The pilates balls or fitballs They are an excellent accessory to reinforce the exercise we are doing, since they make us work, through balance, muscles that we would not work without these balls.
Next we want to tell you all about fitballs and pilates balls: their differences and which one is better for each situation.
Differences between Fitball and Pilates ball
Aesthetically both balls may look exactly the same, but there are some clear differences that we must know how to recognize. These differences are mainly due to the use we make of them:
1
Hardness: Fitballs will always be harder than Pilates balls.
2
Stretch marks: Pilates balls are smoother than fitballs, which have more grooves on their surface.
3
Thickness: The layer of the fitballs is thicker compared to the pilates balls.
4
Shape: The shape is the same in both, but when applying force on them, the pilates ball will deform more easily than the fitball.
Which is best for each situation?
As we have said before, in sight, fitball and pilates balls are very similar, that is why their main differences are in the use what we make of them.
Next we want to show you some of the applications of these tools so that you can see which one you should use in each case.
- Pilates: Pilates is a sport in which you need to work a lot on balance, that is why it is essential to use the pilates ball. By working with this destabilizing element you will have much more practice when it comes to being able to endure long periods of time doing the static figures proposed by Pilates.
- Muscle exercises: In gyms the use of fitballs to perform the exercises. Doing crunches on the floor is not the same as doing crunches on this ball where you constantly have to hold your balance. Bosu is also used many times: it consists of a half fitball that, thanks to its base, can remain fixed on the ground.
- Childbirth preparation classes: In this case we will use the pilates ball, since being softer and more moldable it will help you to strengthen the pelvic floor without hurting you.
- As a work chair: It has been recognized that the best work chair are the fitballs, since they force you to keep your back straight at all times and adapt perfectly to your height. Being a little stiffer than Pilates balls you will have greater stability to be able to work comfortably. You can regulate the air with which the fans to find the right hardness.
Now you know the differences between fitballs and pilates balls and you know which one is best for each situation. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your coach or doctor to find out which one would be the best for you. Remember that they come in all sizes so you can use them for your physical and mental benefits.
Bibliography
Moreno, LM (2002). The Fitball, a different and fun way to improve our health. Education and the future: journal of applied research and educational experiences, (6), 1.
Isacowitz, R. (2019). Complete manual of the Pilates method. Paidotribo.
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