Get on the Ball! Fight Lower Back Pain, Part I

The ball has been an accepted and respected fitness tool within health clubs and gyms for about 8 years, however, they have been used since 1965 as a valuable physical therapy tool.  Within the rehabilitative environment, the ball has successfully served as a tool to develop balance, maintain reflex response, trunk strength (abs and lower back) and increase stability.  It is because of its proven success within physical therapy facilities, fitness clubs and numerous professional athletic centers (i.e. NFL, NHL, NBA, etc...), that it only seems natural that martial athletics' should benefit from ball training. 

Getting Started

Even the most skilled individual should warm up with beginner exercises.  Before even starting any of the following exercises, sit on the ball with good posture and remain your stability while moving your arms and lifting one leg at a time.  Then roll onto your back and form a bridge with your body and the ball.  Tighten your gluts, inner thighs and abs.  Try a few sets of crunches and if you do not fall - then you are good to go!

Basic Crunch

Beginner Ball Users

If it is the first time your have ever used a ball, you will quickly notice that it does not take much to fall off.  Be patient as you begin these exercises and move slowly so that you are in control of your body at all times.

Grounded Ball Bridge: This core strength exercise will help to strengthen the lower back.  Although all the ball exercises assist with improving stability, you will find that this particular exercise will help to prevent injuries to the lower back when you are stuck in the deepest of stances and trapped under someone with the strongest base. 

HOW TO:

Make sure that when you lift your body off the ground into the bridge that your gluts and inner thighs are tight.  If you are having trouble at first, only roll the ball out as far as your knees and bridge from there.  The less of your leg that is on the ball, the more challenging the exercise becomes.

Hamstring Curl: This strength exercise for the hamstrings will also challenge your torso stability strength.  Considering that most kicks require a re-coil, this hamstring curl will replace many of the gym equipment that is hard to afford.  When you add a few sets of these ball curls to your workout, you will find that roundhouses, front, hook and ax kicks will become stronger.  Since the hamstrings are so over-used in the kicking based martial arts, it is important to include some basic strengthening that will ensure their health.

HOW TO:

When balancing your body in the bridge position, you will slowly pull your heels towards your rear end while bending our knees.  Your foot rolls on the ball and stays in contact with the ball throughout the exercise.  The key to accomplishing this is keeping the hips lifted and the gluts tight.  Control the release of the ball or the negative and when you legs are back in the bridge, make sure that you do not lock your knees.  When you have mastered this movement, try doing a single leg curl Just lift one leg off the ball and curl.  Make sure you do not allow your hips to drop or tilt.

Lumbar Extensions

Have you ever complained of an achy back, then it is time for you to do lumbar extensions.  Like all sports, the martial arts requires the back to be strong in awkward positions.  If you have been trapped on your back while grappling or do a kip-up ground the ground in your form, the back is subjected to constant ballistic movement.  The only way to prevent injuries from occurring from this sport that we all love, is to incorporate exercises that sport-specifically train the body.  The lumbar extension can be performed on the many different benches available, but the ball offers a more realistic training effect and versatility. 

HOW TO:

Lay your stomach first on the ball.  Straighten out your body and spread your legs hip-width to anchor them into the ground.  With the arms extended or crossed over your chest, bend your upper body over and lift it up slowly.  This exercise can be intensified with the addition of weight, but it is best to begin with your hands crossed over your chest.