It seems like suddenly big round colorful balls are everywhere—the gym, the chiropractor's, even doubling as office chairs. But I never really know what to do with them––it's fun to stretch your back and bounce for a minute, but then what?
Yamuna Body Rolling has responded to this apparently common concern with paragraphs and studios full of answers: They have entire exercise classes on inflatable balls that range from head-sized to jumbo beachball-sized. Started by Yamuna, a fitness trainer who's also a bodyworker, herbalist, and aromatherapist, the yoga- and pilates-influenced approach addresses specific muscle groups to build strength and expand range of motion. It's also an exercise and a massage (the balls smush muscles, releasing toxins, increasing blood flow, etc.) all in one childhood-reminding session. Their main studio is in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, but practitioners teach in 23 other states, plus the U.K., Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Canada. To get your roll on: yamunabodyrolling.com
Interests: Parenting (Jack 5yrs and Owen 3yrs), Human Growth and Development, Evolving Consciousness, Integral Life Practice, Coaching, Change Management, Creativity, and Freedom.
Inspiration: Witnessing my sons discovering the world and themselves, watching someone overcome all odds, listening to someone's deep dark secrets (and telling someone mine), a fully expressed performer, art, the rawness of humanity, and unconditional love.
I’ve been sitting on a balance ball for about 2 years at my office job. I was relieved that no one in “facilities” gave me any grief when I brought my ball into the office. I still have some upper back pain, but it seems more manageable than when I was sitting in a chair all day.