Sunday, February 1, 2009

Fitness Ball - Using It In Pilates

By Julia Channel

Searching for fast results? Combining a fitness ball with your Pilates workout will help you reach that goal while you are having a good time.

Balancing on the fitness ball helps you work your stabilising muscles, creating a very high quality workout.

The fitness ball, first named "Pezzi Ball," was later referred to as the "Swiss ball." The diameter of the ball is around 35 to 85 cm. It is made of an elastic that can handle the pressure of your body, known as PVC.

Swiss balls, first designed to be used with babies, later became a physiotherapy tool, and then quickly became popular in the fitness industry. Although they've never originally been part of the Pilates fitness concept, the Pilates fraternity eagerly adopted these fitness balls when people realized their actual potential.

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 also works on the other core body muscles " the abdominal muscles " in much the same way as for the back muscles " toning and strengthening over time.

Using the fitness ball is great fun as well, because it allows you to add some variety to your workout " no more boring, repetitive routines! No more hard floor, either " and you get an added bounce as well!

Would you like more? You can add weights to the mix: 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 feel your overall strength increasing rapidly. With this method, you will feel your confidence explode as the weight you can lift grows.

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!

For more information on the benefits of using a fitness ball in your workout program, be sure to visit the website. - 15995

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