Exercise ball exercises for seniors: sit, move, feel good

Interview with Michaela Kreitmair, MAS Physiotherapist Medical Park Bernau, Bernau am Chiemsee:

It is common knowledge that the large exercise and sitting ball is ideal for training the back and core muscles as well as for back-friendly sitting in everyday life. What is less well known, however, is that conventional exercise balls can burst suddenly if damaged during use and therefore pose a significant safety risk.

In the following interview with physiotherapist Michaela Kreitmair, you can find out why ABS balls from TOGU are a safe alternative when it comes to safety.

Question: You work with ABS balls. Why do you do this?

In my work with exercise balls for senior citizens, there have always been situations where balls have burst during use. So I started looking for a safe alternative. And I only found it in the ABS models from TOGU.

I always ask my patients: would you drive a car without an airbag? Here, using a safety system is completely normal.

Question: What is the difference to other balls?

When I saw the Powerball with the original ABS for the first time, I felt the same way as many others – at first glance you don’t recognise any difference to an ordinary exercise ball. However, you can feel the difference in the material when using it.

In the event of damage caused by objects such as sharp edges, needles, glass splinters, scissors etc., the specially developed material prevents the ball from tearing open abruptly. The air only escapes slowly through the hole. This prevents the ball from bursting during gymnastics exercises and avoids injuries caused by an unexpected fall.

Another difference: other balls have one weight specification regarding the load capacity, namely the static load limit, e.g. 500 kg. ABS balls have two specifications: the static load limit and the additional load limit for dynamic use with guaranteed safety in the event of damage. Only the original ABS offers this additional guarantee. The static load does not occur at all in everyday practice. A ball is always used and loaded dynamically, for example during gymnastics ball exercises.

Question: Why do I read on conventional balls that they are burst-proof or “burst-resistant”?

It is worth reading the small print in the instructions for use. Look out for the ABS® symbol. Only then is it an AGR-certified original ball from TOGU. The instructions often exclude space safety in the event of damage, for example. You can compare this to a wristwatch that is “water-resistant” or “water-proof”. The ABS ball is “burst-proof”.

Question: Is it true that ABS balls deform?

Yes, that is the special characteristic of the material. Depending on the load, the ball deforms a little more or less. When doing gymnastics exercises in a seated position, for example, it deforms a little more. Only a ball that deforms is an original ABS ball. After use, the ball returns to its round shape.

Question: What else do I need to consider?

It is important for the guaranteed functioning of the safety system that the ball is inflated correctly in two steps and that it is only ready for use 24 hours after inflation. Although this is more time-consuming than with conventional balls, it pays off for you and your patients, especially when exercising on the Powerball ABS.

Question: Who are these special balls suitable for?

The balls with anti-burst material are ideal for all users who prioritise safety. Regardless of what they use the ball for. Whether professional footballers, pregnant women, weightlifters, children, … and of course senior citizens, who particularly enjoy doing gymnastics ball exercises.

Question: Is safety the only advantage?

The ABS material is skin-friendly, latex-free and contains no banned plasticisers. I am also supporting a sustainable product from the region that is also 100% recyclable. TOGU GmbH specialises in air-filled training and therapy equipment and has been producing in Prien am Chiemsee, Germany, for over 60 years.

Find out why ABS balls not only integrate safety, but also effectiveness and sustainability into your training.  

These TOGU products may be of interest to you:

Powerball ABS

Redondo Ball

The idea of a burst-proof ball was born when a weightlifter was observed training in a reclined position with a 100kg dumbbell over his face on a simple large fitness ball. At that moment, it was clear that a special material was needed to prevent dangerous accidents. And this without taking away the advantages of this training device, i.e. the dynamics. The world’s first burst-proof exercise ball and the ABS® brand were born.