Balls and resistance bands - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Shetaz0028 · 10-12-2008, 06:28 AM

Are these things worth it? I have a very delicate back and pelvis so I have to be careful. I have been looking at the balls and the resistance bands and they look promising. My PT will not make comment on either one of them though. Has anyone tried them? What do you think? I'm also looking at that "Binder Ball". I would love any input.

Charlie

snick1899 · 10-12-2008, 06:45 AM

Do you mean the weight balls, or an exercise ball like you would use in pilaties? I have used the exercise ball, but not the weight ball. I have also used the resistance bands. I have had no problem with them, I like that you can control your workout instensity on the bands. My sister has a bad back and used the pilaties ball and resistance bands, I don't think it gave her any trouble.

fisher1000 · 10-12-2008, 08:33 AM

The balls and bands and such are part of a coordinated exercise plan that works your core muscles for balance and stability. They are just as necessary to use as Resistance and Cardio exercises.

I use them a lot now...and I had a very bad back going into this whole process. My back still isn't perfect, but it's much better and much stronger and the soreness that I get now is either in relation to a good workout, upper back fatigue from relearning my center of gravity, or the sciatic nerve issue I have seemed to develop since losing the weight. (Though I've heard horror sciatic nerve stories...mine is mainly just an uncomfortable pressure)

I bought two different balls at the beginning of this journey after a fitness class with my doctor pre-surgery. I bought the 75" red ball and a 55" black ball, both from Amazon for about $12 each. I used them initially just to sit on with my legs together and started trying to just "sit still" and balance. From there, I used them to help with sit ups and crunches and then as back support as I lifted hand weights. (I still do this...) I also use them at the gym as back support for lifting low weights with high reps to work shoulders, back, chest, and biceps.

About 5 months ago, I bought a "half ball." It's called a BOSU trainer and it has a flat plastic side to stand/balance on and the other side is like the traditional exercise ball. This one is a more advanced way to target those core areas and initially, I just stood on it, learning to get my balance and use muscles I didn't normally use. Now, I use it for squats, to balance as I use handweights for my arms, etc. I use it just about every workout now. It's made a HUGE difference in my gait, my overall balance, and my back.

The other type of exercise ball I use is the weighted balls. I bought an 8 pound ball for home, and I use different ones at the gym. With the trainer, I throw them back and forth sometimes (over the head...working on triceps), sometimes I throw them while standing on the BOSU for both resistance and balance and the main way I use them is to balance on when doing push ups. It makes the push up harder to pull off, which in turn works muscles you don't normally work. It's a combo of all that is the gym: resistance, core, and cardio.

I know I've rambled some, but I hope this gives you a good idea. I started with a bad back, and used the things and they really did make a big difference in the way I feel, the way I walk, the way I work out. Just go slow and build up!

-Mike

Gina in NY · 10-12-2008, 09:02 AM

The answer is yes - GOOD for you! Be careful when you start until you get the hang of it - stay near a wall.

Resistance bands - great! Like a personal trainer applying the exact amount of resistance you need. Yes - yes - yes!!

Shetaz0028 · 10-12-2008, 02:14 PM

Well, with endorsements like that you bet I'm gettin em.

I have a rainbow of bands from the PT and I just ordered the "binder ball" with options, one of the elastic bands with handles. I

'm hoping with working on those triceps and tummy maybe I won't have such a skin issue. Even if I do it's a small price to pay to be healthy.

Thank you for the wonderful advice you guys are simply amazing,
Charlie

foxyfuzz · 06-10-2009, 01:14 PM

Bumping this up as I find this great information, and am planning a trip to the store.

Shetaz0028 · 06-11-2009, 07:04 AM

Since you bumped I think I should update this.

There should be a warning on these things as they can be addictive. Be careful when buying the large balls you get the one that is right for your height. I did not know about that and bought the one with a color that I liked. It was for 5'10 - 6'. I'm 5' so it was NOT good. But, now I have the right one and find myself doing something with it all the time. No matter if I'm doing crunches, push ups, laying on it and using my dumb bells or just arching on it to crack out my back it's great.

I feel fantastic and have found that I have lost 3 inches in my arms. I have biceps and triceps. Who knew.

Aviator · 06-12-2009, 12:23 AM

I use both bands and balls. We have all colors all the from yellow to black, and also have swiss balls. Sometime we use them together, e.g. sit on a ball to do pulldowns with a band, or the like. You can get a pretty goood workout just with bands, lunges, planks, and ab work - if you cant get to the Gym

We also have a BOSU which is a half ball with a flat platform. This is a very interesing thing for balance and strength training. Like doing a "plank" (push up position) with hands supported on the Bosu.

Sometimes we use the bosu with med balls. We have Med balls in sizes from 4lb all the way up to 20lb - which is a "Killa". Standing on the Bosu on one foot, while holding an 6 lb med ball at arms length, then moving it about in a cicle parallel to the floor, transfer hands, while trying not to fall on your ass...

So yes to Swiss Balls, Med balls and bands. Also look at the Bosu.
YouTube - Bosu Ball Exercise Video
The girl is cute

I know this is a lot like Fisher's post so we must be on the right track...

Crimson Kittie · 06-17-2009, 12:50 AM

I use 3 different strengths of bands ... I love them

I haven't used a ball yet ... I still can't get on the floor and get back up without calling out the troops to help

rachalrg · 06-17-2009, 07:17 AM

get them get them get them!!
I am currently sitting on a ball right now at my desk...forces me to sit up straight and I can now sit cross-legged on it and balance myself while I'm on the computer...
I go to a class with a trainer 3xs a week..we use balls and medicine balls (weighted balls) and they're awesome..my two favs are the oblong ball and we use that by balancing our knees on it and our hands on the floor and pull our knees to our chest and as we're straightening our legs back out you go into a push up..tough stuff lemme tell ya but I love it!
(control is the key thing here so you don't injure your lower back - big issue with me..pinched nerves and sciatica from hell for me personally)
the other is the 6kg med ball..hold it at waist level while you're flat on your back (on a mat of course) with your heels dug in but knees not totally bent...as you come up into a full sit up position, lift the med ball straight up..as you go down lower the ball to your waist again.. for more intensity don't lay completely flat again..lean back half way and repeat..small range of motion here...awesome abs!

my mom uses bands because she can't handle the weight or anything..she has a terrible back and torn rotator cuff, etc...the bands really help her and she can lay on her bed and do her exercises