Therapeutic Stability Ball Exercises

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Therapeutic Stability Ball Exercises

Exercising with Therapeutic Stability Balls provides tremendous benefits for the musculo-skeletal system of the body. the key benefits are abdominal strengthening, proper posture and allignment,  core stability, muscle strength and endurance, and stretching.  Therapeutic stability balls can be used as both exercise or as a “chair” of sorts to assure proper posture during the workday.  Below is an article by Boston-based Fitness “Trainer Mike” Medeiros, in which he elaborates about therapeutic stability ball Exercises.  Links for therapeutic stability balls, book and dvd and online video have been inserted.

The Benefits of Using Stability Ball Exercises

 REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION & WRITTEN BY TRAINERMIKE

Today’s fitness world there are many pieces of equipment that can be used to help you reach your health and fitness goals. It seems there is a new piece of equipment coming out weekly that will “guarantee” results. If you want a tried and true piece of equipment that has shown to get results, then look no further than the stability ball. Performing stability ball exercises may be what you are missing!

stability ball exercises

What Is a Stability Ball?

This simple large inflatable ball is considered a piece of exercise equipment because you can do just about everything on it. This heavy-duty ball is capable of holding several hundred pounds of weight. The stability ball is comfortable and it provides good support. It is a great tool for trainers as stability ball exercises go with the structure of a clients body.

The stability ball is also known as a Swiss Ball or a physioball.

A great thing about the stability ball is that anyone at any fitness level can use it. And since it is so versatile, the methods listed at NeuropathyCure.org which are of great help for pain alleviation, can also be implemented. The stability ball can be used anywhere and it is easy to bring along when traveling. If you compare the price to other exercise equipment and the types of stability ball exercises that can be performed, it is truly the winner.

The Origin of the Stability Ball

The origin of the stability ball stems from the use in rehabilitation. In the early 1900′s physical therapists used stability balls to address many neurological disorders in their patients.

In the 1960′s an Italian toymaker named Aquilino Cosani, started making and selling the ball. It was known as the ‘Gymnastik’. Cosani started the company called Gymnic and quickly became the major supplier to most rehab centers and programs.

It wasn’t until the 90′s that the stability ball made it to the athletic area as it was used to improve the muscle condition of pro athletes. Stability ball exercises then started to make there way into the fitness world. Presently, fitness professionals and medical specialists will recommend using the stability ball because of the benefits that can be achieved by all.

Shop for Therapy & Stability Balls

The Benefits of Using a Stability Ball

The improvement in strength in the lower back and abs are one of the greatest assets of stability ball exercises. Also, there is a major improvement in functional strength, flexibility and balance of the body and can even help with weight loss.

I have some videos of stability ball exercises at the bottom of the post.

1. Better Abs
Great abs is something that is wanted by the majority of people who exercise. Using the ball will target the abdominal region as the core is activated to balance yourself on the ball. b The need to use the core to balance also will make any ab exercise more challenging.

2. Proper Alignment
Having proper balance during training on the ball will use different parts of the body to achieve this. Improving the natural motor reflexes during exercise with dynamic movements occur as many muscles are used. Maintaining balance is one of the biggest challenges using the ball and to do this many muscles that are not usually used are activated. The alignment of the body is improved as you train to get proper balance on the ball.

3. Core Stability

Stability ball exercises help support and stabilize all body movements. The major muscles of the back and abdominals are all exercised when using stability ball exercises. Using the stability ball will work these core muscles which can improve many aspects of everyday life.

4. Muscle Strength and Muscle Endurance
Stability ball exercises can be used to strengthen the muscles of the back which may help prevent any back problems. Also, when using the ball, all the major muscles can be exercised to improve muscle strength and endurance which will give the body better flexibility and stability.

5. Weight Loss
Performing stability ball exercises may help with weight loss as many muscle groups are being used. For example, a dumbbell press on a ball uses many more muscles than you would if you did it on a bench. Your core has to be activated while doing the press on the ball compared to laying on a flat bench in which there is no need for balance.

6. Stretching
The stability ball isn’t usually thought of when stretching but it can be a great tool to assist in stretching exercises. Using the ball to stretch can make it more effective as it will contour to the body.

Stability ball exercise videos here: Stability Ball Exercises

Conclusion

Including the stability ball into your exercise routine is one of the most effective pieces of equipment you can use. The benefits of stability ball exercises can assure you better functional strength, flexibility and balance of the body.

Thera-Band Exercise Balls – SDS Anti-Burst Exercise Balls

Shop for all Therapy & Stability Balls

Ultimate Core Ball Workout: Strengthening and Sculpting Exercises with Over 200 Step-by-Step Photos

I Bought the Ball, Now What? DVD

“Happy Cow” Animal Ingredients to Avoid

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“Happy Cow” Animal Ingredients to Avoid

Happy Cow is a website that serves as a guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and natural health food stores.  Happy Cow also provides great information regarding vegetarian and vegan nutrition and recipes.

Vegans and vegetarians alike are often unaware that products they like may contain animal ingredients and/or by-products of animals such as the ones contained in the following list.  Those following vegan and vegetarian diets would want to avoid eating animal ingredients.  This list is handy to keep with you when you’re going grocery shopping. Animal ingredients are often called by their obscure technical names. So here is a list helpful list to fold up and keep in your wallet or purse.  *Ingredients listed in an asterisk are ones that sometimes come from plants or have synthetic alternatives.  We have been informed that some of the compounds listed below, while could be obtained from animal products, haven’t been obtained from animals for many years due to the fact that they are readily industrially synthesized and cheaper to get than to go through the process of obtaining them from animal products.

Happy Cow Animal Ingredients-to-Avoid       Animal Ingredient List A – Z

Massage/Manual Therapy Research Information

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Massage/Manual Therapy Research Information

Massage Therapy Research Information

US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health:

 Wall Street Journal

Australian Association of Massage Therapists

Society for Oncology Massage

Myofascial Release Research

 

 

Total Health Massage Fx

Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole

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Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole

Your Guide to Optimal Health

Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole; is an easy to read book that compiles the essential nutrition and health information you need to obtain optimal health. With fun, short chapters and bold take home messages, it is perfect for people who want to solidify their current nutrition and health knowledge base as well as for those to whom you want to gently introduce a truly healthy diet and lifestyle. Take advantage of this amazing and affordable opportunity to optimize your health and finally overcome the obstacles that have been standing in the way of your success.

The China Study

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The China Study

Purchase The China Study on Amazon
 
 The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the
Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health 
 

The China Study (click to see 7 page Summary) is the definitive work by   that scientifically shows research supporting the plant-based vegan diet in its unique role of minimizing and reversing the occurence of chronic disease, correlating the cause to cholesterol derived from animal protein. Read his own Validation of Research. To see better results when you are on a dietary journal there are supplements that can be use along with exercise and healthy food and for that you can search for alpilean reviews to see results from customers who have used the product. Total Health Fx has been an active proponent of the vegan diet for many years, recommending to our clients for prevention, remedy, and wellness.

“This exhaustive presentation of the findings from the China Study conclusively demonstrates the link between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Referred to as the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by The New York Times, this study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in 65 counties, representing 2,500 counties across rural China and Taiwan. While revealing that proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and reversing these ailments as well as obesity, this text calls into question the practices of many of the current dietary programs, such as the Atkins diet, that enjoy widespread popularity in the West. The impact of the politics of nutrition and the efforts of special interest groups on the creation and dissemination of public information on nutrition are also discussed.”  Total Health Fx recommends reading the full, documented review of The China Study on Wikipedia.

Vegetarian Starter Kit by Vegetarian Times

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Vegetarian Starter Kit by Vegetarian Times

Here’s a step-by-step guide to learn how to become a vegetarian.  The vegetarian diet is good for your body’s health, good for your soul, and good for the planet.  One can start being a vegetarian simply, cost-effectively and healthfully.  As you gain experience being a vegetarian, you will learn how to be really creative and have fun with preparations of this plant-based diet. Read more…

Testimonials & Recommendations For Joe Fox, Licensed Massage Therapist, Total Health Massage

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Testimonials & Recommendations For

Joe Fox, Total Health Manual Therapy Master Practitioner

Here are a few Testimonials and Recommendations I have received over the years, originally published in various social media sites.  These are from some of the many regular clients I have had over the last 45 years and a couple from fellow therapists  and health professionals with whom I have worked. It is a pleasure to be able to be helpful with the skills I have been given.

Reviews from 2 long-time colleagues John Chitty “Excellent intelligence and integrity” and Frank Weller “Day in and day out, from ’79 to ’86, I worked closely with Joe.  I say this from my heart…..Joe is a highly skilled professional. He works hard, and he knows what he is doing.”

Gina Lapetina Vancil gave me an awesome review, 9/9/13: “I would highly recommend Joe, 5 out of 5. He was amazing and very knowledgeable when it comes to the human body. The treatment I had with Joe was very helpful to my back and neck. I seemed to have a lot of tension that was released during our session. I’ve been suffering with margin headaches for over 20 years. The treatment I had helped with my pain and allow me to drive from Murrieta Ca. to Denver Co. pain free. I recommend Joe and his treatment plans for anyone with pain, especially in the back and neck areas. It helped with my discomfort immensely. Thank you Joe you were a life saver!”

A review by Fred M Foster on Stik.com: ” I was introduced to Joe after the Human Race in Los Angeles, a 5/10K run where he was offering chair massages for the participants. Joe has been my regular massage therapist for over 20 yrs after that introduction. His massage approach is both invigorating and relaxing. His style is personally tailored and friendly. With 5 being the highest rating, I give him “5”!”

“”For several months, I was experience severe pain in my right shoulder and was beginning to believe I had a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder. It was causing discomfort when I slept, interfered with my daily exercises and overall, limited my movements during the entire day.
I have been getting massages from Total Health now for almost 1 year and as I explained my symptoms to Joe, he directly focused on my shoulder as he listened and understood my pain.
It has almost been a 5 weeks now and since Joe worked on my right shoulder with his techniques, I have been able to regain my mobility, exercise at full strength again, sleep better at night and all of the things I love to do PAIN FREE!
And to this day, I still have have NO PAIN.
If you are in pain, call Joe and share with him what your symptoms. He will fix you right up. Thanks Joe!! See you soon.”

Chris Williams 5 STAR Direct Marketing Consultant
www.5stardm.com” December 1, 2011

Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, On Time, hired Joe for Massage Therapy in 2010,and hired Joe more than once______________________________________

“Joe takes a personal interest in making sure each client receives what they need. He is specific in attending to each client’s areas of concern when conducting therapeutic massage. In turn, Joe takes the entire individual into account as he considers your total health in regard to diet, lifestyle and body type. Joe lives by what he teaches. . .I have experienced this first hand for the past two years. Joe is the consummate professional in his field. I give my highest recommendation to Joe Fox and Total Health.

-Eric Tomlinson, Real Estate Consultant, ”September 2, 2011

Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, Creative

hired Joe for Therapeutic Massage in 2009, and hired Joe more than once____________

“I have worked with Joe for years, he is tops!” June 6, 2011

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

Richard Maire, Attorney, hired Joe as a Massage Therapy in 1987, and hired Joe more than once___

“Joe has been keeping me going, raising grandkids, having a business and keeping house and church activities tend to be hard on my body and he knows how to get the knots out and get the energy moving so that I can be a positive contributor to life. Thanks Joe” May 19, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value

Pam Santi, Santi’s Fountains, Riverside CA, hired Joe as a Massage therapist in 2002, and hired Joe more than once

“If you ever experience pain in the back, sciatic, neck etc….Joe is hard working with the best intentions and sincerely strives to improve your health by minimizing the effects of stress and literally “working out the kinks”.
He’s experienced, knowledgeable and goes out of his way to keep in touch and help you address the issues of pain and discomfort that prevent you from performing at your best.
And…he’s just a good guy.
Call him!” May 19, 2011,

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

George Rogers, hired Joe as a Massage Therapist in 2003, and hired Joe more than once

“Joe provided massage therapy for me in my home for several years. He is an excellent therapist, always accomodated my schedule and was very professional in every way. ” May 18, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Tom Sepko, Retired, hired Joe as a massage therapist in 1997, and hired Joe more than once____

“I highly recommend Joe Fox for his massage therapy.He always takes the stress away with his massaging skills” July 26, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value

David Condon, hired Joe for massage therapy in 1996, and hired Joe more than once___

“As a decades long personal friend and colleague of Joe and Kathi, I can attest to their keen interest in choosing health life styles and conscious living practices.” August 6, 2009

Larry Johnson, Owner, Mountain Valley Foods, Kalispell MT
worked directly with Joe at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, Polarity Health Institute______

“I have known Joe and Kathi for close to 30 years and they are wonderful people. They exude honesty, are trustworthy, sincerely care about people and want to do whatever they can to be of help. They are loyal and will go that extra mile to give you all that they’ve got to give. ” June 26, 2009

Dr Ted Edwards DC,  Edmonds Chiropractic Allergy Clinic, Edmonds WA
worked with Joe at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, Polarity Health Institute__________

Joe is an excellent practitioner with deep understanding of the physical and energetic body. His vast knowledge allows his intuition to guide his hand to a full body healing experience. Susan D., L.Ac.

As a Massage Therapist I have been taught many things in many classes.  I have learned the most from the dear clients that I work with over time.

How To Keep Totally Healthy in the Holidays

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How To Keep Totally Healthy in the Holidays

During the Holiday Season it is so easy to forget our good health habits and dive  into the needs and activities of the Holidays.  Although it is the loveliest time of the year, many times we are so caught up in the timing of our preparations that we forget to enjoy the preparations themselves.  Here’s a few basic skills to keep ourselves totally healthy in the holidays:

  • Keep Steady, with a Healthy Diet, plenty of Water, Exercise, & Sleep
  • Minimize Intake of Sweets, Alcohol, Heavy Foods
  • Stress Less, Think of Others More
  • Go Slow, Give Time for Yourself
  • Take Extra Vitamin C and Antioxidants
  • If Eating Big, take a Digestive Enzyme & ProBiotics
  • Eat Slowly
  • Remember Your Reason for the Season & Enjoy
When we remember to take care of ourselves at the busiest times of the year, we will keep totally healthy in the holidays, and enjoy the Holidays even more!

Happy Holidays to One and All!

Joe & Kathi Fox, Total Health Fx

Totally Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

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Totally Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

With the Holidays approaching so fast, sometimes we feel choosing gifts for our special loved ones can  be quite the experience, we wonder if the gift is as special as they are, or what can I possibly get for them that would be just right in filling a soulful need?

Total Health Fx has assembled an ensemble of gifts that fill such a need, that can really help with how we live our lives or overcome what impedes our health.  The 20 stores of our Totally Healthy Goods Online Mall  literally have tens of 1000’s of healthful gift ideas.  To make it easier we have narrowed it down to about 100 helpful suggestions, each one a “Fox-Fix,”  in the following categories:

  • Specialty Organic Foods
  • Appliances for Kitchen Countertop
  • Water Ionizers for the Bath
  • Tools for Self-Body Care
  • Exercise Equipment
  • Spine Support Mattresses & Pillows
  • Skin Care, Soaps, Lotions
  • AromaTherapy
  • Health Books
  • Herbal Teas
  • Sleep Enhancement Remedies
  • Joint & Arthritis Remedies
  • Weight Loss
  • Headache & Migraine Treatments
  • Dry Skin, Scar, Acne, Wrinkle Repair
  • Green Home Cleaning Solutions
  • Whole House & Drinking Water Filters
  • Body Care Oils

And Lots More…

Just head on over to the Totally Healthy Goods Online Mall see what suggestions we have featured for each store and check out the rest of their catalog for ideas that inspire you.  We’re sure you will find something just right to make your loved one feel special inside right up to their soul and down to their bones ! 

Also for the Soul and The Bones…

Total Health Body Care Gift Certificates

A “Fox-Fix” For Relief of Pain & Stress & Alleviate Illness

To request a Total Health Body Care appointment or gift certificate
Please Call 951-418-1820

contact@totalhealthfx.com

Available SoCal only

Your Holiday Meals: Eat Big, Eat Healthy, Eat Comfortable

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As we get into the Holiday Season, we all want to be Eatin’ Big, that’s a given, to fulfill ourselves up with the Joys of the Season. Our families and friends gather ’round and bring out the all the Holiday fare, dishes perfected over the years and a few new ones. We can’t help ourselves, there’s just so much to eat. Maybe I am just projecting, or is this you too? Can’t wait to dig in!

You’d expect Total Health Fx to talk about Eatin’ Healthy. So whether you are a Vegan of many years or a consumer of Traditional Holiday Fare, here are some menu items to add to your Buffet, perhaps even as side-dishes.  Get Healthfully Creative – See what you can prepare without dairy or eggs, using non-sugar sweeteners! The names are suggestive, and definitely not stodgy, try to make a few!

Totally Healthy Fun Holiday Menu

Entrees – Tofurkey with Cashew Gravy, Pecan Loaf with Yeast Gravy, Homemade Seitan (“wheat meat”) with Mushroom Gravy,

  Tofurkey Veggie Roast    Seitan & Veggies

Fresh Green       Celery & Carrot Sticks with Olive Cream Cheese Ball, Cranberry Chutney, Waldorff Salad with Ginger Mayo, Spinach Yogurt Dip in Bread Bowl,

Beautiful Mixed Veggie Salad     Spinach Dip Bread Bowl

Veggies Deluxe       Butternut Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice Bread Dressing, Orange Yam Cups, Asparagus with Cheese Sauce, Green Peas with Pearled Onions,

Mixed Roast or Steamed Veggies     Stuffed Acorn or Butternut Squash

Heavenly Desserts – Pumpkin Pie with Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Whipped Cream, Persimmon Pudding with Lemon Sauce, Mock Mince Pie with Apple Raisin & Walnut, Pecan Cheese Cake with Nut Crust, Cranberry Nut Bread

Drink Up!    Sparkling  Grape Juice, Yogi Chai Tea, Chicory Coffee,  Apple Mint Mocktail

Herbal Teas     Mocktails

I’m full from just reading!  Hopefully you’re not too full, but if you are, here’s a few tips to Eat & Be Comfortable Preventatively and as a Remedy:

Prevention:

  • Eat Slowly,
  • Enjoy Your Company,
  • Laugh Much,
  • Take a Walk before or after Your Meal

Remedy:

  • Sip Mint Tea,
  • Belly Tapping (gently tap your belly with fingertips, releases excess air),
  • Navel Jelly Roll (with your left hand on your forehead and your right hand on your belly, thumb and index finger around your belly button, move your hand and belly left and right – don’t slide your hand –  improves digestion!)

Now you have Eaten Big, Eaten Healthy, and hopefully Eaten Comfortably,  enjoyed your Holiday Company and fulfilled yourself of the Holiday Season.  You may want some resources for Your Holiday Meal preparation …

 You can get all your Organic Foods Delivered to Your Home from these               Total Health Fx Affiliate Stores

Sunfood - World's Best Organic Raw Food and Superfoods

Organic Wholesale Club - Oganic Food and Green Products at Wholesale Prices