Been doing stability ball exercises and loving it.

[wildeyed]

I need variety in my routine, otherwise I get deadly bored. For a change, I started doing more advanced work on the stability ball. I do several exercises in "plank" (basically push-up position), with feet on the floor, hands on the ball. I move from straight arm to bent arm several times, then do a series with bent leg into chest, out to side, across center line. Then I reverse, hands on floor, feet on ball and pull my legs into a pike position. Also, balancing on my knees on the ball is interesting. A bit dangerous and it scares the gym staff, but fun and challenging, too :)

Killer core work out.

I have seen a fast improvement in my other sports activities, much better than when I was lifting only.

[AllieB]

1. I like the stability ball too.

I have bad hamstrings, and I like the exercise where you lay on your back, legs on the ball, elevate your hips, and roll the ball toward your butt.

[lizerdbits]

2. I'll have to try that

I'm getting physical therapy for my back right now and it's a core strengthening program. I'll probably get some recommendations of things to do on my own but I should ask about that too.

[wildeyed]

3. My husband does yoga for his bad back.

It really helped after everything else, including p/t didn't. He takes the super-beginner classes, so it is not a hard workout, but he is nearly pain free after about six months of diligent practice :) He is moving up to a more difficult class soon, see how it goes.

I have suggested stability ball training to him, too, but he hasn't tried it yet.

[lizerdbits]

4. I'd actually thought about yoga before I started PT

I work out a lot so the rest of me is strong, but when I get to anything involving a lot of the back- yikes! So my problem is being bored for half of it and not being able to do the other half. Someone mentioned to me something called "Pliates for fragile backs." I can look around for something similar with yoga (or even try the pilates).

[wildeyed]

5. I found a very experienced yoga instructor who specializes in beginner classes.

DH did a few private lessons with her before taking the regular classes. Now his back is stronger and alignments are better so he is moving up to a more difficult class.

Good luck with your p/t. Seems like everyone finds a unique answer to their back problem. There isn't a one-size fits all cure that I have heard of.

[supernova]

6. There's a thread somewhere about

using stability balls instead of a regular chair when you sit down to work.

I thought this was an intriguing idea.

Glad you like it wildeyed. I'm really considering getting one for myself.

[wildeyed]

7. I believe even just sitting on the ball strengthens all the little core muscles.

You sit up properly, too, so it might help with back problems.

Have you heard of MBT shoes? This is a little off topic, but I was reading about all the problems you are having in your other thread. Maybe these are an idea? http://www.swissmasaius.com/Default.aspx?lang=en-US Like mini-stability balls for your feet!

I know they sound wacky, but people claim they really help. I tried on a pair and adored the way they felt. The price was steep so I didn't buy, but if I was having problems, they might be worth the $$$.