Yesterday I went on a shopping spree at Amazon.com. I figured it was time for some inspiration. Here's what I couldn't live without:
Caroline Creager's The Intrinsic Core looked intriguing. I love the Overballs and often teach with them or the Pilates miniballs which are very similar. Everyone loves the child-like appeal of playing with balls as they work out! They are somehow very comforting as well.
"Any prop that
stimulates the tactile, vestibular and proprioception systems are sensory in
nature and contribute to how our bodies receive and process new information.
Therefore they can help older adults who have difficulties with bilateral motor
coordination, sequencing, balance, posture tonicity, and spatial orientation.
When you use sensory props during your mat exercises, your clients will end
up feeling more relaxed and gain core strength and flexibility. "-Kimberly Dye, MS, ADTR,
I don't think it should be limited to older adults only though! The squishy surface provides both support and a challenge to balance reflexes and is often used in core training to work on stimulating deep stabilizing muscles for all ages. I can't wait to read what Caroline Creager has to say on this subject.
I also bought Eric Franklin's Franklin Method Ball and Imagery Exercises for Relaxed and Flexible Shoulders, Neck and Thorax. I own a couple of his little green balls but his props are not available in Canada as far as I can tell. I wanted to order his new mini roll but alas, the cost of shipping from the US is too high.
