Balance on the Ball [Paperback]

Elisabeth Crawford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001

Balance on the Ball combines the smooth, controlled movements of Pilates with the instability of a ball to provide a fun, challenging workout for people at all levels of fitness. Black-and-white photographs clearly illustrate over 100 exercises, focusing on core stabilization, muscle tone, and flexibility. Each exercise provides helpful tips for maintaining optimal form and alignment, modifications or advanced variations, and a list of muscle groups used. As the first book to integrate stability ball training with the Pilates method, Balance on the Ball explains how the principles of Pilates—breathing, concentration, centering, precision, control, movement flow and rhythm—are integral to exercising on the ball. The author emphasizes correct alignment and the quality of movement rather than the number of repetitions or speed at which they are performed. These essential concepts may be incorporated into the rest of your fitness routine, as well as into your daily life, for a greater sense of harmony and balance.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Key benefits of training on the Ball:

o Muscle tone/definition
o Core strength
o Flexibility
o Posture
o Balance
o Coordination
o Body awareness

“The GymnastikBall® is a natural progression of the Pilates method. I have found both techniques highly effective...”
Dr. Ward G. Gypson, M.D.
Director of Alternative Medicine Services,
Dept. of Orthopedics, UCSF Medical Center

“Balance on the Ball addresses the needs of both the personal trainer and the average individual…Highly recommended!”
Jill Kinney
CEO of Club One

“Elisabeth beautifully communicates the concept of core strength and balance, allowing people with any level of experience to understand...”
Kelley Rajala
Rajala Rehab Products

“An excellent core muscle workout for building strength, coordination and balance…easy to do at home.”
Martha McClaren
Physical Therapist

About the Author

Formerly a professional dancer, Elisabeth Crawford has been a Pilates instructor in San Francisco since 1995. She holds a B.F.A. in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Equilibrio (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970371608
• ISBN-13: 978-0970371607
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,438,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, December 23, 2002

By 

Brooke (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Balance on the Ball (Paperback)

This book is great for working out on your own with the ball. It gives very clear directions, and even lets you know what muscle groups you are targeting so that you can really focus on getting the most out of each exercise. This is the best ball book that I have bought (I also have Pilates on the Ball, which is good but this one is better).

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balance on the Ball, December 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Balance on the Ball (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book for those who are already doing some exercise ball work or who are wanting to get started! Doesn't waste time telling you WHY you should etc., but has necessary background for fully utilizing exercises presented. Gives you great demonstration pictures, variations, tips, what major muscle groups benefit, and then groups exercises for you to fit in with what you want to accomplish. Good for beginners to instructors!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book helped me get a great body!, September 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Balance on the Ball (Paperback)

I've been working out quite a lot and have been slow to achieve results. when i started using this book I sort of gave up the dieting and the workouts and had this "what the hell, I'll just try it out" sort of attitude. Well, I have to say that my figure has gotten much much better with these exercises. I found it really easy to understand the exercises and I can do them in front of the TV at times as well. This is a great book! I highly recommend it!