Circus Tricks
I was asked a couple weeks ago at a camp: What do you think of shoulder pressing on the S Ball? I explained that I wasn’t a big fan. Then the requisite, but don’t you think it fires the core? came out.
Here’s my explanation: if you are seated on an S ball for the shoulder press, you will limit the amount of weight you can lift. I prefer standing, one arm DB shoulder press- if you lift a heavy weight over your head- your core will be firing like crazy to keep you upright, and you’ll get the benefit of increased strength from lifting heavier weights. Remember that the deadlift fires the core stabilizers with more force than any type of crunch can, and core stabilization is a prime goal. Flexing your abs to drive your shoulders toward your knees doesn’t happen all that often in sports.
This holds true for all the balance on a ball/ wobble board/ whatever of unstable devices you can thing of. It’s mostly circus tricks with minimal real benefit. I always talk about optimal training. These exercises take time away from what really benefits you on-ice- lifting heavy weights, or lifting lighter weights fast!
