Pilates Ring and Ball Exercises

Developed by Joseph Pilates early in the 20th century, the Pilates system of exercise uses resistance training and stretching to tone the entire body. Instead of weight lifting or repetitive movements, the Pilates system used concentration, breathing and balance to strengthen the body reducing the likelihood of injury. Most of his training system only use mat, however he did also develop a few simple instruments to work with.

Pilates Ring

The exercise equipment developed by Joseph Pilates uses resistance to aid in the goals of what he called  Contrology. One of his devices was the Pilates ring (also known as the Magic Circle), which is a basic circle with pads on either side. It is made in the correct diameter to hold arms or legs apart while performing the movements.

Precise movement is a very important element of Pilates, with the main goal of the training program is to unite the mind and body into a controlled, graceful whole. While exercising, you concentrate on every precise move as well as on every breath. With the help of the Pilates ring, precise measurements can be maintained. It also provides an object to help concentrate on.

The Pilates ring can be used to pinpoint the areas of the body that you want to work on as it takes some of the guess work out of the equation. The modern Pilates ring makes use of modern plastic materials to make the ring durable while using well positioned grips to keep it from slipping during the movements. The ring is small in size, making it easy to pack and take with you on trips as there are no parts to set off metal detectors at airports.

Using stretching and balance to elongate muscles and improve posture and balance, using concentration to encourage body awareness and using breathing control to flood the blood with oxygen, Pilates gets results, and the Pilates ring is one way to get them.

Pilates Exercise Ball

As Pilates did grow popularity, more and more workouts have included a Pilates Exercise Ball. If you' re a fan of Pilates mat work, you may want to consider adding a Pilates Exercise Ball to your routine. They' re relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and can add some variety to your workouts.

Pilates Ball Size

Shopping for a Pilates Exercise Ball is very simple. You should not be required to worry about the ball size or material, since all Pilates Exercise Balls are fairly uniform. It is not the type of ball you buy that matters, but how you use it. In addition to the ease of making a selection, you will also not be at a loss to find an accompanying video. Most of the Pilates videos on the market include a ball in some part of their routine. If you like variety, look for a video that includes mat, weight and ball work. It is worth noting that “one size fits all” when shopping for a Pilates ball.

Increased Performance

Pilates Exercise Balls are an easy and cost effective way to add resistance to your Pilates workout. Pilates balls do not take up must space like a Pilates machine would and they are extremely portable. If you do have limited space, this is a great addition to your workout arsenal. Pilates Exercise Balls allow for a wide range of movements, enhancing familiar movements and adding new possibilities. Pilates Exercise Balls will force you to really focus on balance and control by creating a situation in which your stability depends on your body’s ability to maintain a controlled position.

Pilates Exercise Balls can be used to tone your whole body and not just your abdominal muscles. You can balance yourself using your legs and arms as well, helping tone your entire body. If you find that traditional mat work is a little too difficult for you, you may find that an exercise ball will allow you to ease into Pilates more gradually. You will have more control over the amount of resistance your body is faced with while reaping the benefits of performing difficult movements with a little assistance.

Furthermore, the Pilates ball exercises will help improve the health of your back and spine. Like Pilates movements that force you to roll backwards on the floor, Pilates Exercise Balls can serve as a spinal massage as you can slowly move your back across the ball’s surface. Overall, Pilates Exercise Balls are a worthwhile investment for your Pilates training.