Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Fitness Ball - Using It In Pilates

By Julia Channel

Looking for quick results? Using a fitness ball combined with Pilates will achieve just that " and you will have fun as well!

The fitness ball allows you to be off the ground, assisting you with engaging stabilising muscles in a workout that is second to none.

The fitness ball was first known as the "Pezzi Ball" and afterwards became known as the Swiss ball. The diameter of a fitness ball can be anywhere from 35 cm to 85 cm. It is fabricated from an elastic form of PVC to ensure strength enough to withstand the pressure.

Swiss balls were designed primarily for use with newborns and infants, then afterwards as a tool for physiotherapy, although it quickly developed a following in the fitness industry. Whilst they were never originally a part of the Pilates concept, these fitness balls have been enthusiastically adopted by the Pilates fraternity when people realised their actual potential and are now considered as an essential element in any Pilates programme.

The balancing that is required when using the fitness ball in Pilates is a great way to achieve the thin and trim body that you desire. Since you need to work to maintain your stability, a fitness ball makes your Pilates workout a lot more effective with only a tiny bit more work.

How is this accomplished by the fitness ball? A fitness ball strengthens the small muscles around your spine. They are known as micro stabilisers. This toning strengthens the musculature and helps prevent back injury and pain. Strengthening your back muscles lets you work out longer and achieve better results!

The fitness ball conditions both your abdominal and your back muscles.

A fitness ball adds a lot to your workout. It makes it fun and interesting because you have twice the flexibility and opportunity for stretching and exercise than if you just did a regular workout. Using a fitness ball instead of a chair as your base puts an end to boring, repetitive exercise. You do not have to deal with hard floors any longer.

Looking for more? You can add weights to the equation: just take care that you choose a much lower weight than for a usual routine, because the combination of stabilising and weights intensifies the workout. You will soon be able to lift even greater weights using this method as your overall strength increases.

The most important thing to keep in mind when using a fitness ball for Pilates, is to maintain excellent form. Keep in mind that the use of the ball intensifies an average workout. High reps are not always necessary. Sometimes form is more important. A low number of reps done perfectly can be very effective. The stabilizer muscles will get stronger and you will find that you are well beyond your regular fitness levels in no time at all!

If you want to discover more about how a fitness ball can assist you in your Pilates workout or other exercise routines, visit the site. - 16004

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