The Portable Miracle Ball Method: Includes Book, Ball, and Mesh Carrying Bag

by Elaine Petrone

Introducing The Portable Miracle Ball , a take-it-anywhere-and-everywhere kit ideal for business travelers and commuters or anyone who spends long hours away from home. Rather than two balls, these exercises require only one, which, at 3 inches in diameter, packs easily and is discreet to use in public. The fully illustrated book is filled with simple exercises that work miracles the minute you settle into your hotel room or board a plane.

Stuck in a long line at the bank? Here are techniques to stretch the muscles and reduce tension right on the spot (and no, you won’t look silly). Feet worn out after a day at the museum? The author’s soothing exercises targeting the insteps and legs will have you up and moving again in no time. And for anyone who experiences discomfort when sitting for long periods, the book features exercises to be performed at your desk, on a plane, or even in a restaurant. A chapter on “Emergency Measures” provides quick relief for back spasms, waking up with extreme stiffness, and other acute problems. The author discusses proper breathing technique, ball placement, and the importance of listening to one’s own body when performing the movements.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Fitness, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Laura✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been following the “method” for about a month. I haven’t felt much of a difference, but I also don’t use them for hours (she mentions laying on them herself for 4-6 hours a day in the intro — who has time for that?!). They are good for relieving a few targeted tight muscles but they don’t address everything and will not “reshape your body” as the cover claims.

[Two Readers in Love]

The technique in the “Miracle Ball Method” is deceptively simple, but it works. The author, an injured dancer who was inspired by multiple bodywork techniques/traditions in a quest to relieve her own pain, shows you how to simply relax and tune into letting your body take the lead in realigning itself. Her secret weapons: deep breathing and two little squishy balls (I know, that doesn’t sound quite right does it?)

This is a tiny book, and the author doesn’t waste any time with a bunch of pseudo-scientific or pseudo-spiritual framing of the technique, so at first I thought it was too easy to actually work. But when I took the time and tried the exercises shown, the results slowly and subtly transformed the way I carry my body. The cliché is that ‘this book changed my life’ – well, this book changed the recalcitrant pain in my right hamstring, which may be a bit less profound, but for which I am still profoundly grateful!

[Two Readers in Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually found and started using the “Portable Miracle Ball Method” before buying the full “Miracle Ball Method.” The little kit comes with one small squishy ball, a small book of exercises, and a mesh bag. The travel version has fewer exercises than in the full “Miracle Ball Method” (and most of them are the same as in the full book), but the results are still excellent; after finally escaping after 5 hours grounded on the tarmac in coach, it was the perfect tool to remove all the kinks in my legs.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time I have a stiff neck, lower back pain or seemingly inflexible movement in my back or hips, I use these amazing balls and the exercises Ms. Petrone has developed. To me, this has the feel of being your own chiropractor.

For me, this is a safe, stress free and gradual means of easing stress and pain from too much driving, back strain and other spine or hip issues. It really is effective and helpful.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great friend of mine gave me this as a gift and it's been such a wonderful tool. I find the instructional book as well as the exercises to be so very simplified, that they are now a regular part of my day. I keep a ball near my bed, near my desk chair and one in the car.

4 stars for the instructional book
5 stars for the miracle balls

[Treesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really good at explaining and describing where to place the ball(s) for trigger point pain relief. The method does not reshape your body.

[Margaret Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book, but comes with balls to use to help stretch and self manipulate your back, legs and thighs out of painfil situations. Great instruction on full deep breathing as well. I have bought it at leadt twice and often recommend to friends and patients

[Mary Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear & simple descriptions, with photos with reminders to BREATHE. Now to incorporate these exercises into my day.

[Deborah Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this very simple to read book and the Miracle Balls. So simple and yet the book explains how to use the balls so that by simply lying down on the floor or a mat you can easily use them to help relieve and/or eliminate much that hurts in your back.

Of course we need exercise, yoga, tai Chi and gentle stretching and have a good diet, hopefully with lots of greens and raw greens as in Green Smoothies - but the Miracle Balls and the book, the Miracle Ball Method gives another easy tool that you can use while listening to music, watching the news, gazing out the window or lying down in a back yard, beach or meadow.

I have now used these balls and the book since 2007 and really love the ease and comfort that they bring to my back - even though I don't usually experience pain, after using these balls I experience the "feeling" good of releasing tension that I did not know my muscles were carrying. The many friends and my psychotherapy/Jungian Analytic clients I have recommended these too - and or given them to (they make great gifts!) have usually become quite bonded with them!

For the price the 14.95 price on Amazon - -- why not try these little miracles out?! http://www.amazon.com/The-Portable-Mi...

And I see the new version for 17.95 comes with a demonstration DVD by the Author - -

[Valerie Yoh]

This book isn't quite working for me right now. I'm putting it aside and will try it again later.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tool for relieving pain; great addition to a regimen of Pilates exercise

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I just need to look at this book every single day and make sure I am stretching and massaging things. 'Kicking myself in the hiney' to remind myself how much it helps!

[Lucinda Romero]

the best

[Merri Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems a little gimmicky, but worth a try. I started with the elbow on the ball sequence, and my upper back tightness and headache both feel better.