Are You On The Ball Yet?

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By Joburg Post

The next step up from the floor is to be on the ball……..

Having mastered your core planks, bridges and one leg stances on the stability of the floor will naturally require some kind of overload system. This is where the stability ball can roll you smoothly away from that comfortable plateau you find yourself in.

 

A few years back the stability ball had a prominent space in most of our health clubs.  Colorful balls of all sizes formed part of the décor on the walls in most training studios.  Group ‘ball’ sessions filled the timetables – from core ball to strength ball to cardio ball.  Can the diminishing roll of the ball be put down to a lack of specialized training or continued education under newly qualified fitness trainers and professionals?

 

Be that as it may, every household should have at least two stability balls lying around somewhere, preferably two different size balls. It is strongly suggested by well trained fitness professionals and physical therapists, that children should start getting acquainted with this tool at a very young age. For many years, balls from different sizes have been incorporated in the treatment of children with learning disabilities.  European classrooms filled with balls for chairs, saw better overall improved organizational skills, concentration and posture as an immediate result.

 

It is no doubt that THE STABILITY BALL has a wide variety of tasks; both as a fitness and rehabilitation tool.

Let’s have a look at some of the major benefits:

• Multiple muscle recruitment – body forced to work as a whole


• Forced correct body alignment and posture throughout static and dynamic movement


• The ‘next step’ to a more advanced workout routine


• Versatility in use – fitness, rehabilitation, therapy, beginners and advanced athletes


• For use by any population of any age


• Usage in a variety of programs – strength, core, Pilates, yoga, stretch, cardio, group and personal sessions


• Use of ball for chairs – schools, offices, homes


• Different sizes – accommodating leg length differences as well as for use behind different desk heights


• Inexpensive to purchase and extreme good non burst quality – attractive colors

 

Ask your trainer to incorporate the stability ball into your next workout.  Start slow with bigger surface areas on the ball before you move onto the more advanced applications.  Assist your movements with controlled breathing and focus eyes on one area to link kinesthetic awareness.

 

MOVE FORWARD - BE ON THE BALL!!

 

 

 

 

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