Yoga Exercise Ball
You might be familiar with the Yoga, as a fitness regime and as a way to finding an inner peace and tranquility. However, are you familiar with the apparatus, exercise ball that is slowly rising to fame around fitness circles that can be used in Yoga and other exercise routines?
If you are not yet aware with the Yoga exercise ball, then here are some significant facts about it.
Where did the Yoga exercise ball originate?
The exercise ball, or usually considered as the stability ball have been all around since 1963. It originated in the European region of Italy. When the American Physical Therapists first laid their eyes on the stability ball being used, they were within the Swiss units of physical therapy. Thus, these stability balls were considered as “Swiss Balls.” Nevertheless, all the Swiss balls during that period were made exclusively in Italy.
Still, without due regard to this fact, the Americans have nicknamed the stability ball as the Swiss Ball for several decades. The first exercise ball to be introduced and used in the Aura Wellness Center in the United States was produced by the Gymnic Balls located in Italy. Many other brands of stability ball have slowly gained recognition. However, many still appreciate the old Gymnic Ball brand.
Whatever brand they are though, many common references were made regarding these balls. They are usually called exercise balls, stability balls and balance balls. Physical therapy, Yoga, Pilates and other workout techniques use them to blend in with the routines. Health clubs and many professional and elite athletes practice with them in order to develop coordination.
Is the Yoga exercise ball a legitimate prop or just an equipment for sales marketing gimmicks amongst fitness buffs?
Of course, any kind of apparatus or equipment can be considered as a marketing gimmick for exercise enthusiasts. Still, it is a fact that the Yoga exercise ball can be used a hundred times over, not just even for Yoga routines.
The Yoga exercise ball can be performed for many different routines:
- standing warm-up
- Sun Salutation
- supine on the floor series
- supine on the ball series
- table series
- prone series
- seated series
Who can be benefited by using the Yoga exercise ball?
Beginners of Yoga classes are those who are primarily benefited by the usage of the Yoga exercise ball. They can use the Yoga exercise ball to stabilize themselves in many of the poses they would be required to perform.
The wheel posture or the Chakrasana is a pose that could not be held by everyone. However, with the use of the Yoga exercise ball and a handy wall, it is made possible for everyone to perform it. Beginning students of the Hatha Yoga can achieve the benefits endowed by the Chakrasana for several minutes with the use of the Yoga exercise ball.
The Chakrasana is one pose that can be a fantastic way to improve a person’s daily posture by refining the spine’s elasticity. This posture also helps in gently stretching out the kidneys, liver, pancreas and most especially, the heart.
However, Yoga students who have high blood pressure are not advisable to perform this posture, categorized as an exercise inversion. Further, students with problems in their backs and spinal columns must obtain permission from their doctors and be under a proficient Yoga teacher’s guidance in order to perform this posture.
When can a stability or exercise ball become suited for a class in Hatha Yoga?
Persons planning to take classes in Hatha Yoga must first consult their doctor whether they are healthy enough to perform the poses necessary in Hatha Yoga or not. This warning also applies before using Yoga exercise ball in the class.