ABOUT THE BALLS
Whether you start with all the balls or a minimal kit, if you want to join the body tuning class you'll need to get some balls.
Any tool used for massage is essentially a stress transfer medium. Using these tools to traction, compress, stretch, and cross-fiber the tissue can solve a lot of problems in our bodies. We can amplify our results by using high quality balls offering the right amount of grip and avoid using hard, non-elastic balls that have potential to damage tissue. The right balls become shear transfer mediums that can help us melt away stuck tissue and restore natural glide.
There are so many different types of massage and myofascial release tools out there. We are continually in search of the best methods and tools and are regularly testing the latest to come out. Massage balls continue to be our first choice for regular use and these have remained our two favorite brands over more than a decade.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for minimum kit details and alternative options...
Any tool used for massage is essentially a stress transfer medium. Using these tools to traction, compress, stretch, and cross-fiber the tissue can solve a lot of problems in our bodies. We can amplify our results by using high quality balls offering the right amount of grip and avoid using hard, non-elastic balls that have potential to damage tissue. The right balls become shear transfer mediums that can help us melt away stuck tissue and restore natural glide.
There are so many different types of massage and myofascial release tools out there. We are continually in search of the best methods and tools and are regularly testing the latest to come out. Massage balls continue to be our first choice for regular use and these have remained our two favorite brands over more than a decade.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for minimum kit details and alternative options...
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Jill Miller's Tune Up Fitness balls (and her Roll Model Method) are at the top of our list for feel, quality, affordability and results. The rubber grips, grabs and shears through tissue like no other - releasing stuck tissue, restoring function, mobility and tone, and erasing aches and pains.
The Tune Up line (Tune Up, Tune Up Plus, Alpha) offers maximum shear with medium density, staying pliable enough to fit into the nooks and crannies of the body without causing injury on bony prominences. Similar to the tools a massage therapist would use, the Tune Up ball offers a pressure point similar to a thumb, the Tune Up Plus is like an elbow, and the Alpha is like a palm. The Coregeous ball is a wonderful breath training tool and is gentle enough to be used for people or areas that are highly sensitive or carrying a lot of trauma. Start minimally with a Coregeous and the Yoga Tune Up set, or make the investment in a Roll Model starter set. We use them all regularly. While you're at it, grab one of their yoga straps if you don't have one already. The loops make them so easy to use and wash! We have the full Tune Up line and Coregeous balls available for sale in the studio - you can also purchase directly from Yoga Tune Up's website. |
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Yamuna balls are made from high quality Italian plastic and have excellent texture, density, grip and diameter options.
We'll always recommend all the balls as it's nice to have different tools for different purposes and you'll learn to use all of them. However, we understand some want to make minimal investment upfront. In those cases, we recommend:
We don't have Yamuna balls available for purchase in the studio. You can order them directly from the Yamuna website. |
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MINIMUM KIT & ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS |
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If you're traveling and in a pinch, or you aren't ready to make an investment in any of the recommended balls, you can use medium density substitutions such as tennis balls, pet or child toys, 5-7" Pilates, Barre or gymnastic balls. Candidly, the benefits won't be the same using substitutions however you'll still gain a good deal of benefit.
We do not recommend using hard, dense balls like lacrosse balls or golf balls. While it can momentarily feel good to get a good hard smash, hard surfaces can damage tissue and cause a protective response in the fascia that actually creates more density and tension.
To get started, here are the sizes and recommendations to create a minimal kit:
We do not recommend using hard, dense balls like lacrosse balls or golf balls. While it can momentarily feel good to get a good hard smash, hard surfaces can damage tissue and cause a protective response in the fascia that actually creates more density and tension.
To get started, here are the sizes and recommendations to create a minimal kit:
- 2.50-3" diameter, medium density/softness
Ideal: Tune Up / Tune Up Plus, Yamuna Black or Blue
Other options: massage release balls, tennis balls or rubber balls - 4-6" diameter, medium density/softness
Ideal: Tune Up Alpha, Yamuna Pearl
Other options: other similar sized massage balls) - 5-7" diameter, light density/softness
Ideal: Tune Up Coregeous, Yamuna Gold
Other options: light/weight supportive Pilates, Barre, soft gymnastics/overball
