After resisting the temptation to splurge on some fitness purchases, I caved and bought a few things, including the Ugi fitness ball.
You are probably wondering: what the hell is an Ugi? Well, an Ugi fitness ball is the equivalent of a medicine ball, a Bosu and an inflatable stability ball, all wrapped in one. I first saw them being used in a BodyRock circuit and found the concept quite intriguing. It essentially takes the place of all three pieces of equipment I listed above, making it useful for cardio, core, balance and strength training. See the example video below:
Looks like fun, right? Well, it is...but it is also hard as f*ck! Don't let those bright colors and it's squishy consistency fool you--it is not an easy task to exercise with an Ugi ball. The balls generally range in weight from 6-12 lbs (I bought a 6 lb one), but it is not really the weight that gets you, it's maintaining the balance and stability. Even performing simple plank feels like learning how to ride a bike all over again.
But as I mentioned, there is absolutely no dread factor with this colorful ball! Falling off and getting back on is all part of the challenge the Ugi presents. Let's face it: no matter how much strength, speed or endurance an individual may possess, most of us still suck at balance. And if you are like me, you are an uber klutz!
Tomorrow, I share with you my thoughts on my other major purchase: Tapout XT. Enjoy your Saturday night. Cheers!
You are probably wondering: what the hell is an Ugi? Well, an Ugi fitness ball is the equivalent of a medicine ball, a Bosu and an inflatable stability ball, all wrapped in one. I first saw them being used in a BodyRock circuit and found the concept quite intriguing. It essentially takes the place of all three pieces of equipment I listed above, making it useful for cardio, core, balance and strength training. See the example video below:
Looks like fun, right? Well, it is...but it is also hard as f*ck! Don't let those bright colors and it's squishy consistency fool you--it is not an easy task to exercise with an Ugi ball. The balls generally range in weight from 6-12 lbs (I bought a 6 lb one), but it is not really the weight that gets you, it's maintaining the balance and stability. Even performing simple plank feels like learning how to ride a bike all over again.
But as I mentioned, there is absolutely no dread factor with this colorful ball! Falling off and getting back on is all part of the challenge the Ugi presents. Let's face it: no matter how much strength, speed or endurance an individual may possess, most of us still suck at balance. And if you are like me, you are an uber klutz!
Tomorrow, I share with you my thoughts on my other major purchase: Tapout XT. Enjoy your Saturday night. Cheers!
I agree with you! Ugi is hard as f*ck! :) I bought the 8 lb one and it simply kills me - but in a good way. And this should tell you something - I get more out of breath from doing 10-15 minutes with the Ugi ball than I do doing 45 minutes of spin!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! There is something clever and ingenious about that squishy, cuddling-looking little ball. I too can get out of breathe easily and I am someone who enjoys kickboxing and high-impact plyometrics. Never done spinning though.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I liked about that I forgot to mention in the blog is the portability. I did a workout by the lakefront where I live yesterday. Not only was it fun and a real treat to be outdoors, but the fact that I got a total body workout with such one portable piece of equipment was so nice. It's not too heavy to carry around either.
I really want one of these!
ReplyDeleteThey are a good investment, but if you are creative and thrifty enough, you can make them on your own: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41740772@N06/6206777926/ --> I suck too much at this type of stuff, so I would never attempt it, lol.
ReplyDeleteI admit, they are pricey and are only really worth it if you plan to use it consistently. They have helped increase my core strength and stability, two things I have always lacked in my fitness.
This sounds like a good addition to the workout rotation...I've never used my fitness ball for anything but crunches, so I'd love to use it more often. And I like 15 minute increments as those are easier to work into my schedule.
ReplyDeletefitness ball.