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What is Pilates?

Using the Magic Circle
originally published in the Body Tonic newsletter, "The Elixir"

Freedom from Muscle Cramps originally published in the Body Tonic newsletter, "The Elixir"

Survive the Drive
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The Many Benefits of Working Out with a PhysioBall
Out come the bouncing balls and perhaps we are filled with a cautious curiosity. Something about those balls isjust slightly unruly compared to that less threatening theraband. But then, roll out a mat, pick a ball up, and that’s all it takes to discover that the possibilities are endless. For example, in class, we lay on the ball, sit on it, kneel next to it, lay next to it, roll with it, stand up with it.... stand up on it...just kidding about that last one!

Doing all the classical pilates mat exercises in these unpredictable positions with the ball is what makes class so challenging and fun. Not only does the ball challenge us in the moment, but we can also remember these challenges and take them with next time we work out in a classical pilates mat class. For example, if we remember how hard Rolling Like a Ball was when we did it with the ball, we can recreate that challenge in a mat class without the ball. Essentially, we can actually fine tune our mat exercises and advance in pilates by practicing with the ball!

Another great aspect of the ball is how it can reveal muscular strengths and weaknesses. All it takes is a little practice with the ball to discover how to really use your whole body in every exercise and not to let the strongest muscles take over or the weakest ones slack off. Hey, imbalances, we all have ‘em. But that doesn’t mean we just have to live with them. We mustfirst become aware of the body’s habitual imbalanced movements before we can consciously focus on strengthening and correcting.

To take this idea of mind-body balance a step further, I’d like to suggest that regular practice on the ball will actually help to prevent over-use injuries in general, such as muscles strains and pulls. For example, let’s say that we are learning a new exercise in mat class and its really challenging. Its very likely that there will be a little soreness the next day because the muscles were working in ways previously unknown to them. On the other hand, its also possible that the lower back may hurt, or certain muscles may actually feel like they were strained a bit too much. This is a sign of over-use, which in itself is a sign that the whole body was unprepared for what was to come, and certain muscles took over the brunt of the work.

While exercising with the ball, the body is not usually able to continue functioning with its major imbalances. When an imbalance is occurring, you’d know it because you would tumble out of the exercise or not be able to complete it! Believe it or not, its good to recognize our particular imbalances, such a weak left inner thigh or a right foot that doesn’t seem to want to flex. This is when we, as teacher and student, really start to collaborate. Through practice with my suggestions and images, the imbalances start to correct themselves. Add to this the growing intuition and body awareness that is developing within you as a student, and the exercises on the ball as well as exercises in other classes start to run more smoothly.

It may seem like exercising on a ball would be very hard, or embarrassing. Or what if my ball goes bouncing across the room and everyone laughs at me? Well, let me just say that everyone’s ball bounces across the room at some point, and everyone is laughing at a lot of points. Doing pilates with a ball is fun, and bouncing balls really just add to the fun.

Here is a secret that actually took me years to realize and when I finally did, it changed my pilates forever. I realized the biggest step in learning something new is to really be able to laugh at myself. And while I was laughing at myself, I had to realize that I’ll never know everything about my own body, and I’m cool with that.

We’re all always learning something new about our bodies, and about Pilates, that’s what makes this Method of exercise so amazing. Learning new things is what takes us to the next level, mentally and physically. Take a deep breath, roll out a ball, laugh and have fun.... and the results will be fantastic.