Comments on: Rethink ALL of Your Stability Ball Exercises!

By: Martin

Martin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:46:08 +0000

Personally I think this is a great tool to become fit for almost no cost. There’s a lot of gurus advising people to get all kind of strange equiment. Worth read topic.

By: Are you stable? | FabFit50s

Are you stable? | FabFit50s — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:42:21 +0000

[...] all it took was a post by respected Coach Nick Tumminello on the use of stability balls (aka Swiss balls, physio balls or fitness balls) versus stable [...]

By: Rob Taylor

Rob Taylor — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:39:03 +0000

This is the first post I’ve read on your blog. Thanks for taking a stand about these “balls.” Did this opinion originate prior to the NSCA’s stance and/or the Kings injury? Funny how people who were using them have now jumped on board the “Why would instability be an advantage if strength gains where the primary focus” type conversation. Thanks for the post Nick! I look forward to reading more.

By: nick

nick — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:39:56 +0000

Phil,

Thanks for writing with your story. However, I’m very sorry to hear about your accident.
I hope the readers use what I’ve written in this post and your story as a lesson.

Best regards!

Coach N

By: Phil

Phil — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:38:52 +0000

Nick,

I am a firefighter and peer fitness trainer. Three weeks ago I suffered a comminuted midshaft radial fracture. I was using a (burst resistant)swiss ball while performing alternate bench presses. The ball popped like a balloon driving my elbow into the floor. My clients and I have been using them for years…..NO MORE, Regards,Phil

By: nick

nick — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:47:26 +0000

Yes, I do use Swiss Balls – But only along with bodyweight exercises. I also don’t have my clients lay supine supported by the ball. I still use Swiss ball push up, roll outs, etc:

Best regards!

Coach N

By: Ryan Kolej

Ryan Kolej — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:42:39 +0000

Nick,
Keeping in mind your post responding to Mr. Boyal in regards to misinterpreting your stance on certain items… and just to be clear that you’re suggesting NO loaded work on stability balls. EVEN if your using very light weight such as 5 lbs and for the sole purpose of unilateral work for core stability. Granted there are many other suitable exercises available to achieve these goals, but I would think they are still great for beginning PT clients with poor core stab/control.

By: Kelly Clinevell

Kelly Clinevell — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:27:49 +0000

Nick,
What do you think about using a stability ball as a camber? Hold the ball at the chest, hold a cable at chest height and do hip rotations. You can put more of a load on the hips, QL, serratus, etc. without being limited by your shoulders. Does this count as load bearing?

By: darfy

darfy — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:14:20 +0000

Great article Nick,
i would also like to see more evidence on Bosu ball training and other types of unstable training for speficic sports.
What about for sports such as surfing, skiing, snowboarding where some stability/low stability training may carry over. obviously the strength rewards wouldn’t be as great as you already stated from the articles.
Of particular mention, the indoboard for surfing (www.indoboard.com) is really common and widely used.
What is your take on using something like this Nick and anyone else wishing to share opinions.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:30:23 +0000

Erik, I AM awake, I think. But it seems you are not or you would have understood my point. A clarification, just for you: When I said “machines,” I was referring to the plate-loaded Hammer Strength machines that can add nice variety to a workout. THESE have been removed from my gym–a shame. No need to pick a fight, love.