Iyengar yoga, a version of hatha yoga, emphasizes yoga poses and their alignment. Poses or asanas are held for extended periods of time in iyengar yoga and can be challenging for the beginning student. The yoga ball is an important tool in iyengar to help beginning students achieve proper alignment and to hold poses comfortably. For home practice, you can purchase a yoga ball at your local sporting goods store. All the important tools for blowing your ball up and plugging the hole should be included in your yoga ball kit. Plugging your ball is easy and takes a matter of seconds.
Step 1
Visit your local sporting goods store to purchase your yoga ball. Look at the selections of balls available and select a ball sized for your height.
Step 2
Choose a 45 cm ball if you are 5 feet tall or under. Choose a 55 cm ball if you are 5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 8 inches. Choose a 65 cm ball if you are 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 2 inches. Choose a 75 cm ball if you are 6 feet 2 inches or taller.
Step 3
Open your yoga ball packaging when you get home. Check your ball kit to ensure that it has your ball pump and plug.
Step 4
Assemble your ball pump by attaching the long tube to the device that looks like a small round accordion. Attach the small narrow piece that inserts into the ball on the other end of the tube. Place the pump very close to the yoga ball. Insert the tube of the air pump into the yoga ball. Place your plug, a long pin like structure with a flat bottom, near the ball to plug it quickly.
Step 5
Manually pump up the ball until it is firm to touch. Keep the air pump firmly attached to the ball with one hand. Leave the pump inserted into the ball. Pick up the ball plug with the other hand. When you are ready, quickly remove the pump from the ball and insert the ball plug.
Step 6
Push the plug into the ball until it is flat and all the way in the ball. Place your ear up against the plug to ensure that you don't hear or feel air escaping the ball. The ball is ready for use; begin your yoga practice.
Tips and Warnings
- Store your yoga ball is a cool dry space.
- Check your yoga ball online to make sure that it hasn't been recalled due to a safety defect.
Things You'll Need
- Ball pump
- Ball plug
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