I love a good, intriguing title, don’t you? Of course, if you know me, you know that the balls in the title refer to stability and medicine balls. No extra equipment needed.
Yesterday I read a post by Lindsay called “Strength is What’s Beautiful.” In her post, she introduces us to the women whose strength and dedication motivate her, talks a little bit about their fitness goals and accomplishments and explains why she is inspired by them. It is a wonderful tribute to a group of amazing women, and she truly shows us that strength is what’s beautiful.
In turn, I am inspired to write about another group of beautiful women, the ones who come to my Superball class. There are a few men in the class, but as with most group exercise classes, it is made up mostly of women. The youngest actually just had a birthday. She is 54. The oldest, well, I don’t ask, but upwards of 70 years old would be my guess.
These women come to class for a variety of reasons, but the main one, which I see frequently with people that are a little older, is that they just want to be stronger. They have noticed that they have lost some strength over the years, and they want to turn that around. There are several golfers in class, who realize that the best golf tool possible is a strong, flexible body. There is also a strong sense of community in class, the social aspect of coming together for a class is very strong with this population.
With very rare exceptions, my students don’t come to class because they want to look better. They don’t want six-pack abs, or a rock-hard butt. They want to be healthy, fit, strong, and that is what keeps them coming to class.
They also love the challenge. These men and women don’t try to do only the easy stuff. They do the exact same workouts that I post here. When given a choice of exercises, as in my “Students’ Choice Workout,” I find that they tend to select the toughest exercises from the list. I frequently tell them that they are who I want to be when I grow up. They inspire me, and I can only hope that I inspire them, too. They are beautiful.
This workout is “Superball Class tested and Approved” for your exercise pleasure. As indicated in the title, you only need a stability ball and a medicine ball. In the video below I run through a quick demonstration of each exercise, with some form pointers. Enjoy! Or I guess I should say, “Have a ball!”
Disclaimer: Although I am a certified Coach and Personal Trainer, I am not YOUR Coach or Personal Trainer. Always adapt workouts to suit your body and fitness level. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
i love this!!!! they look like an amazing class!
Thanks for the inspiration. I loved your post!
Don’t you just love teaching older adults? I know I do. You might enjoy and be surprised by this study looking at what impacts older adults with cognitive issues.
http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/cardio-strength-training-much-better-than-toning-and-balance-work-for-the-elderly/elder-care/?goback=.gde_1034747_member_241843647
Thanks for sharing that! I’m going to pass it on to my class just so they appreciate how awesome my teaching is 🙂
Seriously, older adults are the best. They have the best attitude and really appreciate every gain that they make. Plus, I’m still a youngster when I’m with my class (though not the youngest any more 🙁 ).
As someone who mostly works with older adults, I think this is great! Like you said, they aren’t looking for 6 pack abs but want to stay healthy and fit to enjoy their lives. Although some do ask how to get a 6 pack! 🙂
Love this workout–I have both stability balls and medicine balls at home, so this is a great one for me.
Great workout! I love doing crunches on the ball 🙂
What a cool group of ladies (and gent). Excercise is such a fun way to bond. 🙂
I love how motivated your students are! I definitely want to be like them when I grow up. I was at a swim meet last weekend and there was a 90 year old competing! So inspirational!
We have a few 90 year olds that live at the country club where I work. They still play tennis, come to the fitness center a couple times a week, and one of them takes Pilates two times a week. They’re amazing. I used to train a man until he was 101. Sadly, he has passed, but he was able to stick with it until shortly before he died.
I love ball workouts!
I need to get someone to re inflate my ball now =(
Just run down to a local gas station that has a compressor. It takes like 2 seconds that way (much better than those hand pumps they give you when you buy the ball!).
Beautiful group! I just started working with a stability ball so will give this workout a try myself.
You’ll love working out with a stability ball! It is so much fun and there is so much variety (I know..I’ve been teaching this class for almost 8 years, striving to keep it interesting and different).
Whenever I plan on working out with one of those balls, I wind up just turning into a 5 year old! Ah ha ha ah!
Haha! I can totally picture that 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Of course you knew I would say that! I hope you don’t mind my play on words with my tweets! 😉
Thanks Jody! Not to worry, I love a little humor in tweeting 🙂
I really love this Debbie – yes the workout but what a great tribute to those in your class. They sound like an incredible group!!