Get on the Ball: Develop a Strong Core and a Lean, Toned Body [Paperback]

Westlake's book is a sexy production with typically two pages devoted to each exercise. The book is divided into sections relating first to the rationale and method of developing your body through the use of an unstable surface, next a section on warming up (of course), then presentation of exercises mostly according to position of the exerciser with respect to the ball: seated on the ball, standing with the ball, supine (face-up) on the ball, abs on the ball, etc. In the margin of each of these pages is a vertical strip that lists trainer tips (tips a personal trainer would give), stretches associated with the particular exercise, and a word of caution in performing the exercise. The next section outlines stretching exercises. The book ends with -- and this is where I feel I've really gotten *my* money's worth - fifteen different training programs, including "all [a]round workouts," "core control" training, exercises for pregnant women, stretching routines, and anatomy-specific workouts, e.g. butt, abs, etc.

This book is my favorite because it presents a huge variety of challenging exercises (and I consider myself to be in very good physical condition). In addition, the production values are of very high quality. I love the arty graphics, everything from the attractive fonts to the bulleted lists of pointers, to the white-on-navy blue trainer tips in the margin. Most people will probably never notice the whimsical gray balls that loom large in the background, but I think it's a neat, modern touch that resonates with ball enthusiasts' sense that the ball is *fun*, not to mention an invaluable tool for attaining new heights of body awareness, suppleness, agility, tone, and core strength. This book is well conceived physically, as well: although it packs a whopping 184 pages of pictures and textual information, it *seems* small and it's easy to pack, at nearly square 6.5 inches x 6.75 inches (ca. 16.5 cm x 17 cm).

My only problem with this book is that the cool and plentiful duo-tone pictures often depict the exercise at only one point in the movement. Or if there *is* a second photo, it often depicts a more difficult variation. Personally, I would prefer photos depicting the range of motion at initial, final, and even mid positions. The reader must therefore rely on the text, where a picture would have packed a more communicative punch.

I thought I was at a training plateau with my ballwork until I got this book on a recent trip to New York from Brazil. The cover's subtitle is "Develop a strong core and a lean, toned body" and Westlake means it! Since I started using the book, I've experienced a significant jump in core strength, which I've noticed especially in my swim workouts. ...Overall, this book has been highly motivating for me. WHAT is presented here and HOW it is presented makes this book THE Bible of all ball resources. Anyone who owns or works out with a fitness ball should definitely own a copy of Westlake's _Get on the Ball_.

I keep spreading the word to friends and have purchased a copy or two for family/friends.