Pilates On The Ball
Exercise balls are large balls, usually between 55 and 75cm in diameter. They are traditionally used in rehab settings by physical therapists, for general exercises and core stability training. Exercise balls were not traditionally part of the Pilates method, and were not used by Joseph Pilates. However, over time the fitness balls have become a part of many Pilates instructors repertoire of exercises.
The exercise balls are used to provide an unstable surface which adds another element to an exercise and further challenges the core. It increases the difficulty of an exercise therefore further challenging the deeper core muscles. The ball can be incorporated with many traditional Pilates exercises such as the plank and bridging to make these exercises more challenging. The fitness balls also come with their own unique set of exercises. Just sitting on the ball forces you to activate the deeper core muscles and sit in a good posture; some people sit on the ball instead of a chair at their desk!
Pilates-ring.net
| • | The most popular Pilates Ball and DVD combo on the market from industry leaders GAIAM. |
| • | Ana Caban has you add the ball to various standard pilates positions, making you focus on having better form when doing the exercises. |
| • | The Ball is safe, durable, and easy-to-use. Whether you are new to fitness or an athlete, the ball will enhance your workout giving you results. |
| • | An excellent addition to any Pilates workout, this unique Pilates Body Sculpting Workout Kit from Gaiam includes a six-inch sculpting ball and 33-minute instructional DVD. |
| • | DVD illustrates correct form for using the ball to improve core. |
| • | Enhances use of lower abdominal muscles |
| • | 65cm (25.5") premium core stability ball with 25-minute DVD workout included. |
| • | The extra-thick wall construction of the GoFit Premium Core Stability ball makes this ball suitable for weight training, stretching, rehabilitation and other heavy use since it is designed to hold up to 1000lbs of static weight. |
| • | Inflation pump included |
| • | Perfect for yoga and fitness classes, fitness balls help increase flexibility while strengthening and toning muscles. |
| • | Perfect for yoga and fitness classes, fitness balls help increase flexibility while strengthening and toning muscles. |
| • | The main workout dvd focuses on legs, arms and abs. |
Tips on buying a ball
- If you a new to the Exercise ball, buy one that comes with an instructional DVD or video
- For your own convenience, buy a ball that comes with a pump
- Buy the correct sized ball - as a general rule when sitting on the ball your knees should be at 90 degrees or slightly more i.e. your knees should not be above the level of your hips:
-If you are under 160cm tall, buy a ball of 55cm diameter
-If you are between 160 and 180cm tall, buy a ball of 65cm diameter
-If you a taller than 180cm, buy a ball of 75cm diameter
- If you a new to the Exercise ball, buy one that comes with an instructional DVD or video
- For your own convenience, buy a ball that comes with a pump
- Buy the correct sized ball - as a general rule when sitting on the ball your knees should be at 90 degrees or slightly more i.e. your knees should not be above the level of your hips:
-If you are under 160cm tall, buy a ball of 55cm diameter
-If you are between 160 and 180cm tall, buy a ball of 65cm diameter
-If you a taller than 180cm, buy a ball of 75cm diameter
Copyright Pilates-Ring.net 2011