Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in the use of stability ball fitness programs. Training became more portable, allowing exercise specialists to take clients outdoors and coaches right into their sport environment, on the court or field.

To appreciate the power of stability ball training, you must only understand that your body functions together as a unit. Some muscles must contract to help produce movement, others contract to help balance the body while others contract to stabilize the spine and hold it in a safe neutral position. Most movements are initiated and supported with the core muscles.

While balancing and moving the ball seems like simple and playful concepts, exercise must be highly structured to define the level-appropriate challenge that allows for good posture and technique while overloading strength. It is important to have methods to progress and regress an exercise to modify and customize to each client's ability level.

Peter Twist was a Coach in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 11 years. He is an Exercise Physiologist with a M.Sc with a specialization in Coaching Science. While being the President & CEO of Twist Conditioning Inc., he is also currently acting as a consultant for several NHL players. Recognized as a leader in his industry, Peter has published over 300 papers, authored 6 books and 16 DVD’s on athlete development.

The winners of the 13th annual Alive Awards of Excellence for the finest natural health products in Canada, as voted on by retailers, were announced in Toronto. The Evolution Chair, by Posture Perfect Solutions was awarded Silver placement.

The Alive Awards of Excellence were established to promote and recognize excellence in product innovation and to enhance the credibility of natural health products. These prestigious awards have been presented to manufacturers of the best products in a variety of categories. Alive Publishing Group has been leading natural health and wellness in Canada for more than 30 years through Alive Magazine, and the Alive Academy of Natural Health.

The Evolution Chair truly is “the chair for optimum health.”

For many years, healthcare professionals have utilized stability balls as tools to strengthen our core muscles, improve our balance, and facilitate good posture. The Evolution Chair successfully combines these core-strengthening elements with the maneuverability and versatility of a rolling office chair.

The Evolution Chair reduces spinal compression to provide comfort for the user. Its rolling base offers increased stability, ease of movement and height adjustability allowing you to obtain your ideal ergonomic position while seated. Clinical studies have proven the Evolution Chair’s health benefits. Medical professionals have embraced the Evolution Chair as a rehabilitation and preventative solution for their patients.

More and more people are realizing that active sitting is a healthy, energizing alternative to traditional seating.

"While many people spend time in the gym doing strengthening exercises, most are not mindful of the tremendous long-term health benefits associated with active sitting and the accompanying improvement in posture and core strength. I’m convinced that the Evolution Chair is a good seating choice and I will recommend it to my patients."

Dr. M. R. Wilkinson, MBBCh, MBA, CMA, Dip Sports Med. Sports Medicine Physician and Medical Director Medical Rehabilitation program at Back in Motion, British Columbia

Please email in your personal review or comments.

In our January 2007 issue we will feature Dr. Chista K. Shahrokh, BSc., D.C.; a Chiropractor from North Vancouver, British Columbia.

What question you would like to ask Dr. Shahrokh?