Innovative abdominal exercises to help tone the abdomen, improve posture, and build a strong back using the Swiss exercise ball. Offers a 10-minute and 20-minute workout for all levels of fitness. Shows how the mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles. Shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines limit how much abdominal muscles can be trained and also aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball. Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results. Abs on the Ball includes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.

A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly acclaimed fitness techniques: Pilates Method and the Swiss exercise ball.• Non-impact Pilates exercises on the ball can be adapted for all levels of ability, from fitness trainers and weekend athletes to those healing from injury or chronic back pain. • Shows how to practice Pilates techniques without expensive equipment.• Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs for maximal learning.The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a highly effective workout technique that strengthens the body while engaging the mind. Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body; builds long, lean muscles; and develops core abdominal strength. Many lifestyle and fitness magazines have named Pilates the hottest workout of the decade. In a first-of-its-kind fusion, Pilates on the Ball merges the principles and exercises of the highly effective Pilates Method of body conditioning with the unique functions of the exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to fine-tune body awareness and enhance physical performance. The ball magnifies the benefits of the carefully developed and refined Pilates Method. Because maintaining balance on the ball recruits the deep, stabilizing muscles of the spine, the postural muscles are strengthened. The ball intensifies athletic performance by increasing resistance and heightening awareness of how the body moves in space. Chapters detail the Pilates principles step by step, with successive movements to challenge all levels of ability and "watch points" for careful evaluation of your form. Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet accessible enough to use as an everyday exercise routine or to alleviate chronic pain, Pilates on the Ball builds strong bodies and engaged minds.

Una entrenadora certificada en Pilates, Collen Craig nos ofrece una síntesis única y emocionante del Método Pilates de acondicionamiento del cuerpo y el ejercicio con el balón suizo, proporcionado una manera nueva de bajo impacto, para estar en forma. Usando el balón de ejercicio, no hay necesidad de equipos caros o del tiempo en el estudio, que requiere el entrenamiento Pilates. Desarrollado a principios del siglo vigésimo por Joseph Pilates, consumado boxeador y gimnasta, el Método Pilates--llamada por muchas revistas de estilos de vida y acondicionamiento, como el ejercicio más popular de la década--alinea el cuerpo, construye músculos largos y delgados, y desarrolla un centro abdominal fuerte. El ejercicio con balón, usado por entrenadores olímpicos, bailarines, y atletas para aumentar el conocimiento del cuerpo y realzar la actuación, proporciona una base perfecta para realizar los movimientos Pilates, que son elegantes y constructores de fuerza. A través de todo su programa, Craig integra la mente y el cuerpo, ofreciendo técnicas de respiración y relajación, que acompañan al trabajo con balón. Las historias personales y las citas inspiradoras incluidas en el texto, ilustran cómo Pilates puede mejorar su estilo de vida. Una agenda de actividades, a la mano, hace posible seguir los pasos a sus sesiones de ejercicios y revisar su progreso individual. Y, lo más importante, instruciones detalladas paso a paso y más de 300 fotografías definen los principios Pilates y desafían a todos los niveles de habilidad. Suficientemente intenso para conquistar a atletas, pero tan suave para calmar el dolor crónico y ayudar a sanar lesiones, Pilates con Balón construye, de una manera innovadora, cuerpos fuertes y flexibles y mentes saludables. COLLEEN CRAIG es una entrenadora certificada en Pilates y una escritora. Vive en Toronto y enseña sus métodos en talleres alrededor del mundo.

A unique series of Pilates strength-building exercises using the Swiss exercise ball, resistance bands, and weights• From the bestselling author of Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball• Features specialized strength-training workouts for readers of all ages and fitness levels• Chapters include check points to help readers set realistic goals and tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachersIn Strength Training on the Ball Colleen Craig shows readers of all fitness levels how to build strong bones, improve balance, and reduce body fat while toning and defining the body. Combining the unique functions of the exercise ball with the endurance- and flexibility-building benefits of strength training, Craig presents 75 ball exercises using weights, resistance bands, and the body''s own resistance. Her exercise variations make strength training safe for beginners, children, teenagers, and seniors and challenging enough for the seasoned athlete.Strength Training on the Ball is modeled after Craig''s groundbreaking and bestselling works Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball. It contains step-by-step photographs for each of the exercises, check points to help readers set realistic yet motivating goals, and teaching tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachers. The book concludes with three specialized strength workouts: a therapeutic workout for those recovering from injuries, a basic workout for absolute beginners, and a challenging workout for athletes and gym enthusiasts.

For thirteen-year-old Kim, travel to South Africa with her journalist mother will mark the end of her childhood and the beginning of a remarkable journey. Expecting nothing more than three months in her mother’s homeland, Kim comes to terms with the country’s diverse and often shocking history. The Truth and Reconciliation Hearings in post-apartheid South Africa open her eyes to the tragedy and brutality of its segregationist policies. Kim’s first meeting with her relatives, her contact with schoolmates and cousins, bring her face-to-face with the realization that she is not as removed from this powerful story as she thought. As her mother struggles with her past, Kim becomes more and more determined to unlock the secret that has always kept her from knowing her father. Helped by the young son of a long-time family servant, whose own father was a casualty of Apartheid history, Kim eventually unlocks her mystery and brings her mother and herself to their own truth and reconciliation. Layered and complex, this is a novel that raises questions and challenges beliefs.From the Trade Paperback edition.

The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball. Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and ""ab"" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results. Abs on the Ballincludes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.

Innovative abdominal exercises to help tone the abdomen, improve posture, and build a strong back using the Swiss exercise ball. Offers a 10-minute and 20-minute workout for all levels of fitness. Shows how the mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles. Shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines limit how much abdominal muscles can be trained and also aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball. Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results. Abs on the Ball includes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.

A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly acclaimed fitness techniques: Pilates Method and the Swiss exercise ball.• Non-impact Pilates exercises on the ball can be adapted for all levels of ability, from fitness trainers and weekend athletes to those healing from injury or chronic back pain. • Shows how to practice Pilates techniques without expensive equipment.• Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs for maximal learning.The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a highly effective workout technique that strengthens the body while engaging the mind. Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body; builds long, lean muscles; and develops core abdominal strength. Many lifestyle and fitness magazines have named Pilates the hottest workout of the decade. In a first-of-its-kind fusion, Pilates on the Ball merges the principles and exercises of the highly effective Pilates Method of body conditioning with the unique functions of the exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to fine-tune body awareness and enhance physical performance. The ball magnifies the benefits of the carefully developed and refined Pilates Method. Because maintaining balance on the ball recruits the deep, stabilizing muscles of the spine, the postural muscles are strengthened. The ball intensifies athletic performance by increasing resistance and heightening awareness of how the body moves in space. Chapters detail the Pilates principles step by step, with successive movements to challenge all levels of ability and "watch points" for careful evaluation of your form. Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet accessible enough to use as an everyday exercise routine or to alleviate chronic pain, Pilates on the Ball builds strong bodies and engaged minds.

Una entrenadora certificada en Pilates, Collen Craig nos ofrece una síntesis única y emocionante del Método Pilates de acondicionamiento del cuerpo y el ejercicio con el balón suizo, proporcionado una manera nueva de bajo impacto, para estar en forma. Usando el balón de ejercicio, no hay necesidad de equipos caros o del tiempo en el estudio, que requiere el entrenamiento Pilates. Desarrollado a principios del siglo vigésimo por Joseph Pilates, consumado boxeador y gimnasta, el Método Pilates--llamada por muchas revistas de estilos de vida y acondicionamiento, como el ejercicio más popular de la década--alinea el cuerpo, construye músculos largos y delgados, y desarrolla un centro abdominal fuerte. El ejercicio con balón, usado por entrenadores olímpicos, bailarines, y atletas para aumentar el conocimiento del cuerpo y realzar la actuación, proporciona una base perfecta para realizar los movimientos Pilates, que son elegantes y constructores de fuerza. A través de todo su programa, Craig integra la mente y el cuerpo, ofreciendo técnicas de respiración y relajación, que acompañan al trabajo con balón. Las historias personales y las citas inspiradoras incluidas en el texto, ilustran cómo Pilates puede mejorar su estilo de vida. Una agenda de actividades, a la mano, hace posible seguir los pasos a sus sesiones de ejercicios y revisar su progreso individual. Y, lo más importante, instruciones detalladas paso a paso y más de 300 fotografías definen los principios Pilates y desafían a todos los niveles de habilidad. Suficientemente intenso para conquistar a atletas, pero tan suave para calmar el dolor crónico y ayudar a sanar lesiones, Pilates con Balón construye, de una manera innovadora, cuerpos fuertes y flexibles y mentes saludables. COLLEEN CRAIG es una entrenadora certificada en Pilates y una escritora. Vive en Toronto y enseña sus métodos en talleres alrededor del mundo.

A unique series of Pilates strength-building exercises using the Swiss exercise ball, resistance bands, and weights• From the bestselling author of Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball• Features specialized strength-training workouts for readers of all ages and fitness levels• Chapters include check points to help readers set realistic goals and tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachersIn Strength Training on the Ball Colleen Craig shows readers of all fitness levels how to build strong bones, improve balance, and reduce body fat while toning and defining the body. Combining the unique functions of the exercise ball with the endurance- and flexibility-building benefits of strength training, Craig presents 75 ball exercises using weights, resistance bands, and the body''s own resistance. Her exercise variations make strength training safe for beginners, children, teenagers, and seniors and challenging enough for the seasoned athlete.Strength Training on the Ball is modeled after Craig''s groundbreaking and bestselling works Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball. It contains step-by-step photographs for each of the exercises, check points to help readers set realistic yet motivating goals, and teaching tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachers. The book concludes with three specialized strength workouts: a therapeutic workout for those recovering from injuries, a basic workout for absolute beginners, and a challenging workout for athletes and gym enthusiasts.

For thirteen-year-old Kim, travel to South Africa with her journalist mother will mark the end of her childhood and the beginning of a remarkable journey. Expecting nothing more than three months in her mother’s homeland, Kim comes to terms with the country’s diverse and often shocking history. The Truth and Reconciliation Hearings in post-apartheid South Africa open her eyes to the tragedy and brutality of its segregationist policies. Kim’s first meeting with her relatives, her contact with schoolmates and cousins, bring her face-to-face with the realization that she is not as removed from this powerful story as she thought. As her mother struggles with her past, Kim becomes more and more determined to unlock the secret that has always kept her from knowing her father. Helped by the young son of a long-time family servant, whose own father was a casualty of Apartheid history, Kim eventually unlocks her mystery and brings her mother and herself to their own truth and reconciliation. Layered and complex, this is a novel that raises questions and challenges beliefs.From the Trade Paperback edition.

The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball. Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and ""ab"" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results. Abs on the Ballincludes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.