Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Fitness Ball and Incorporation Into a Pilates Routine

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.

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, 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.

You can get that trim tight body you have been yearning for by doing Pilates, and using the fitness ball will increase the intensity of these exercises because you need to use your core muscles to balance yourself. When you add a fitness ball to the equation, you are giving your workout a big boost. The ball causes you to constantly use deep muscles to maintain your balance. This gives you a Pilates workout that packs twice the punch.

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!

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

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. - 15485

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