Showing posts with label pilates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pilates. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Pilates and Swiss Ball

Pilates and Swiss Ball
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Nabila]Sarah Nabila

Named after its creator, the Pilates system of exercise combines the best of Western and Eastern traditions, encouraging an awareness of body and mind working together in harmony. Born in Germany in 1880, Pilates was very sickly as a child but as he grew older he determined to make himself stronger, becoming proficient in body building and gymnastics.

After immigrating to the United States in 1926, Pilates opened a studio in New York where he taught an approach to fitness he called ontology. It was not long before he has an enthusiastic following, particularly among athletes, dancers and actors. Today, Pilates' method is enjoying a surge of popularity worldwide, not only among the general public but also among various professionals such as athletes, dancers and health care professionals.

Because Pilates emphasizes strengthening the powerhouse, the muscles between the rib cage and the hips, it is particularly useful in helping to prevent back problems. The Swiss ball, also known as an exercise, physic or stability ball was developed in the 1900s to treat neurological disorders such as spinal cord injuries and stroke. Not long afterwards, fitness professionals began to use the Swiss ball as an exercise tool in order to help improve balance and strengthen postural muscles of the abdomen, back and legs.

The benefit of the ball lies in its inherent instability; your muscles have to work to keep it stable during exercise movements, mainly those muscles of the abdomen and lower back. Available in various sizes to suit every age, height and level of ability, exercise balls are usually made of a durable vinyl. The choice of ball generally depends on the exercise method being used.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Nabila http://EzineArticles.com/?Pilates-and-Swiss-Ball&id=3204387

Friday, October 16, 2009

Getting in Shape With Pilates Exercise Balls

Getting in Shape With Pilates Exercise Balls
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Harvey]Adrian Harvey

Anyone who's been to the gym will find a familiar sight in those colorful balls which may easily look like accessory workout gadgets. In reality, these casual-looking balls are anything but accessory. They are actually are capable of sculpting your body when used with the right moves and the right positions. In fact, these balls are major tools incorporated into Pilates routines and it's nearly impossible to imagine a gym and workout program without them.

These gadgets are technically known as Swiss Balls and have been around for decades before being recently resurrected in the public eye. Big or small, they are powerful enough to create a significant improvement in one's muscle tone and general state of health. Basically, a Swiss Ball works by pushing its user to find his point of perfect balance and, in the process, targeting the muscles. While it sounds perfectly easy to do, those who've tried it will attest to how great it is as a challenge.

Although they don't count as Pilates equipment, these balls have been relied upon by individuals seeking to cultivate their core stability which is, of course, a fundamental Pilates principle. Instructors usually come up with a program where traditional routines are integrated with those requiring the stability-enhancing abilities of the ball. This combination works out all the muscles but employs a more specialized approach to develop the abdominal group.

Some people consider themselves unlucky after ending up with injuries and vowing never to try Pilates again. This is one perfect example of just how important a Swiss ball might be to first-timers. Also known as the Pilates exercise ball, the tool also works to improve an individual's flexibility which is crucial to his tendency for injury during the exercise.

If you've been thinking of joining an actual class but couldn't find time for one, you can use an instructional DVD at home while trying to imbibe the Pilates principles. Along the way, you will realize just how powerful they are when it comes to improving your health and keeping fit. Those who are new to the routines can always use a stability ball to improve their flexibility before proceeding with the more difficult moves. This is definitely important to ensure a smooth experience with the exercise.

First-timer or old timer, you're going to need [http://www.pilatesexerciseballs.com/pilates-ball-exercises.php]Pilates ball exercises to maximize the benefits you get from the exercise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Harvey http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-in-Shape-With-Pilates-Exercise-Balls&id=3052247