[Riggy]

I just wondered if anyone has used the large rubber ball for stretching. I see it all the time in my yoga class, but have yet to use it. It just seems like it would be great on your back.

Riggy

[Danielle]

I tried it once. I was trying to keep my balance and couldn't relax enough to get a good stretch. I only tried it that one time, though; it's probably just something I'd have to get used to.

[Riggy]

Danielle, hi!

Thanks for the input. I have the exact same leariness about using that ball that you did. I can just picture myself on it in a "I Love Lucy" moment and sliding right off of it! It just looks like it would be a great pre or post-workout stretch for your back.....I think I'll see if I can get one of the instructors to help me on this one!

Thanks,
Riggy

[charissevh]

I bought one during my pregnancy, and it was the only thing that relieved the pain on my Sciatic nerve. Something about siting on it really brought my lower back into alignment. I use mine I think more as a stabilizing chair-at this point- I am five months post partum and returning to my preshape slower than with my other pregnancies.

I love that ball though. LOL. It is great for my lower back (which still tends to cause pain) and I can use my free weights while sitting on the ball versus a bench.

My other new found tool, is a desk that I have for doing backwards pushups, to build muscle in my triceps.

[ninikins]

I have tried the ball before and got some nice stretches from it. I don't own one though so I can't really vouch for the long term use, how that works out.

[movni]

I'm thinking about getting one as I've heard a lot about how it helps the lower back and I have lower back pain. I used to have a hernia in the area when I was sixteen. Yes I know it's too young, my afterschool job involved me picking up and carrying heavy parcels.

[navitatl]

I would feel pretty silly on one of those. I suppose it would work well though, and probably be more fun than regular stretching.

[hizumiruupu]

I think that as long as you're stretching, you might as well have a little fun! It's pretty fun to bounce around on that big ball. I use one and my manly friends make fun of me for it, but I don't mind. I really like it!

[Stanley]

I would never just stretch out on the rubber ball.. that would be weird! I usually just read a book at the same time. It lets me get two things done at once.

[Habdel Yabir]

We don't have rubber balls in my country. I saw this post and became very jealous, so I decided to try and inflate a pig skin. The feet don't let it roll very well, but I think I'll be able to do efficient stretching exercises.