that is sometimes called a stability or balance ball. This piece of equipment is used in gyms and in the home for a variety of strength training and cardiovascular exercises. Aerobics, weight lifting, yoga and Pilates are some activities that incorporate the cardio ball. Users of the stability ball tend to enjoy the new twist on common strength and cardio routines that the equipment provides as well as its relative ease of use. The ball is said to be safe for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.

Cardio balls were first used to help physical therapy patients gradually build strength while targeting specific muscle groups with little to no impact. Eventually, fitness experts recognized the possibilities of incorporating the cardio ball into an exercise regimen. Since then, the use of stability balls has increased steadily, and the equipment has become a regular fixture at gyms and in exercise videos and fitness magazines.

The possibilities for cardio ball routines are numerous. Many of these exercises focus on core strength, though a total-body workout can be achieved with the ball. Use of the round, potentially mobile piece of equipment requires one to employ the core as well as leg or arm muscles, depending on the workout, in order to keep balanced atop the ball. One may use dumbbells while sitting atop the ball to add more of a challenge for the core while working biceps, triceps, shoulders and back.

Sit-ups while sitting atop the ball or push-ups with feet or hands balanced on the ball require more muscle groups and tend to raise the heart rate higher than when these exercises are performed without the ball. Aerobics sometimes employs the cardio ball for a change from the normal routine by incorporating ball bounces, holding the ball and moving the ball with the body. Several videos depicting the various exercises possible with the cardio ball may be found on digital video discs (DVDs) or fitness websites.

The lightweight, relatively inexpensive cardio ball was designed to be of use for those of any age and level of health and mobility. Stability balls come in a range of sizes so that each person may find her perfect fit. Sizing tables can be found online or on boxes containing some cardio balls; a general rule, however, is to make sure an individual's knees make a 90-degree angle when sitting on the ball.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-cardio-ball.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.