swiss ball/home/small kids???????

[wauhawk]

OK I'm looking into getting a swiss ball. I have some concerns and questions.

What do I need to look for in a "good" ball?

IS there any advantage to those "peanut" shaped ones over a regular round one? Specially for a guy with a back injury.


Also I am tight for room at home and have two small boys about 3 and 6(birthdays are close enough to call them that) I'm concerned that they may get to it no matter where it is when not in use and break things causing the wife to break me.

All thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

[Jean-Paul]

If you are going to get one, I would recommend that you find one that has the "anti-burst system"... This will make your work on the ball much safer. It has an inner membrane that quickly "seals" incase the ball is puntured, making the ball deflate slowly rather than bursting and causing you a paralyzing injury.

I don't know about the peanut shaped balls. Frankly, I haven't really been on a ball in a while. I will continue to use them for pressing motions mainly because a bench "impinges" my shoulders a bit, and for some abs too. I would just stick with plain ol' round balls personally.

Your kids are pretty close in age to mine. My kids love them, and roll all over the place on them (crazy kids!). I don't think this is necessarily dangerous unless they are attempting to do exercises with weights like they see you doing (very bad idea). It is just adding to the wide variety of movements that are so essential in those formative years. Lefty - who posts in here - has a 9 yr old boy who can balance really well on a ball. Lefty is just trying to groom someone who can beat me at my own game!

55cm seems to be the best, all-around size for a ball, even if you are a little on the tall side. Check www.swissball.com (not sure if that link is still active) and you should find a variety to choose from.

[wauhawk]

Man I was worried about them throwing the thing and breaking stuff. Now I'm worried they might try to stand on it and break themselves.

Thanks for the site it's still active. I'm also doing some yoga research. My back is pretty messed up (3 herniated discs) that affect my legs. The orthopod surgeon has refered me to another surgeon and there still may not be anything that can be done for me. If that's the case I gotta find something to help keep reinjury to a min. I'm almost 26 and will not allow my self to be crippled at this young an age.

Thanks JP I knew this was the place to ask this question.

[lefty9]

Lefty - who posts in here - has a 9 yr old boy who can balance really well on a ball. Lefty is just trying to groom someone who can beat me at my own game!

You are right JP, I am surprised you remembered. Although over the Holiday break he (Brett) had an eye opening experience with his Swiss Ball. He loves to bounce his whole body on it then bounce on his knee’s, etc. Anyway the ball his uses, or I should say used, was not an Anti Burst ball. He bounced and the thing literally exploded into three separate pieces. He didn't get hurt, but he was pretty shocked and surprised.

He has switched to using mine, but he still loves it and it has helped him tremendously with his balance. JP, Brett will be ready for your GAME in time the for the 2008 fitness retreat.

wauhawk, I would encourage you to get one, make sure it’s Anti Burst and let your boys play with it, it has been a great tool for my son.

[wauhawk]

The wife is a bit against it. Not for the reason you may think either. We were at Walmart Friday and I pointed to the cheap ones they have. Said I'm thinking of getting one of those. Not that cheapie one mind you but I didn't tell her that. She said you have got to be kidding me that they think they can get that much for a rubber ball.

The price was $11.88

It's a bit big to hide from her so I think I will wait a little while and bring it up again on a later date.

[lefty9]

I will never get another ball that is not Anti Burst. After seeing and hearing, first hand, the ball explode into 3 pieces, no way.

You are right, it may be a little difficult to hide.

Just work on her little by little and she may come around.

Here is a pic of my son in training, this is the ball that exploded

[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/ 0UADYAoAYg!ftehXttO9NRNlqJZvlC MTazQJoAeNgKzBLZ5E1D*V4HduOkT1 ulMTdqq2dNrQwFq99t7BZ9Zu3lr8Ab u3mJQJO0oI7zjfyUgCVnMabva3MHXS CtBkAcLQZ/Brett%20Swiss%20Ball .jpg?dc=4675420228865992486[/img]

[Bond007]

Hey Lefty! Cute son! I can't wait till you set him loose on JP in 2008. I'll definitely be around for that retreat!

I wouldn't ever let your wife know that you posted that pic, however. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that if I posted a pic of room that's in as much disarray as that one, I'd have to ask permission to get my balls back when I leave the house!

[wauhawk]

Oh I'll be working on her while I save some cash for a decent ball. Though I have two boys. Some of the fears come from their not sharing very well. My garage where the rest of my weights and stuff live is no place for a fitness ball of any kind. Too many sharp things to pop it on.

[lefty9]

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that if I posted a pic of room that's in as much disarray as that one, I'd have to ask permission to get my balls back when I leave the house!

LOL. You are right, I'll make sure she never see this.