Some call it the “disease of modern times”: stress is nothing more and nothing less than the result of something new or unexpected that, in some way, is beyond our control.
On this Stress Awareness Day, observed on November 1, it is vital to highlight the current state of this problem and how physical exercise helps minimize the effects of stress on the human body.
If you’re a fitness professional, you know full well that accumulated stress can have far-reaching consequences, affecting well-being and often undermining commitment and interest in physical exercise. In situations of accumulated stress, the challenge grows, and capturing people’s interest becomes even more difficult.
HOW CAN YOU BE AN “ACTIVE VOICE”?
When we are overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, the focus we once had eventually fades away, and motivation is quickly lost. That’s why it’s never been more important to center your communication on promoting messages that are motivating, empathetic, and tailored to each person’s needs and personality. And remember: what works for some may not work for others!
When the focus is on promoting and encouraging regular physical exercise, we must set an example for those we communicate with, demonstrating a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and serving as an inspiration to those we wish to impact.
It is well known that physical activity, on its own, is an excellent choice for those who want to combat stress. The release of endorphins triggered by physical exercise can help not only improve mood but also minimize the effects of stress on the body and mind. A good example that illustrates this reality well is the practice of Yoga and Pilates
YOGA AND PILATES
The combination of relaxation techniques, body awareness, flexibility, balance, and breathing makes yoga and Pilates activities recommended by various experts to relieve muscle tension, which is often caused by accumulated stress.
In addition to the regular practice of these activities, the self-awareness you gain is also very important. Body awareness helps people understand how stress manifests in their bodies and will help them develop effective strategies to reduce it. While in Yoga, the focus on breathing is essential for better posture and meditation, in Pilates, body awareness is central to performing the exercises and strengthening the core.
There are several ways to complement your Yoga and Pilates workouts by adding accessories, such as the Pilates Ball.
THE PILATES BALL
Incorporating the Pilates Ball into your activities provides a more comprehensive experience, helping to improve strength, flexibility, stability, and mental well-being, thereby reducing stress.
The versatility of this tool is one of its greatest assets, leading instructors to include it in Yoga and Pilates workouts. From core strengthening to flexibility and mobility exercises, the Pilates Ball is characterized by its instability, requiring constant focus on balance, stability, and posture.
What exercises can and should you include with the Pilates Ball?
- Child’s Pose:
This yoga exercise is generally considered one of the gentlest poses, promoting relaxation and stress relief while stretching the spine and relieving tension in the back. Using the Pilates Ball as a support can help make the pose more comfortable and effective, relieving tension and promoting proper alignment, which reduces fatigue and exhaustion.
- Stretching:
Stretches are, in themselves, exercises that relax muscles and tendons, allowing athletes to synchronize their breathing with their movements and gain body awareness. By using a Pilates ball, athletes have begun to achieve deeper stretches, improving the flexibility of muscles and joints. Deeper stretches allow for greater relaxation, releasing physical and mental tension.
- Lumbar Rolls:
Lumbar rolls in Pilates help stretch the spine, improving mobility and strengthening the abdominal muscles, contributing to improved posture and relief from back tension. Using a Pilates ball enhances these effects and strengthens the core by activating the central muscles.
- Lower Back:
The Bridge exercise in Pilates, on its own, will strengthen the core muscles, the glutes, and the lower back. By using the Pilates Ball, you’ll be helping your athletes improve their stability and balance. This point is especially important because improving balance increases the sense of control and security in the body. Additionally, the Bridge exercise with the Pilates Ball strengthens the muscles, thereby relieving tension in the back.
Incorporating the Pilates Ball into your training programs will help the participants under your guidance stay more focused on results while finding an escape from daily stress through physical exercise.
At BOOMFIT, you can find Pilates balls in 55cm, 65cm, and 75cm diameters, all of which can be adapted to your specific goals while meeting the needs of even the most demanding trainers.
If you have any questions, our team is ready to help you choose the right Pilates ball.
Happy training!
