BallBike’s Training Advantage For Kinetic Chain

Sports Performance

Optimal function of the kinetic chain is the foundation of sports performance. Put succinctly, the kinetic chain is the integration of movement, starting in the nervous system and then translating across muscle and joints.

Quick, fluid, and efficient movement is what separates elite athletes. Training the kinetic chain is key to enhancing sports performance.

In my athletic and professional career, I have experienced many training tools. Many of these are good, but they do not replicate the dynamic nature of sport. The BallBike, however, is one of the best methods of activating and training the kinetic chain I have witnessed. It activates the core to allow for simultaneous challenges to upper and lower body in a manner other devices cannot.

Beyond this kinetic chain integration, it challenges 3 performance systems at 1 time. It places high demand on the cardiovascular, muscular, and neurologic system in 1 workout. This mimics the dynamic nature of sport in a unique manner. The reason so many athletes fatigue during sport is because outside of the sport itself, other training tools do not sufficiently stress each system in the same training session. The BallBike is uniquely designed to provide a 3 system training challenge, while reducing the impact associated with sport participation.

Michael Baria, MD
Sports Medicine

Disclosure: I do not have any direct financial relationship with the company. The opinions above are my own and do not represent an endorsement by my employer. The owner of the company, Rick Suarez, is my father-in-law.

A VO2 test was conducted at Akron University with a spin bike vs. a BallBike. For a 45 min the BallBike burned 18% more calories than the spin bike. For 60 min. the comparison was Spin Bike Max VO2: 1.98 L/min 27.3 ml/kg/min. 7.8 METS BallBike Max VO2: 2.16 L/min. 29.7 ml/kg/min. 8.5 METS 

In the study Comparison of Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Upper - Lower -and Whole Body Exercise in Elite Cross-Country Skiers, in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 33(4): 1 this was indicated. The perceived exertion was less using the whole body vs. just the lower body. This is one of the reasons athletes want to use the BallBike, because its total body workout produces lower perceived exertion.  Plus there is no painful bike seat or impact, and also no boredom with a different movement every minute.