Customer Rating:  
Summary: 75cm?
Comment: I bought a 75cm ball from Target the other day. I inflated it to find that it was only 45cm... I took it back and grabbed a second. This ball was also 45cm. I would be concerned with getting one on Amazon, as it may need to be returned...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Peaceful Settings
Comment: 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 sometimes 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
Customer Rating:
Summary: ball good, pump is junk
Comment: The ball seems fine, but the pump broke the second day I used it.Now it looks like I will have to pay another $20 or so to get another (? better) pump shipped, and have not been able to really use my underinflated ball. It was a bad choice
Customer Rating:
Summary: Very nice
Comment: I love the ball! Perfect size, durable and arrived in no time.
Thank you!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good introduction
Comment: I wanted to find out more about balance balls in general, and I have enjoyed this kit. The balance ball is just right for me size-wise. It's a medium, which is suppose to be too big for me because I'm only 5'2"; but it's just right. Taller people should select the larger ball.
The ball itself is sturdy and made from good material although I'm sensitive to smells and the plastic/rubber smell at first was too much. The smell does dissipate once the ball is in the air. There was also a cheap blow up mechanism for the ball, but we managed to get the ball inflated after a few struggles.
There's an introductory DVD that I've played a few times, and it has helped me to learn the basics and actually get some exercise.
I would recommend this kit to someone who is interested in adding the balance ball to their exercise regime.
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