The Pilates Ball And Its Uses In Pilates Exercises.
The pilates ball is also sometimes called the exercise ball or stability ball but, its real name is the Swiss ball. Using the pilates ball is an exercise in itself and can work independently from pilates. It is only because of the similarities in the principles of pilates exercises and exercises on the pilates ball that pilates instructors and participants have decided to adopt the pilates ball into some of their routines. By itself, the pilates ball channels the subconscious mind into finding the correct center of gravity for the body depending on its position to the pilates ball. With this constant adjustment in musculature to accommodate the different center locations, the person is made more aware of the body and the way it occupies space. Ultimately, the pilates ball teaches the person how to use the body in moving correctly. On the other hand, pilates exercises seek to achieve several goals. One of the goals of pilates is much the same to that mentioned above for pilates balls; although, the primary focus of pilates is the re-aligning of the spinal cord into its proper form. By using the pilates ball for exercising, plenty of muscles are being used in order to maintain balance. More specifically, the core or abdominal, back and pelvic muscles are stimulated to achieve balance. In physical therapy, pilates balls are prescribed a s a form of corrective measure for back pain patients. The patient is supposed to sit on the ball instead of an office chair to instill proper posture. With proper posture, most common back pain complaints are eliminated. The more time spent sitting on the pilates ball, the closer the body gets to making proper posture an instinctive habit. Some beginner pilates ball exercises are done sitting down on the ball. The trick is to sit up as straight as possible. Imagine that your back is flat against the wall. Adjust your shoulders so that it also touches that imaginary wall. If you pull in your abdomen just a bit, you will have achieved proper posture. Now, retain the posture and place your on your lap. You can spread your knees a bit to keep balance. Start moving the ball forward to and fro, sideways and in circular motions by using your hips. Remember to keep your posture. As you get more used to sitting on the ball, you might want to adjust your knee position. The closer your knees are together, the lesser support it gives when looking for balance. The objective is to let your body find the correct balance without any help from your arms or legs. For people who love to sit on the pilates ball, you should know that your core muscles are constantly working to achieve balance. As you get used to sitting on the ball, the subtle adjustments made by the musculature to keep balance are felt less and less. There will come a time that it will seem to you as if you aren't doing anything at all. In truth, your body is still performing those subtle movements. You might accidentally overdo things and cause yourself injury or produce some unwanted results. The pilates ball is used for exercise, not as a form of furniture. |
