With the newfound popularity of pilates, lots of different products are being made available, including some that aren't traditionally associated with the Pilates Method. These include the very popular pilates ball, or fitness ball. These balls are usually between fifty-five and seventy-five centimeters across, and come in bright, appealing colors. They've been referred to as balance balls and stability balls, too. However, it'd be more appropriate to call them off-balance balls, or instability balls, since what a pilates ball does is make your workout more challenging.
Trying to do even a basic exercise while perched atop a pilates ball can be a lot harder than it looks. They tip and roll. If you get good at using one, you're assured of having excellent balance! Even using just part of your body on the ball, with the rest on the stable mat or floor, can be very difficult. So, why bother with the ball at all? If you learn to use it properly, you'll be building core strength and stability, as well as great balance. However, the challenging nature of the pilates ball means that beginners might want to steer clear at first. Otherwise, they may find the experience too frustrating.
Exercise balls are great for adding challenge to an exercise, subtle core muscle workouts, and even as a seat at your desk! Some people use exercise balls throughout the day to keep the muscles of the spine and abdomen active. These balls can also be used for light resistance exercises, and stretching. Draping yourself over a pilates ball can provide a nice stretch for both front and back. No matter what you choose to use these balls for, just be sure to stay true to the original intent of the exercise you're performing.
Some suggestions for using a pilates ball include pelvic curls with legs propped atop the ball, or a spine stretch with your hands on the ball. If that's too easy, consider doing the Plank with your hips on top of the ball, the Hundred with your legs on the ball, a roll up with the ball in your hands, or the Open Leg Rocker with the ball held between your ankles. Each of these implementations of the pilates ball makes the exercise it's included in a little harder and a little more effective.
If you're thinking about buying a pilates ball, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Having the wrong size ball can be detrimental to your workout. Shorter people should look for a ball around fifty-five centimeters in diameter. If you're of average height, consider one at sixty-five centimeters. Very tall people should use a pilates ball that's seventy-five centimeters across. Look for a quality ball – sometimes paying a bit more can get you a piece of equipment that will last much longer.
Pilates balls can be found in most places that deal in exercise equipment. Be sure that you get a ball that comes with a pump, since air will slowly leak from even the best pilates ball. In addition, remember that you may not be able to use the ball right out of the package. Some of them have a plastic odor that might need to air out for a day or two. If you're new to the ball, be sure to take a class in its use, or look for one that comes along with a workout video demonstrating its use.
Pilates Workout Related Article
Pilates Exercise Videos
Pilates has been around a while, but is still a leading exercise regimen, more popular than even yoga and aerobic dancing in the the last few years. By the year 2005, eleven million Pilates devotees had been enrolled in a...
