Pilates and Swiss Ball

Pilates and Swiss Ball
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Nabila]Sarah Nabila

Named after its creator, the Pilates system of exercise combines the best of Western and Eastern traditions, encouraging an awareness of body and mind working together in harmony. Born in Germany in 1880, Pilates was very sickly as a child but as he grew older he determined to make himself stronger, becoming proficient in body building and gymnastics.

After immigrating to the United States in 1926, Pilates opened a studio in New York where he taught an approach to fitness he called ontology. It was not long before he has an enthusiastic following, particularly among athletes, dancers and actors. Today, Pilates' method is enjoying a surge of popularity worldwide, not only among the general public but also among various professionals such as athletes, dancers and health care professionals.

Because Pilates emphasizes strengthening the powerhouse, the muscles between the rib cage and the hips, it is particularly useful in helping to prevent back problems. The Swiss ball, also known as an exercise, physic or stability ball was developed in the 1900s to treat neurological disorders such as spinal cord injuries and stroke. Not long afterwards, fitness professionals began to use the Swiss ball as an exercise tool in order to help improve balance and strengthen postural muscles of the abdomen, back and legs.

The benefit of the ball lies in its inherent instability; your muscles have to work to keep it stable during exercise movements, mainly those muscles of the abdomen and lower back. Available in various sizes to suit every age, height and level of ability, exercise balls are usually made of a durable vinyl. The choice of ball generally depends on the exercise method being used.

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