Some yoga postures look like you are dancing. Some are just very hard to hold unless you have a partner to lean against. Although not an essential or original piece of yoga equipment, many enjoy their yoga moves more with a ball. The idea of using a large rubber ball in yoga most likely was borrowed from Pilates, another popular system of exercise. They are gaining in popularity among yoga enthusiasts to help ad a new twist to their usual yoga moves.
They are easy to find in sporting goods, health or specialty yoga supply shops. Sometimes they are even in large department chain stores. They are sold under a variety of names though, including Swiss ball, exercise ball, Pilates ball, fitness ball, balance ball and (my favorite name) therapy ball.
Yoga balls, or whatever you call them, come in a wide variety of colors and prices. They average about $30. It is recommended you also by an air pump, as yoga balls are often sold deflated. Many are now touted as "burst resistant" and can support up to 600 pounds. Some yoga balls come with DVDs or videos to help you figure out proper yoga moves. But many people take theirs to yoga class. Some even get to like their yoga balls so much they sit on them instead of chairs!
Choosing Your Yoga Ball
Be sure to check with your doctor that you are healthy enough to perform yoga moves with a yoga ball. If you're in the all-clear, then it's time to do some shopping.
First off, know how tall you are. You want your hips to be level with your knees when you sit on it. They tend to come in three sizes for adults, 55cm (for those 4'11'' - 5'4"), 65cm (for those 5'5" - 5'11") and 75cm (6' - 6'7"). There are yoga balls for kids available.
If you get a deflated yoga ball, try not to over inflate it. With practice, you'll be able to know how full it needs to be. You still want some give in the ball. If it's too rigid, you won't be able to do yoga moves or much of anything else with it.
They are easy to find in sporting goods, health or specialty yoga supply shops and online sites. Sometimes they are even in large department chain stores. They are sold under a variety of names though, including Swiss ball, exercise ball, Pilates ball, fitness ball, balance ball and (my favorite name) therapy ball.
Yoga balls won't be the answer to all of your yoga needs, but they can help make your yoga moves more fun. Some even claim after using their yoga balls, they feel like they've had a massage. And, if all else fails, you can always bean your yoga instructor on the head with one.
