Bender Ball Blog

Spend a Few Minutes a Day with the Bender Ball

2009-08-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Working out doesn't have to be an investment of hours - driving to the gym through traffic, waiting for machines, working out, driving back through the traffic again. Just a few minutes every day with the mini stability ball in the cozy comfort of home increases my energy, strengthens my core muscles, quickens my reflexes and improves my outlook. I found this independent review a while back on dailyspark.com - they give the bender ball two thumbs up, decided that it does indeed live up to the hype.

Resistance Ball and Bender Method

2009-08-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I think the resistance band adds a great dimension to the bender method workout series. It's quite a versatile tool. It boosts your arm workout, as well as the glutes and shoulders. That's my thought for the day - don't rest on your laurels once you've mastered the bender ball workouts - give the resistance band a try too, for a well rounded workout.

Just The Bender Method

2009-08-02T20:21:00.001-07:00

Do you find that you get everything you need from the Bender Ball workout? Do you ever mix it up with other workouts, real-life exercising, gym programs, anything like that? Just curious.

Don't Work Harder Than You Have To

2009-07-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Selective Stabilization is the secret weapon. Focusing all your mental and physical attention to direct your energy to where you need it most. Tone up your abs without crunches, get strong, sculpted arms, tighten your buns - all while cranking up the intensity with the Bender Ball. Because, well, why would you work harder than you have to?!

Work Smarter - Get Harder Abs

2009-07-23T22:23:00.001-07:00

You just can't argue with the old motto "Work smarter, not harder." Am I wrong about this? The Bender Ball is a great way to choose efficiency in your workout. The bender method of selective stabilization isolates exactly the muscle groups that you want to tone and tighten and sculpt. And the mini stability ball really protects your back so that you don't incur unnecessary pain in pursuit of killer abs.

Good Overall Workout with Bender Ball

2009-07-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Whatever you do, don't cheat yourself out of a great, well-rounded workout - which the Bender Ball series of workouts, along with the Bender Ball and resistance band - will give you. Initially you might think it's all about your abs and thighs, but there is more to it. Thighs, arms and back also get strengthened, so don't stick to just one of the workouts - give them all a try and then rotate through them.

Bender Ball Boosts Fitness

2009-06-29T20:14:00.001-07:00

The best thing happened yesterday. I was out walking/jogging with a friend (one who does triathlons periodically) and she said I was in way better shape than I thought I was. I put her to the test while were out there on the trail! I can only guess that my regular workouts with the bender ball are boosting my overall fitness level. I like that.

Summer Achievement #1: Sexy Arms

2009-06-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

The emergence of sexy summer arms couldn't have happened at a more opportune time just as the temperatures rise and little sleeves are a must. My arms have turned into superstar arms, thanks to the Bender Ball workout videos. Shapely and sculpted biceps, triceps, forearms (if I've got all my arm parts straight) that I'm happy now to show off in short little summer sleeves and tank tops. So, while you're of course working on your abs and buns with the Bender Method program, don't overlook the resistance band and its bicep/forearm exercises - they're worth it.

Bender Ball Ab Buster

2009-06-11T19:06:00.001-07:00

In case you're new to the Bender Ball and the Bender Method, let me just clue you in. The 1st & 2nd core training sessions are like warm-ups for the 3rd session. It's a killer. You may only be able to do the easier modifications. It's a great comprehensive ab workout that will not strain your neck or your tailbone the way normal crunches do - that's always what made me absolutely loathe crunches - I could stand the gut pain - it was the neck and tailbone discomforts that made me squirm.

Bender Ball for Better Mental Health

2009-06-04T15:38:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your brain. In addition to releasing endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in our heads, it also just feels good to break a sweat and work out some of the pent up frustration that daily life sometimes dishes us. Doing a desk job all day is kind of a killer for the mental health. But busting out the Bender Ball and popping in a Bender Method DVD can really take the edge off of a difficult situation!

Bender Ball Even On Vacation

2009-02-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to pack the bender ball when you go on a trip. Collapse it down and make sure you take the inflation straw with you. Keep on doing your core workout exercises even when you're staying with family and it's raining night and day! Sticking with your exercise regime can go a long way to staying sane in the midst of visiting your nearest and dearest!

The Bender Ball + Omega 3

2009-02-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

My revelation of the season? Omegas. Take your omegas, eat well, and keep your exercise routine up even when you don't feel like it. The Bender Ball makes an excellent tool in your winter arsenal against seasonal affective disorder. It is a program that integrates an inexpensive mini stability ball and a series of exercise routines that are easily adaptable to any fitness level. You can do it in the privacy of home whatever the weather and however much time you have in your daily schedule.

Winter Fitness Routine

2009-01-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

I'd love to hear how winter affects other people out there - how your diet changes, how your activity level changes, if you're a sporty sport then what shifts are there for you - do you switch seasonally - does the winter affect your energy level, your weight, etc. I know it's mostly just going to affect people who have really distinct seasons, not living in temperate areas. Do you use exercise videos like the Bender Ball / Bender Method more often in the winter? Tell.

Bender Ball Exercises

2009-01-23T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Bender Ball is such a versatile exercise gadget. It improves your mobility - flexion - giving you more bang for your buck. Each crunch, for example, can give you a bigger workout or your abs because the Bender Ball lets you gently lean backward and forward, supporting your lower back while giving your abs a great workout.

Selective Stabilization is the Key

2009-01-18T15:11:00.002-08:00

Selective Stabilization is the key, isn't it? Focusing all your mental and physical attention to direct your energy to where you need it most. Tone up your abs without crunches, get strong, sculpted arms, tighten your buns - all while cranking up the intensity with the Bender Ball. Because, well, why would you work harder than you have to?!

Centrilean + Bender Ball = Weight Loss

2009-01-12T20:31:00.002-08:00

I just heard about this supplement called CentriLEAN. Lose weight without changing your lifestyle? Sign me up! I won't retire the Bender Ball, though, because doing SOMETHING will no doubt yield better results than doing NOTHING. The double-header of the do nothing pill and the mini stability ball exercises will accelerate my results.

Bender Ball Lives Up to the Hype

2009-01-10T10:41:00.002-08:00

Thank you, Bender Ball!! I'm back at the little green ball routine and feeling miles better. Just a few minutes every day with the mini stability ball increases my energy, strengthens my core muscles, quickens my reflexes and improves my outlook. Ran across this independent review on dailyspark.com - they give it a hands-down endorsement, concluding that it DOES live up to the hype.

Make It a Priority

2008-12-30T17:51:00.002-08:00

Alright, I admit it. I fell off the exercise wagon about the time I blogged last. What with winter and holidays and extra commitments... I stopped making it a priority and now I'm hurtin'! My energy isn't as good, my posture is going back to its old bad habits and I'm just not feeling as energized and fit as when I was doing the Bender Ball routines regularly. So... I'm back at it!

Core Training

2008-12-07T19:12:00.002-08:00

The Bender Ball Core Training video is separated into three workouts - each one more difficult than the preceding one. I definitely have appreciated that each of the routines has modifications for the fitness-challenged!

Better Booty and More

2008-11-30T17:24:00.002-08:00

I'm just revisiting The Better Booty Boot Camp - it works out so much more than just your booty. These workouts use not just the mini stability ball, but also the resistance band to work your arms and abs and the hamstrings. Stretching the hams always feels so good. Just make sure you keep a tight grip on the resistance band!

Bender Principles for How You Live

2008-11-20T20:04:00.002-08:00

Hunh. I was just reading through my last post and thinking about how you could apply those same principles not just to busting fat with the Bender Ball, but also to how you move through the world: deliberately, slowly, with integrity (no cheating!) Not a bad way of approaching many things you do. I would say, though, that you shouldn't take life at large TOO seriously. But a bit.

Take It Slowly

2008-11-14T17:00:00.002-08:00

Leslee points out on the members only mini-site that you should focus on moving slowly, deliberately, during your workout, so as not to cheat yourself. It's so true. I find it very easy to cheat in the Bender Ball workouts, especially because no one is watching! But don't do it. If you're going to bother doing it at all, you might as well make the most of it, right? Take it slowly and seriously if you want to see results!

Trusting the Resistance Band

2008-11-08T15:04:00.003-08:00

The resistance band is such an interesting tool. It's amazing how much of a boost it gives the arm and shoulder moves. Even the glute exercises. Now, I'll admit that I have a phobia of things that remind me of a snapping rubber band ... so, I feel just the tiniest bit of anxiety when I'm trusting the thing to stay together, but *really* it seems like a very high quality implement. And wow, does it work the shoulders!

Resistance Band Lost and Found

2008-10-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

You know I thought I had lost my resistance band ... couldn't find it for a while ... thought I had looked everywhere ... thought I'd have to buy another one. But, lo and behold, I found it!! Excellent!

Bender Method - Substitute for Swimming

2008-10-23T06:46:00.002-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that the Bender Ball is for all of us folks who don't have a sea or lap pool to swim in every day. Swimming is such amazing exercise for the whole body. But let's face it, most of us don't have the luxury of a body of water nearby. The Bender Method, though, offers such a well-balanced workout, using both the ball and the strap for a variety of moves.

Beach Bender Ball - Bingo!

2008-10-19T08:11:00.005-07:00

Well I'm here at the beach with a full day of swimsuit wearing under my belt, so to speak. And I feel great! The buns and thighs work definitely paid off!! Now I just have to work on my tan. ;)

BB for Rehab

2008-10-12T10:50:00.003-07:00

Huh. I've got a little bit of a strained quad today from some extracurricular activities, and am using the Bender Ball exercises to gently work through that - just needs some stretching and not too strenuous work. Perfect.

Bender Ball Live Journal

2008-10-04T08:40:00.002-07:00

OK. I'm trying it again. Here's where you can find my new blog. http://benderball.livejournal.com/
I just can't wake up this morning! I'm going to go do the Buns & Thighs workout now to get my blood moving...

Same Time, Same Station

2008-10-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I'm not moving locations afterall. I tried, but my fledgling little bitty blog was disabled. Why? I have no idea!!! Maybe I'll try another service, but for the moment... stay tuned. I'll keep on typing at ya here. So, keep up the good work, my fellow bender ball users. As often as we can, right?

Pitching Another Tent

2008-10-02T07:15:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends,

I've been thinking that it sure would be nice if you could find me easier... or at all!! My little blog is invisible, it seems, to the outside world. Why is that?!?!? Well, I don't know, but in an effort to have you hold me accountable for keeping on keeping on with my Bender Ball affair, I'm going to pitch my tent at another address and see if it, too, wears a cloaking device. Don't worry, I'll still keep you up to date with my improving muscles! Buns and thighs, oh my! Here's where by new blog is: http://benderball.blogster.com/

More Than Just the Booty

2008-09-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

Getting that booty booted into shape!! Really, the addition of working out other body parts keeps it from getting as boring (or maybe brutal) as it might otherwise be. Thanks, Leslee Bender, for keeping me entertained/worked out.

Next Blog - Click it!!

2008-09-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wow. Have you clicked on the "Next Blog" link at the top of any blogspot page? Cool!!! I just clicked twice and wound up somewhere in Asia, and then in Israel. Now I'm in Nigeria. Now India. Well this can't be random, right? Is it programmed to navigate to a different continent on every click? Well, however they do it, it's amazingly cool and you should click, click, click!! Now, back to exercising...

More Than Just the Booty

2008-09-26T07:46:00.001-07:00

Better Booty Boot Camp

2008-09-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering, the Better Booty Boot Camp works more than just your glutes. Leslee Bender uses not just the bender ball, but also the stretchy tube thingy to work your triceps and biceps and some of the abdominals, too. Oh, and the hamstrings! Working them a bit and then stretching them felt sooo good. I've always got tight hams and so those stretches felt really beneficial at the end.

Manual Labor

2008-09-13T21:38:00.001-07:00

Today was all about manual labor instead of bender ball. I suppose we were all better off when we had to work physically everyday. All well. Tomorrow, back to buns and thighs.

Bender Ball Better Than Battery

2008-09-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've reached the top intensity level using my Bender Ball. You know, where your workout is as much as 408% more effective. But it's way better than trying to go it alone, no matter what your rev-up level is. Now if only my laptop's battery was as reliable as the bender ball - it can't keep a charge these days. Harumph!

Beach Date To Come

2008-08-27T19:10:00.001-07:00

So did I tell you? Definite beach time in October. The swimsuit and Bender Ball time will not go to waste after all!

No Biking for Me

2008-08-20T16:55:00.001-07:00

And, of course, I haven't gotten back on a bike since. Even though it felt good. It's jsut more of an ordeal than, say, popping in a video and pulling out a little green ball and doing a little mat work before showertime. Right? Yep.

You Never Forget How to Ride a Bicycle

2008-08-10T19:41:00.001-07:00

It's true. I got on a bike today for the first time in forever and I did not fall off. It was a wobbly, difficult, sweat-pouring ride. And for all that exercise, I couldn't help but think that it did little to nothing for my mid-section. So, Leslee Bender still has me covered for abs, etc.

Bender Ball Piece of Flair

2008-08-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Someone should make a Facebook Piece of Flair with a bender ball on it. Don't you think? I guess maybe I could do that... hmmm.....

Bender Ball Work Under Wraps

2008-07-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe July is almost over. August? Seriously not one occasion to wear the new swimsuit?? Must give the Bender Ball work a chance to shine...

Swimsuit Occasion

2008-07-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is screaming by and I'm beginning to think there will be not one occasion to wear my new bathing suit. Not one. I suppose I could wear it to go jump in the river, but that water is reportedly VERY COLD!! It looks pretty good, too, what with the Bender Ball ab deflation program and all. :(

Bread vs. Tortilla

2008-07-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

By the way, I get what Leslee Bender was saying about being a tortilla as opposed to a loaf of bread. Flat instead of puffy, right?? I just looked at a couple of old posts and saw that it went over my head when she first said it. Probably because I was fussing around with the bender ball and trying to get the poses right. That's my excuse anyway!

Happy 4th ... or 5th

2008-07-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

I know 4th of July is all about BBQs and fireworks, but carnival food? Will my body ever forgive me????

Leslee Bender = Real Fitness

2008-06-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just reflecting on a post I saw somewhere from someone commenting on Leslee Bender's midsection. Whoever it was thought that because she didn't have a paper-flat, featureless body - they didn't think the program would work. I'm not sure how old she is, but I think she seems like a REAL example of actual fitness, as opposed to someone who is throwing out health for the sake of bending muscles into unnatural forms and not eating a balanced diet. So, I say, Go, Leslee, Go! I'm with ya, girl!

Bender Ball Modifications

2008-06-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

The video is good at offering modifications that really work for making the workout easier ... or harder. Good for working your way onward.

Easy on the Bones

2008-06-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Whew! The first and second core training sessions were like warm-ups for the third killer session. And I was just doing the baby beginner modifications. This is a good all-around ab-buster that doesn't hurt your neck or your tailbone!

Peacock Suit!

2008-06-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should diversify and not do Buns and Thighs only, right? (Sounds like I'm ordering a chicken bucket!) In a moment of vanity, I googled to find my own blog and found this other blogger's blog instead and her entry on the bender ball. Now I'm thinking I should go back to doing the ab 'cises. I mean if she's using it to strut her stuff in a peacock suit...

Modified Pose with Bender Ball

2008-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

So there's one exercise in the Buns and Thighs video where I've modified the pose and hope that's OK. Lying on side with bottom leg straight really hurts my hip bone, so I bend my knee a bit and it's great. I can't see how this would change the effectiveness of the motion; I'm still burning!!

Right Clothes; Right Pose

2008-05-16T09:28:00.003-07:00

What a difference correct form makes. I'd been a little sloppy with the moves in the video (wearing big baggy sweats didn't help matters.) I can feel it working so much better when I really focus on the muscles that are being targeted. Wearing stretchy yoga pants really helps to better grip the Bender Ball behind the knee; the moves that require that position are several and are important to the overall workout.

Buns and Thighs Workout

2008-05-10T17:04:00.002-07:00

OK. Starting tomorrow, it's all bender ball buns and thighs for a while. Must focus. Must target. Have you had one of those dressing room cometojesus experiences where you realize your body has aged even though your brain hasn't? Right. Like I said, tomorrow.

Bender Ball for Travel

2008-04-22T05:33:00.002-07:00

Here's a good thing: you can deflate the bender ball and throw it in your bag whenever you're leaving town and then just blow it up again. And the workouts are short enough that if you've been doing them for a while, you don't need the video if you're in a hotel or staying with friends. Hey, maybe you could even make it double as a headrest on an airplane! ha ha.

Bender Ball Color Lobby

2008-04-15T09:12:00.003-07:00

I wish the bender ball came in different colors. Raspberry maybe? Lime? Tangerine! Blueberry. Mmm, I'm getting hungry for a tasty fruit salad, aren't you?

Bender Ball is for Real People

2008-04-14T20:35:00.003-07:00

Just a quick entry to say that the Bender Ball is a realistic workout for real people. I really like that about it! Nothing too fancy or slick, just a smart tool.

Stick To It

2008-04-07T18:35:00.002-07:00

Consistency is the key, isn't it? Make the time, stick to it, just do it. Leslee Bender's program is so doable for everyone, I think. We've just got to keep doing it! So, pick up that bender ball and use it.

Bender Ball Buns and Thighs

2008-03-30T20:20:00.003-07:00

Love the Buns and Thighs workout. Uses the small inflatable ball to cushion the lower back and to create resistance between your knees and behind your knees. Smart little tool. Just because it looks easy, you should still treat your body with care when beginning till you figure out all the muscles it's working!

Bender Ball Is For Everyone

2008-03-24T19:05:00.002-07:00

This workout can be done by everyone. The Core Training video is broken down into 3 workouts, each increasingly challenging. The first one is very, very basic: a good place to start. Each of the workouts has modifications for us beginners. It's very gentle, even through the 3rd workout. You work your muscles for sure, but you don't feel like you're in danger of injury. Thumbs up on the approach. Admittedly, I'm not sure what she meant when she said something about a tortilla and a loaf of bread.

Selective Stabilization

2008-03-18T20:34:00.002-07:00

Leslee Bender's program uses something called selective stabilization to target just the muscles you want. She's a pilates pioneer, so her word's good enough for me!

Just Got It

2008-03-14T07:12:00.002-07:00

Ah, my Bender Ball kit just arrived in the mail. Hopefully I'll be saying bye-bye flabby abbys pretty soon. Says it's going to target all the ab muscles. Sounds smart AND it wasn't expensive. Like a good date. Or suit.