Over Ball
This soft, inflatable ball is a staple in the studio. By modifying the amount of air in the ball, we can help facilitate movement in all kinds of ways throughout the body. Not only is this ball suitable for Pilates exercises but we recommend taking one on long haul flights. It can be deflated and packed in your hand luggage easily and blown up to support the head, lower back or even sit underneath you for some more cushion.
In the Pilates studio we use the ball for challenging stability and also assisting with mobility. One example is to ensure the ball is about 30-50% inflated, and then lay on your back with your head resting on the ball. Ideally there is only just enough air that the head doesn’t touch the ground through the ball, but not so much that it puffs the head up on a funny angle. Once the right pressure is established, try to relax your body and neck as much as possible, before gently moving the head in any direction that feels helpful. The more relaxed you can be, the better connected you are to your deeper neck muscles which will help stabilise your head on top of your neck in the long run.
There is a similar exercise for your pelvis: lay on your back with your hips on the ball and again try to relax all your muscles as much as possible. When relaxed, gradually tilt your pelvis forward and back, side to side and around in circles in both directions while keeping your stomach and back muscles relaxed.
This soft, inflatable ball is a staple in the studio. By modifying the amount of air in the ball, we can help facilitate movement in all kinds of ways throughout the body. Not only is this ball suitable for Pilates exercises but we recommend taking one on long haul flights. It can be deflated and packed in your hand luggage easily and blown up to support the head, lower back or even sit underneath you for some more cushion.
In the Pilates studio we use the ball for challenging stability and also assisting with mobility. One example is to ensure the ball is about 30-50% inflated, and then lay on your back with your head resting on the ball. Ideally there is only just enough air that the head doesn’t touch the ground through the ball, but not so much that it puffs the head up on a funny angle. Once the right pressure is established, try to relax your body and neck as much as possible, before gently moving the head in any direction that feels helpful. The more relaxed you can be, the better connected you are to your deeper neck muscles which will help stabilise your head on top of your neck in the long run.
There is a similar exercise for your pelvis: lay on your back with your hips on the ball and again try to relax all your muscles as much as possible. When relaxed, gradually tilt your pelvis forward and back, side to side and around in circles in both directions while keeping your stomach and back muscles relaxed.
This soft, inflatable ball is a staple in the studio. By modifying the amount of air in the ball, we can help facilitate movement in all kinds of ways throughout the body. Not only is this ball suitable for Pilates exercises but we recommend taking one on long haul flights. It can be deflated and packed in your hand luggage easily and blown up to support the head, lower back or even sit underneath you for some more cushion.
In the Pilates studio we use the ball for challenging stability and also assisting with mobility. One example is to ensure the ball is about 30-50% inflated, and then lay on your back with your head resting on the ball. Ideally there is only just enough air that the head doesn’t touch the ground through the ball, but not so much that it puffs the head up on a funny angle. Once the right pressure is established, try to relax your body and neck as much as possible, before gently moving the head in any direction that feels helpful. The more relaxed you can be, the better connected you are to your deeper neck muscles which will help stabilise your head on top of your neck in the long run.
There is a similar exercise for your pelvis: lay on your back with your hips on the ball and again try to relax all your muscles as much as possible. When relaxed, gradually tilt your pelvis forward and back, side to side and around in circles in both directions while keeping your stomach and back muscles relaxed.
