What exercise catergory does a fitness ball go into?

[Skipperhco]

I have been logging my calories and fitness routine on a website and I recently got a fitness ball but that type of exercise isn't on the site. I've searched all ways possible... medicine ball, fitness ball, exercise ball, ect... so my question would be, as far as calorie burning goes, should I log it as pilates? Low Impact Calisthenics? What catergory does it fall under?

[saevel25]

Weightlifting - light

[WUTiger]

Here is a site for exercise balls, also known as Swiss balls and some other names. You can use the balls for several classes of exercises, including abdominal strength, core strength, and even flexibility.

http://www.swissballs.com/

Note: A half ball with a flat side to it is called a bosu ball . Bosu is used primarily for stability exercises.

[allin]

It is a stability and core tool.  I would count it the same as pilates. A lot of the exercises are drawn from pilates mat exercises.

[akw512]

I would classify it mainly as core, although the ball has a lot of uses.  The main purpose though is to cause you to constantly engage your core for stability.

[stephenjm]

Swiss balls are all about core strength and stability - so definitely in the same class as pilates.

Not so great for calorie burning but it's amazing what a positive impact core strength can have to all aspects of your life (and sport). The other great thing about the ball is that you can start off with simple exercises, e.g. sitting on the ball, slowly raising one leg and trying to keep the ball still and balanced, and progress to the harder ones. The top skiers can stand on the ball and do squats!

[saevel25]

If you want to balance, just start by standing on one foot, if your having hard time barefoot, then have your shoes on. But progress,

Shoes,

Barefoot

Shoes on, standing on a folded Workout matt

Barefoot on a workout matt

With in those you can also combine other exercises, like standing crunches were you bring your knee to your elbow, keeping your abs tight. Don't let your one foot touch the ground. So adding more movement will strengthen that whole leg and ankle muscles.