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How does Jane Johnson Hoeltzel stay so fit and trim? She uses her yoga ball to get a workout at the wheel!

March 14, 2008

Tip of the Week: Exercise Wheel

by Jane Johnson Hoeltzel | Read Comments (7)

When I manage to squeeze time out of my day to go to the gym, I need to distract myself in as many ways as I can think of during my workout (listening to my Ipod, reading celebrity gossip magazines, watching mindless television, and so on). So why not get a workout while doing one of my favorite activities, working with clay? That would be a perfect distraction! This week’s Tip of the Week from Jane Johnson Hoeltzel of St. Louis, Missouri, shows us a way to do just that. Work those abs! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor


If your main form of exercise is wedging and throwing clay, try sitting on an exercise ball (yoga ball) to get a free workout at the wheel. I use a 65 to 75 centimeter ball, which sits in a stabilizing ring. The amount of inflation will determine the seated height. Both the ball and the ring were purchased from a sports equipment store. The ball is not only good for an abdominal workout but it also seems to work the lower back, glutes and inner thighs. Need a break? Just lie on your stomach over the ball. It really does give you a good workout. The first time I used it, I felt like I had been riding a horse all day when I got off!


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Read more about these related topics:
Wheel Throwing Functional Ceramics Functional Pottery Ceramic Art Techniques Studio Equipment 

 


7 Comments

Add Your Own Comment

Karen | September 24, 2008 9:26 pm

I love it, I have a ball that was not getting used as it should and now my wheel will be here on friday 09/26 and I'm pulling that ball and ring right back out.


Lynn | September 17, 2008 4:36 pm

Rosa, just by using the exercise ball, the balancing and "work out" come as you are doing your pottery on the wheel. Movement and balancing work out your mid-section.....


Celeste | July 14, 2008 9:28 am

I replaced my medium height teacher's chair at my reading group table with an exercise ball. It was great for stretching and rolling to help young students and yes the "give" in the ball and the unnoticed balance to stay in one place was an unintensional but welcome body toner. Now retired after 30 years and concentrating on my pottery wheel full time I am excited to put the orb to good use again. Thanks! Celeste


jennifer | April 8, 2008 9:54 am

Rosa-Simply sitting and balancing on the ball exercises the core muscles and much more according to Jane.-eds.


linda | March 22, 2008 8:34 pm

In the article on removing the kiln wash you stated the alumina hydrate mixed with water would be and exelent idea. How much water to alumina hydrate is to be used and how often can you reuse the mixture? Linda


Shirley | March 17, 2008 11:44 am

This doesn't have anything to do with the article but another article in your magazine I am trying to read the February issue of CM but the links don't work and some pictures are missing. Thank you.


Rosa | March 15, 2008 11:48 pm

Can you be more specific as to how she exercises on the Yoga ball while throwing?