A gentle, half-hour Balance Ball workout that, although it claims to target the lower body, actually works the core — back and ab — muscles just as much.

Anyone who wants a toning workout that's not too difficult. Good for beginners; a nice break for those who are fit but, for whatever reason, need a light workout day. If you've never worked on a Balance Ball before, this is as good a place to start as any. It's too easy, however, for those who are very experienced in Yoga and/or Pilates. You will, of course, need a stability ball.

Watching instructor Suzanne Deason work with the Balance Ball is almost like watching moving poetry — anyone who has worked a bit with the ball knows that it's not easy to get really good form. The real challenge of the Balance Ball is getting a good workout while you're perfecting the form. If you are a beginner when it comes to both fitness and the Balance Ball, you can use this video for both a gentle exercise routine and as a chance to get to know the ball (Deason's warm-up really familiarizes you with it). If you're already fit, this video may seem too easy — you won't work up a sweat and you won't strain yourself. But keep in mind that, unless you really know the ball (and if you do, you don't need this video), you probably don't have good form either. If you work out every day, this is actually a good recovery video for those days when you're sore but you still feel the need to do something. The biggest issue with this tape is calling it a lower body work out. There is some toning for the thighs, hips and buttocks, but there's at least as much core strength work — which is really where work on the ball excels. This is a nice introduction to the BalanceBall if you are unfamiliar with it (and the lovely Sedona, Arizona setting is a plus). If you already know your way around the Balance Ball, you may want to look for a more challenging tape.

 

 

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