Thursday, January 29, 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 was originally called the Pezzi Ball, then the Swiss ball. It has a diameter of around 35 to 85 cm. It is made from an elastic form of PVC, which is strong enough to withstand the pressure it is placed under.

Although Swiss balls were initially used with newborns and infants, they started being used in the fitness industry and as a physiotherapy tool. Though these fitness balls were never intended for Pilates, as soon as devotees of the program realised their value, they eagerly incorporated them into all their routines.

Pilates is an excellent way to gain the toned and trim body you are craving and the fitness ball increases the intensity of core targeting exercises due to the balancing requirement. A fitness ball will make your muscles work extra hard because they are working to maintain stability, so you achieve a Pilates workout that is twice as effective with just a little more effort.

Exactly what does a fitness ball add to your workout? 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. When you strengthen the muscles around your spine, it gives you more body strength in general. When you achieve that, you can do more challenging workouts without getting tired.

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!

In search of more? Lowering the weight level is recommended for this routine because a stabilized weight combination intensifies the workout.

The use of a fitness ball in Pilates requires careful attention to your form. Remember that using the ball increases the intensity of your workout dramatically. Allow yourself the freedom to complete a lower level of reps, maintaining perfect form. The stabiliser muscles will become stronger and you will soon discover that your fitness level has increased.

For more information on the benefits of using a fitness ball in your workout program, be sure to visit the website. - 15266

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