Gaiam Balance Ball Beginner Kit (Small, Purple)

(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)Your first observation might be similar to mine. The outdoor setting is calming and just gorgeous. The colors in this video are beautiful and the river creates a calm, quiet and peaceful setting for your workout.

I enjoyed the workout, but didn''t realize how many muscles you needed to perch yourself atop a balance ball. You start off just rolling over the ball and then progress to some pretty tough balancing acts. There are some stretches which will stretch out your spine in new ways. I realized I''m not as flexible as I thought I was.

I''d advise watching this video at least once before proceeding because it is kinda difficult to follow the workout while attempting to focus on not hurtling towards the floor if you are not totally focused on what you are doing.

The kit includes:

Medium inflatable exercise ball (green, 26"/65cm)

Full-length workout video (35 minutes)

Air pump

The Air pump is "ok," but I found that an electric pump was much more efficient. If you use the air pump, you might want to do that "workout" the day before. The instruction scare you into worrying about inflating the ball too much, but never fear, with that pump, it might be impossible.

The medium exercise ball is "ok" but had I realized there was a larger balance ball, I''d have ordered the larger one since I''m taller. If you are 5'' 9" and above, I''d say go for the blue balance ball (large size). I think weight also counts. If you are above your recommended weight (ideal weight and all that), then you might want a larger size.

On the side of the box it says:

Small Purple Balance Ball Height 5'' 0" to 5'' 5" Ball Size 22"/55cm

Medium Green Balance Ball Height 5'' 6 to 5'' 11" Ball Size 26"/65cm

Large Blue Balance Ball Height 6'' 0" to 6'' 3" Ball Size 30"/75cm

The exercise video is combination of shorter segments from three balance ball workouts. You really have to concentrate on making smooth and steady movements.

The way I found this workout to be most effective was to place the ball on top of a yoga mat. This prevents slippage of the ball on a carpet and also prevents you from getting injured because the yoga mat provides an additional level of protection from your hands and feet slipping on a carpet.

You will be doing three workouts.

Upper Body

Abs

Lower Body

There are times when you are either sitting, leaning over the ball or on your back, balancing and stretching out your spine. The hardest part of this workout is when you are on you back and you are rolling on top the ball. It is easier once you make full use of your powers of concentration.

The video is a nice introduction, but is really only an introduction. While you can get a good beginner''s workout, I''d imagine it is more effective to order the three additional videos they recommend. Karen Voight also has a DVD out called BLT (Butt, Legs & Tummy) on a ball.

This workout will take you to new levels of concentration and mind-body awareness. It will work the upper body, lower body and abs. You will be strengthening, toning and conditioning smaller core muscles.

The 45 minutes includes a 5-minute warm-up to learn proper positioning.

If you enjoy this workout, look for:

BalanceBall Fitness Upper Body Workout

BalanceBall Fitness Abs Workout

BalanceBall Fitness Lower Body Workout

~The Rebecca Review

I am 5''4 and this is way too small! I wish I had gotten the medium ball. Other than that it is good, I am a fan of the brand Gaiam.

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I followed the weight and height guidelines and purchased the small kit, however, when I inflated the ball and began the program and followed the DVD guidelines, I found the ball was too small. If you are over 5''0 tall, I would bypass the small and order the medium.

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Though Abs section is reasonable for intermediate level, all other parts are very easy. If you never tried balance ball and never did much of fitness, than it''s for you. Also too much relaxation for me. May be worth to do sometimes.

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I am 5''2" and this ball was the perfect size for me. I am new to balance balls but it seemed to be of good quality and it had a nice introductory DVD with it.

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