Swiss ball
Job: Weight loss coach
Where: sallysymonds.com
Why is it important? I specialise in working with overweight people, most of whom do not like exercise. They find most exercise programs are too hard for them to keep up with. The Swiss ball is a great tool because it makes exercise seem less boring. Non-exercisers become immersed in the challenge of trying to master it - focusing on not falling off. I know it for myself - I was about 90 kilograms when I first learnt to kneel on a Swiss ball.
What do your colleagues think?
Hardcore fitness junkies often dismiss the Swiss ball, because you can't use heavy weights with it. But it's more about balancing the physical experience with the psychological one. The Swiss ball is one of the best ways to do that.
Unusual moment? I love playing with the Swiss ball and trying new things, so it's fortunate I haven't had more accidents. But one day I decided to master the art of standing on it on one leg - because doing it on both legs was already fairly easy. Unfortunately, someone caught my eye in my peripheral vision and I fell. I let out a piercing scream, but only my pride was hurt.
How much does it cost? Some pieces of exercise equipment you can scrimp on and it makes no difference - not a Swiss ball. A good quality one will set you back about $90. A poor quality one isn't worth 90 cents!
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
A Swiss ball is an inflatable exercise ball used for balance and core work. Weight loss coach Sally Symonds says it’s especially useful for overweight people because it makes exercise less boring, draws people into the challenge of mastering moves, and helps combine physical activity with a motivating psychological experience.
The Swiss ball turns exercise into a game of balance and skill, which distracts non-exercisers from the usual monotony. According to the article, people become immersed in trying not to fall off, which helps them stick with exercise when traditional programs feel too hard or boring.
Swiss balls aren’t designed for heavy weights, so some hardcore fitness fans dismiss them for strength training. The article explains the value of a Swiss ball lies more in improving balance, core stability and the psychological enjoyment of exercise rather than replacing heavy weight workouts.
Yes — the article notes Sally Symonds was about 90 kilograms when she first learned to kneel on a Swiss ball, showing it can be suitable for overweight beginners. It also implies starting with simpler positions before attempting advanced moves to reduce the chance of falls or mishaps.
A good quality Swiss ball will cost around $90, according to the article. It also warns that cheap, poor-quality balls aren’t worth the money — 'not worth 90 cents' in the author’s words.
The article references weight loss coach Sally Symonds and her website, sallysymonds.com, as a source for coaching and information on using a Swiss ball for exercise and weight-loss programs.
The article says opinions are mixed: hardcore fitness junkies often dismiss Swiss balls because you can’t use heavy weights with them, but many trainers value them for balancing the physical and psychological aspects of exercise and keeping clients engaged.
Yes — Sally shares a personal anecdote: while trying to stand on the Swiss ball on one leg (after finding two-leg stands easy), she lost her balance when something caught her eye and fell, letting out a piercing scream. It’s a reminder to progress gradually and be mindful when attempting advanced moves.
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