My Favorite Pilates Balls and How They Can Transform Your Practice By Tracie Matthews

If you’ve spent any time in a Pilates studio, you’ve probably noticed the variety of props trainers use to make exercises more accessible—or sometimes even more challenging. One of my absolute favorite props are Pilates balls. They’re versatile, fun, and can truly transform your practice.

You don’t need anything fancy to get started. In fact, some of the best Pilates balls are incredibly simple—like a plushy soccer ball! Others, like Yamuna balls or Franklin Balls, are designed specifically for bodywork and Pilates. Today, I’m sharing my personal favorites and how I like to use them.

Plushy Soccer Balls

Let’s start with the simplest option: a plushy soccer ball. It might not seem like much, but it’s incredibly useful. I love placing it under my head or side when I need extra support during exercises. It’s soft, light, and easy to find. Honestly, it’s like having a little pillow that helps you move better.

Yamuna Balls

Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more advanced, let’s talk about Yamuna balls. These are amazing for body rolling and can give you a killer ab workout—especially if you’re just starting with them! My go-to Yamuna balls are:

The Small Black Balls: Perfect for releasing tension in your calves and glutes.

The Pearl Ball: This one’s a star player. You can use it pretty much everywhere for a full-body experience.

Franklin Balls

If you’re new to Pilates or working on alignment, Franklin Balls are a game-changer. Placing two green Franklin Balls under your sacrum is like magic—it automatically puts your pelvis into a neutral position. For beginners, this makes it so much easier to understand what neutral pelvis feels like. From there, you can try movements like thigh lifts. (Don’t worry if your pelvis wobbles at first—that’s part of the learning process!)

MELT Balls

I have to give a shoutout to MELT Balls. These are a lifesaver if you struggle with hand arthritis or need gentle, effective tension relief. They’re soft or dense, easy to use, and so soothing. I love using them to release tight spots in my hands or feet.

The Orb

The Orb is another favorite of mine. Imagine a foam roller, but in ball form—it’s so good! It’s great for targeting hard-to-reach areas and adds a fun balance challenge to your foam rolling routine. If you’re looking to step up your recovery game, you’ll love this one.

Trigger Point Balls

Let’s talk texture! Trigger Point Balls have little bumps and ridges that work wonders for releasing muscle spasms and those tight, stubborn spots. I recommend these for anyone who needs a deeper, more targeted release.

Find What Works for You

The best part about Pilates balls is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner looking for extra support or an experienced mover wanting to challenge yourself, there’s a ball that fits your needs.

I always encourage my clients to experiment and see what feels best for their bodies. Some days, you might need the softness of a plushy soccer ball, while other days, you’re ready to dig into those tight muscles with a Trigger Point Ball.

So, grab a ball (or a few!) and start exploring. You might be surprised at how much these simple tools can elevate your Pilates practice.

Let me know which one becomes your favorite!

Here’s a link to my Pinterest board with all my favorite props
https://pin.it/7MqpWpRWS