Things You'll Need:
- Yoga mat
- Yoga ball
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Step 1
Purchase a durable, lightweight yoga or balance ball. Online and retail yoga and sporting good stores sell yoga balls in a variety of price ranges.
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Step 2
Choose the proper ball for your height. A 75 cm ball works for people 6 feet and over, while a 55 cm ball is good for adults 5 foot 4 and under. A 65 cm yoga ball covers everyone in between.
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Step 3
Select a burst-resistant ball if you are particularly heavy or have children who might play with the ball. The type and thickness of rubber the ball is made out of determines the stability of the yoga ball.
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Step 4
Inflate your yoga ball to prepare it for use in your routine. The Bindependent website offers a quick start guide on inflating and caring for your ball (see Resources below). If your ball did not come with a pump, you should invest in a hand pump to make inflating the ball easy.
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Step 5
Start using the ball by simply sitting on it. Sit on the ball with your back straight, your legs about hip-width apart and your abs tucked in. This simple act requires a great deal of balance and prepares you for more advanced positions.
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Step 6
Use the yoga ball to provide extra support during difficult positions. Your ball should come with a manual suggesting how to work it into your routine. There are also several classes and DVD's that make use of yoga balls.
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Step 7
Wipe the ball down with a damp cloth after each workout. If it needs a more thorough cleaning, simply use warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh abrasives that may scratch the ball and weaken the rubber.
