Stretching on the Ball
Stretching on the Ball may increase flexibility to a greater degree than performing similar stretches on a stable surface. The Ball allows you to find subtle nuances in every stretch,…
On the Ball: Hand Weight Series (Part 2)
This is the second part in my series of upper body exercises performed with hand weights on the Ball. (Here is Part 1 of the series.) Hug a Tree Begin…
On the Ball: Hand Weight Series (Part 1)
The Ball is a unique exercise tool in that it is not a stable surface. To perform any strengthening or stretching exercise, you must not only use the muscles required…
Obliques on the Ball
The obliques are an often neglected group of abdominal muscles located at the sides of your waist. There are two separate pairs of muscles, the internal and external obliques, which…
History of the Stability Ball
The stability ball was first developed in the 1960s by Aquilino Cosani of Ledragomma, an Italian company that manufactured plastic toys. Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach, of Basel, Switzerland, brought some of…
Exercises for Correct Alignment (Part 3)
In my previous posts in this series, I've explained why good posture is so important and given you some cues to find neutral spine and other elements of correct alignment.…
The Importance of Correct Alignment (Part 1)
While good posture naturally projects an image of confidence and health, attractiveness and power (barring the current U.S. president, can you think of many celebrities or politicians who slouch?), perhaps…
How Does Stability Ball Training Compare with Pilates?
Many of the exercises in Balance on the Ball have been inspired by specific mat or apparatus exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. The Ball exercises, however, are not necessarily more…
Six Principles of the Pilates Method
The principles developed by Joseph Pilates are integral to your work on the Ball. They impart a sense of mindfulness to every movement, an awareness of being inside your body…
History of the Pilates Method
Pilates is a method of exercise and body conditioning that has been practiced since the early 1920s. It was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates who, while working as a nurse…