Simple Secrets For A Stronger Core

The other day I got an e-mail from someone asking whether they should be doing more exercises on a Swiss ball.

"I've just started working with a new trainer," he wrote. "Some of the exercises we do, such as the overhead dumbbell press, are done sitting on a Swiss ball."

"My trainer says that doing them on a ball makes them more functional for my core. And the exercise does feel harder, even though I'm using a lot less weight. My goal is to build some more muscle before I go on holiday later in the year. Should I be doing more exercises on a Swiss ball to strengthen my core?"

To cut a long story short, no. You don't need to do anything on a Swiss ball to strengthen your "core" muscles. If your main goal is to build muscle, doing more exercises on a Swiss ball isn't just unnecessary, it may actually slow your rate of muscle growth. I've explained why here.