Top 3 Ways to Use the Pilates Ball in Your Barre Classes

The Pilates Ball has been a staple piece of equipment in the Barre world since day one and continues to be used daily due to it’s effectiveness. What makes this barre prop so special you ask? Because it’s a 2-for-1! I use the ball the most out of all the other pieces of equipment, and for good reason! This small ball can not only be used for modifications by providing lower back support and options for pre/postnatal clients, but it can also add in an extra dose of barre burn by creating instability and resistance. Let’s dive into the top three ways you can use the Pilates Ball!

1.) Warm-Up. Straight out of the gate, you can start utilizing the ball in your class! Incorporating it into your warm-up helps create a stronger mind-body connection, which not only wakes up the whole body, but also says “wake wakey!” to the brain! And depending on where you place the ball during the warm-up, it also can help keep proper form, ie place in-between the inner thighs during chair squats to ensure the knees stay inline with the hips.

2.) Mat Work. Grab your ball and join me on the mat! There are so many different ways to incorporate the small Pilates Ball during your mat work. If you are looking to add a little extra heat for your clients, using this prop under the feet in hip bridges or under one hand for push-ups provides instability. On the flip side, If you have a pre/postnatal client or a group that is working on core strength and lower back pain, you can place the ball behind the lower back for a great support option in seated core work.

3.) Barre Work. When working at the barre, adding the ball can be a fun (and challenging!) element! For pliés, squats and lunges, I love placing the ball underneath the heels. This particular placement shifts the weight distribution and adds instability, which really fires up the quads and glutes, To add instability for the upper body at the barre, try placing the ball either on top of or underneath the barre and hold onto it with one hand in a forward fold position. This will help activate the biceps, deltoids and back muscles. If you want to work on those adductors and abductors, place the ball between the inner thighs in parallel and squeeze in and release, great for resistance!

I refer to the small Pilates Ball as the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of barre props! That one small piece of equipment is so versatile and functional! And it’s not only challenging, but fun as well - it’s like playing on the playground! The next time you are looking for ways to incorporate the ball into your routines, I hope you take some of these ideas into consideration and I would love to hear down below in the comments some of your favorite ways to use the small Pilates Ball!

Ready to take your classes to the next level with fun and creative ways to use not only the ball, but gliders, resistance bands, weights and more?! Join me for our next Raising the Barre Workshop! Find out more here!

Hope to “see” you at the barre soon!

Cheers,

Heather McCreight