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324 Part VI: Conquering the Gym (Even at Home)

Considering Flexibility Gadgets

Most people get by just fine with fundamental stretching exercises that don’t

use anything but body positioning and gravity. Still, there are some useful

tools to help you work on your flexibility. If some of these gadgets get you to

stretch when you otherwise wouldn’t, they’re worth the money. Here’s a look

at some worthwhile investments:

A stretching mat: You can use a thick towel or blanket to pad a hard

floor, but a mat is a more formal reminder to do your stretches, and you

can use it for abdominal exercises and floor exercises, too. Some stretch-

ing mats sell for more than $100, but we have no idea why. Just about

any mat you come across will suffice. A top-of-the-line mat — one that’s

cushiony and long enough so that your head isn’t hitting your wood

floor — shouldn’t cost more than $60. Some can be folded in half for

storage; others roll up.

An oversized plastic ball: This is a safe way to improve the flexibility of

your lower back. You can drape your body over it forward, backward, or

sideways (see Figure 20-3). An oversized ball is also useful for abdominal

and leg strengthening exercises. Expect to pay about $30.

The right fit is important. When you sit on the ball, your thighs should

be roughly parallel to the floor. However, if you’re somewhat inflexible,

get a slightly bigger ball. You won’t have to bend as far. Also, for stretch-

ing, don’t inflate the ball all the way; it’ll be softer, easier to mold your

body to, and less likely to roll away.

Photograph by John Urban

Figure 20-3:

An over-

sized plastic

ball is

a nifty

flexibility

gadget,

perfect for

exercising

during

pregnancy.