This Really Gets Me Mad !!! (gym Observation)

[PlayaPimp]

i agree dognutz, other than for isolated examples, the use of the ball by personal trainers is stupid. Ive seen it myself, PTs having their clients do stupid things on balls or do some stupid postures to apparently work the stabilizing muscles. Go get yourself under 400 pounds on a bar, and tell me if you are working your stabilizers or not.
The truth is, despite how pathethic it sounds, is that the fitness industry is more interested in YOU comind back for more, than YOU making improvements. Its as simple as that, then the PTs make complex aerodynamic and neurological adaptive programs including "core" workouts with the stupid ball, and the use of the machines of the gym. Have you ever asked on of these clients what is their goal? I have, and you know what it is, to tone up, get in shape, look younger, in no freaking way they are looking to improve their core stabilization and dynamic " " (putting fancy technical word), and 99% of the time, the clients are thinking "what the fuck is he doing with me" when you put them in a ball.
Of course, PTs dont wanna give programs that actually lead to big and honest improvements, because

1) these programs are simple, hence the client would make use of the PTs for a month, and from then on he/she wouldnt need their full services no more.
2) These programs actually demand putting effort, from both sides. The PT's job is to make the client think he/she is training, when the truth is very much, the opposite.
3) It is a fashion. Paul Check has smartly marketed these balls so that every gym has them, and every gym has one resident expert which can even do the kamasutra on these balls.
4) Many times the client is confused, as his/her goals are what society dicatates, be healthier, look better, tone up. Do you think using the ball helps this?
5) It is a rehabilitation tool, so inmeadetely people think is good. Well, leg extensions (but the proper ones used by doctors, not the wannabe equipment in gyms) are rehabiltation tools, but they are pretty much useless in healthy individuals.

I rest my case, these balls should be reserved for isolated examples or used sparingly.

This can honestly be considered an uneducated post... have you ever done an extensive work out with a ball or bands, they can be very intense for anyone... matter of fact, i used to work in fort worth and coleman came into my gym and guess what he was doing DB curls while standing on a 1/2 ball, so someone saw a good use for it... these balls, bands and everything else are not for everyone, neither is 400lbs. so quit being so close minded and jumping to conclusions on something you have never tried. I have been a PT for 3 yrs and have helped many people reach many different goals with all kinds of different equipment... just because everyone is not a hardcore BB doesn't mean what they are doing is wrong, people can injure themselves on a ball and with a 400lb. bar too. and for the guy lifting weights that your "7 yr old daughter could lift", he could have a muscular disease, injury, or any other complication, so just cause not everyone is lifting heavy doesn't me they are wrong

 

[PlayaPimp]

of course, im talking using these balls for average clients, by average PTs (who know as much about training as girl scouts). There are excellent PTs, as well as clients to whom these balls' use benefit, but they are one for every 100.

just to put a disclaimer, although I still expect to be flamed.

Sorry, after i just got pissed of i forgot to pull my head out of my ass and read your second post, but you are right somethings are efficient and somethings are not

 

[Akerstei]

Here is how I see it. The posts here are divided. First, those who are pissed at this 'ball' work because it does not bring results. Second, those who say it does get results in isolated instances.
The difference here is the reason for training. Most people HERE train for size, mass, and getting ripped. The ball does not directly lead to these results. The ball is also not to be used as a tool that does not need any supplement. It can be used by those who want to gain bulk as a supplement in order to lessen the chances of repetitive stress injury. By using the ball sometimes, you will be working your stabalizer muscles more fully with less weight as well as integrating the core musculature into an exercise where you can easily forget to use it (example- Bench). It will also help remember the importance of form. Just use it sometimes and when you go back to your traditional exercises, you will do them BETTER and gain more RESULTS with less likelihood of injury.
Many people are also not looking for mass, but are exercising in hopes of being able to move better in their daily activities and in their old age. Benching 400 lbs 3X/ week might lead to more problems (shoulder inury) than benefits to one's aging body.

 

[The Shadow]

This fag was doing these squats while balancing on top of a body ball......... Like why wouldn't he just stand his ass on the floor and do normal ass squats !!!

those people that do all this fancy bodyball work with weights is ridiculous !!!

JUST DO CORE EXERCISES FOR GOD SAKES !!!

only thing that is acceptable is ab work on the body ball !!!

Almost as bad when I see guys doing pilates !!! ARRRRRRR JUST GO DO SOME SQUATS OR DEADS OR DIPS OR CHINS OR PULL UPS !!!

well.....

ahem.......that was me.



Im doing them for stabilizer work.....for skiing etc

 

[Maverick]

hmmmmmmmmm some interesting points......

my conclusion is that the ball is for women and phoney ass PT's

SHUT UP AND SQUAT !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[musclebosun]

don't bomb me for this one but i'm actually in favour of the ball. I'm not saying it's better than just b'bing, it's just different. Not everyone wants to get huge. I think it's like anything in life. If you don't like it, don't look at it and if you havn't tried it don't knock it. Just my 2 cents. Please don't bomb my ass back to the stone age!

 

[anthrax]

I sometimes to some kinf of DB press on the ball because it puts less stress on the shoulders

 

[SlavikHavik]

Squatting on a stability ball... thats gotta be pretty insane, especially if hes got a full load on there.
Ontario's strongest man trains at my gym, and he does front squats with 315 for alot of reps on various stability equipement.

But i gotta say, that stability ball is over used. There is definetly merrit to using one. But most trainers dont understand the purpose of it. Or they do, and are just ignoring it and putting their clinets on it because its in vogue.
Too many times have i seen a three hundred pound woman benching dumbells under 15lbs on the stability ball. She looks, bored confused, and no doubt evaluating weather this is actually working.
That shouldnt even be crossing her mind.
If your 300lbs, you need to go bust your ass hard on some freeweights and/or the treadmill (or eliptical if your so fat and your knees cant handle it) And sweat like hell.
You can worry about stabalizer muscles and other shit when you arent worried about dying anymore.

 

[yomama]

don't bomb me for this one but i'm actually in favour of the ball. I'm not saying it's better than just b'bing, it's just different. Not everyone wants to get huge. I think it's like anything in life. If you don't like it, don't look at it and if you havn't tried it don't knock it. Just my 2 cents. Please don't bomb my ass back to the stone age!

Everyone wants to be muscular and in great shape, people are just afraid that they cant get there.

 

[Griz1]

I use the ball alot in the gym and I always have people raggin on me about it. I always challenge them to try it with a little bit lighter weight than they are using. They CAN'T complete a set! I tell them to try half the weight they usually use, and then they can complete the set, but so far EVERYONE has made a comment to the effect of "Damn that's fuckin hard!" "I can really feel it in my ______". The disparaging comments are NEVER heard again by those folks, in fact, they tend to show alot of interest after that.

The amount of weight I use on the ball is not spectacular. But I move to the static bench, and I blow people away. Usually "Geez dude, that's alot of weight for a guy your size!"

Reason: My whole body is working now on the moving the weight. My stabilizers are at optimum and my performance is enhanced. I've proven that-thankyouverymuch!

First place I heard of it - Hockey teams using the ball resulting in better performance. Inquiries - Hockey teams STILL using it.

Results for me: Growth, strength, performance, and an almost complete reduction in my chronic back problems (due to a huge core strength compensating). Possibly the reasons it won't work for some folks: A. Everyone's different B. They just aren't doing the excersise right.

Anyone who craps on people using the ball just cause they "look silly" is a complete fucking moron (yes that's right). I don't give a flying fuck at a rolling doughnut what I "look like" in the gym. And if I my looking like an idiot to you bothers YOU, clearly you're a narrow minded, intollerant person who has more issues than I do. Number one rule in the gym - Leave your ego at the door!

IF you crap on the ball because you don't believe it is effective, then fine. All the power to ya. Lot's of folks don't agree with all the approaches on this board. But because someone looks silly? Get a fucking life! I piss on your attitude! Way to NOT be supportive!