What is a Pilates ball?

Do you want good posture, stronger muscles, or more flexibility? Then using a Pilates ball is perfect for you. A Pilates ball is one of the most commonly used tools in Pilates. Besides Pilates, you can also use the ball for yoga, fitness exercises, strength training, and even while sitting.

A Pilates ball comes in various shapes and sizes. It offers multiple applications. You can use the ball for sports, relaxation, and medicinal purposes. It's also frequently used in rehabilitation processes, for example. You can do strength exercises and relaxation exercises with it, and use the ball as a chair. A Pilates ball can also help you adopt the correct posture for certain exercises.

Pilates balls are equipped with a non-slip surface. This gives you a good grip on and with the ball. You can grip it securely, but it also won't easily slide out from under your back or neck.

The different pilates balls

There are two types of Pilates balls: a fitness ball and a soft ball. The fitness ball is a large ball, often with a diameter of 45 to 85 cm. The soft ball, also called a mini ball, usually has a diameter of 17 to 27 cm. Each of these Pilates balls has its own characteristics and different uses.

Fitness ball

A fitness ball is made of elastomeric plastic, which makes it firm, yet soft and elastic. The ball is filled with air. The more air you inflate, the firmer, larger, and less elastic it becomes. You can choose from fitness balls in various sizes and weights. Typically, fitness balls have a diameter of 45 to 85 cm. Choose a ball so that your knees and hips are the same height when sitting on it. Generally, a 55 cm ball is suitable for people up to 1.65 meters tall. If you are between 1.65 and 1.85 meters tall, a ball with a diameter of 65 cm is best for you. If you are 1.85 meters tall or taller, a fitness ball with a diameter of 75 cm is best. Depending on the exercise you are doing, you can also decide to go for a larger or smaller ball.

In addition, these fitness balls generally have a weight capacity of 150, 300, and 500 kg. The most suitable ball depends not only on your body weight but also on the intensity of your workout. Are you going to be doing heavy, vigorous exercises and putting a lot of strain on the ball? Then choose a fitness ball with a higher weight capacity.

Softball

Softballs also come in different shapes and sizes. They range in diameter from 17 to 27 cm. A specific range is usually specified for the size of this mini ball, for example, 17 to 19 cm. The exact size depends on the manufacturing process and the amount of air in the ball. Miniballs are made of a soft material, allowing you to grip them with one hand and squeeze them securely between your legs. The most suitable size depends on your personal preference and the exercises you're doing. By choosing balls in different sizes, you create even more variety in your exercises.

How to use a pilates ball

A Pilates ball—both fitness balls and soft balls—is incredibly versatile. You can use it for Pilates, yoga, fitness exercises, strength training, and even at work. You use the ball to strengthen your muscles, improve posture, stabilize your spine, and enhance flexibility. In short, it helps you strengthen your body. Using a Pilates ball during your workout makes you feel resilient and strong. It also allows you to focus more effectively on an exercise.

You can do a variety of exercises with a Pilates ball, making it a versatile workout. You can rest your legs on it while doing a crunch, or lie on it with your back or stomach to relax your back muscles. While lying on your back, hold the ball with your legs and bring it to your hands, which you're holding in the air. Hold the ball and lower both your arms and legs to the floor. Bring the ball back to your legs, holding it steady again. This is a strength exercise that strengthens many muscle groups.

Do you sit a lot, for example, at work or while pursuing a hobby? Use the fitness ball as a kind of chair to strengthen your core and improve stability and balance. This ball is less stable than a chair, so your muscles have to constantly work hard to keep your body balanced. This primarily involves contracting the deep abdominal and back muscles, significantly strengthening them. By doing this regularly, you strengthen these muscles and improve your stability and balance. It has been used in rehabilitation for years.

How to use a soft ball

A soft ball is often used in Pilates, yoga, and strength training to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. You use the ball to perform certain exercises, to make them even more powerful, or for support. You can also train specific muscle groups with it. If you squat with both legs on the ground, your weight is distributed evenly across both legs. If you place your left foot on the ball while squatting, more weight is transferred to your right leg. This specifically trains your right leg and gluteal muscles. If you place the ball between your thighs while doing crunches, your leg and gluteal muscles are also stimulated during this abdominal exercise. You can also place the ball under your back, neck, or leg during exercises.

You can also use the mini ball while sitting. Inflate it less and then place it between your spine and the backrest. This prevents you from sitting with your back stiff against the backrest all the time. It keeps your spine more flexible and ensures that it takes longer for your back to feel stiff.

Buy Pilates ball

Looking to buy a Pilates ball? Then you've come to the right place at Yoga-Pilatesshop.nl. We have a wide range of fitness balls and soft balls. For example, try the SISSEL Soft Ball If you want to strengthen your spine and abdominal muscles, these fitness balls have a diameter of 22 or 26 cm, making them ideal for those goals. Exercises with this Pilates ball stimulate muscle building and can also promote deep relaxation. The balls are suitable for use with a maximum body weight of 155 kg.

In addition we have fitness balls With a weight capacity of 150, 300, and 500 kg. Each ball is available in diameters of 55, 65, and 75 cm. This allows you to choose the fitness ball that perfectly suits your body, exercises, and goals. We also have Soft Ball mini balls with a diameter of 18 and 23 cm. The pump We sell the ball pump, which allows you to easily inflate a Pilates ball, separately or included with the ball. Browse our selection and choose the Pilates ball that's right for you.