A large rubber ball for fitness was invented by the European physician Joseph Pilates. Initially, the ball was intended for physical exercises during rehabilitation after trauma. Joseph Pilates asked his patients to go to the ball and jump on it. The doctor asserted that such exercises provide the necessary physical load in the post-traumatic period and restore joints. Surprisingly, even during intense training on the ball, the patient's injuries were not affected in any way.
Modern followers of Joseph Pilates recommend performing exercises on the ball to improve the condition of the knees, spine, back. Over the past few years, this tool for training has won a whole army of fans. In many fitness centers, clients are offered sets of exercises with the ball for fitness. And some people buy themselves a gymnastic ball for fitness for home training. Classes on the ball for fitness can pull up the figure, get rid of excess weight and always be in good shape.
"How does this magic ball work?" - this question interests most of the newcomers. Indeed, at first it may seem that sitting and jumping on the ball can not lead to serious results. Doctors explain that during an ordinary sitting on the ball the back is always kept flat. This is due to the fact that behind there is no support for the back, and the ball is mobile. Thus, while sitting on the fitness ball, the back muscles are strengthened, and the spine aligns. When the ball rolls over, all the muscle groups are used to balance the person. All the muscles of the body alternately tense, which makes exercises with the ball for fitness an excellent prevention of pain in the back and joints. These exercises are especially useful for people with a sedentary lifestyle. During classes on the fitness ball, you must constantly work with the whole body to stay on it. Even the simplest exercise may seem difficult due to the mobility of the ball. Since during training, the press is perfectly trained, the muscles of the hips and legs, regular exercises with the ball for fitness allow you to get rid of extra pounds in a short time. And for many women, the fitness ball is an excellent assistant in the fight against cellulite.
The next question, which interests everyone who decided to start with the ball at home - is "How to choose the ball for fitness?". The ball for fitness can be of different diameters - from 55 cm to 85 cm. The size of the ball for fitness is determined by the growth of the person who will train on it:
- 55 cm - for people with height up to 150 cm;
- 65 cm - for people with growth from 150 cm to 170 cm;
- 75 cm - for people with growth from 170 cm to 190 cm;
- 85 cm - for people with height above 190 cm.
During training on the ball, a person should easily get his feet to the floor. In this case, the knees should be bent at right angles. These are the main signs that the fitness ball is matched correctly.
To date, the fitness ball (fitball) is widely used for gymnastics for pregnant women. Fitness for pregnant women with the ball allows you to prepare well for the birth of the pelvic muscles.
There is another kind of ball - a massage ball for fitness. This ball has irregularities on the entire surface. During exercise, these irregularities massage the body parts, and also, their effect has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. The fitness ball is an excellent helper to improve overall health. Even using his home instead of a chair, very soon you will find significant positive shifts in well-being.