YOGA & PILATES MATS

Domande frequenti - Pilates ball

• What is the difference between a soft ball and a weighted Pilates ball?
  The standard soft ball is inflatable, lightweight and used primarily to create controlled instability and stimulate proprioception. The weighted Pilates ball has a fixed weight, typically 1.0 kg, and is used to add light distal resistance during exercises to control the shoulder girdle or in postural training circuits involving additional load.
• What is the correct pressure for a Pilates soft ball?
  There is no standard value: it depends on the exercise. For exercises between the knees or beneath the pelvis, a medium level of pressure is preferred, as this makes the ball yielding yet responsive. A very firm ball reduces instability and makes the exercise easier; a less firm ball increases the demand for neuromuscular control. Adjustment is an integral part of the progression.
• Can the Pilates ring be used by people with knee problems?
  Provided the necessary precautions are taken, yes. The Pilates ring is often used in rehabilitation programmes precisely to activate the adductors and stabilise the knee without impact. However, the specific programme must be designed by a qualified physiotherapist or fitness trainer. The equipment itself is not a medical device and is no substitute for a professional assessment.
• Is the Pilates ball also suitable for older people or those returning to exercise after a period of inactivity?
  It is one of the most suitable pieces of equipment in these contexts. Its light weight, the flexibility of the material and the nature of the exercise — which focuses on postural control, breathing and fine muscle activation — make it suitable for those with lower fitness levels. The intensity can be easily adjusted by varying the pressure applied to the ball or the complexity of the movement.
• Can soft balls be used in large group lessons?
  Yes, it is one of the most practical pieces of equipment for group activities: it takes up little space, makes no noise and does not require any specialised flooring. In mat Pilates or postural Pilates classes with 10–20 participants, the soft ball allows the intensity to be tailored to each individual simply by adjusting the internal pressure of each ball.
• What exercises can you do with a 1.0 kg weighted Pilates ball?
  The 1.0 kg weighted ball is suitable for exercises in the side-lying position to activate the shoulder girdle, low-intensity front and lateral raises, exercises in the supine position to stabilise the core, and short, light aerobic circuits. It is not designed for heavy loads but for a gradual increase in neuromuscular demand compared with the unweighted ball.
• What instalment payment options are available?
  Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
• I’m a fitness professional – can I get special rates?
  If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
• Is Sidea listed on the MEPA for public sector procurement?
  Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
• What are Sidea’s returns and warranty terms?
  Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
• Why choose Sidea equipment?
  Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.