Ep 20. The Stability Ball Revolution with Yossi Montrose of PerformaBall
In episode 20 of "Everyday Epigenetics. Raw. Real. Relatable.", I had the pleasure of interviewing Yossi Montrose, a personal trainer who has transformed lives with his innovative approaches to health and fitness. From back pain rehabilitation to assisting IDF soldiers in Israel, Yossi’s methods are both personal and impactful. Join me as we explore Yossi’s journey, his transition to online programs, and the incredible benefits of stability ball training.
A Trainer’s Transformation
Yossi Montrose started with solid qualifications—personal training certificates and advanced rehab courses. His journey shifted dramatically due to severe back pain, which led him to explore alternative pain relief and health improvement methods. From traditional training to online platforms, Yossi has helped a diverse range of individuals, including IDF soldiers, manage knee and back pain through personalized training programs.
Personalized Training for Specific Health Issues
Yossi’s dedication to customized training programs stands out. He tailors solutions for individual needs, from back pain to pregnancy discomfort, using a combination of strength and movement-focused exercises. His online services have extended his reach globally, allowing him to assist clients with patience and precision.
Transition to Online Programs
Yossi offered online programs and free assistance to IDF soldiers with back and knee pain. His programs, focused on muscle strengthening and joint impact reduction, have shown remarkable improvements in agility and speed. This transition underscores Yossi's commitment to making his effective methods accessible to a broader audience.
The Power of Stability Balls
A pivotal moment in Yossi’s career was discovering the stability ball. Initially a personal experiment for his own back pain, it became a cornerstone of his training methodology. After significant improvements in his physical health, Yossi founded Performable, using stability balls for exercise, stress relief, and even as alternative office chairs.
Choosing the Right Stability Ball
Yossi emphasizes the importance of selecting the right equipment—durable, burst-resistant stability balls. The size of the ball is critical; for instance, a 55 cm ball suits individuals shorter than 1.52 meters, while most adults benefit from a 65 cm ball. Customization ensures safety and effectiveness in exercises.
Movement and Epigenetics
In our conversation, Yossi highlighted the link between movement and epigenetics. Regular exercise, particularly with stability balls, can influence gene expression and improve health outcomes. This aligns with the podcast’s emphasis on everyday epigenetics, showcasing how daily routines can profoundly impact our health at a genetic level.
Versatility of Stability Balls
Stability balls are not just gym tools—they’re versatile enough for high-intensity workouts, gentle stretching, and as alternatives to standing desks. Yossi dispels misconceptions, advocating their use for various individuals to enhance balance, core strength, and reaction time, thus preventing injuries and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The Little Ball Revolution
Inspired by Yossi’s insights, I mused about starting a "little ball revolution" in the US. We both acknowledged the affordability of stability balls, typically priced between $30 to $40. I plan to add these exercises to my routine to address my back issues, showing the immediate impact of Yossi's advice.
Yossi Montrose’s journey from personal pain to professional triumph highlights the incredible potential of personalized training programs and innovative tools like the stability ball. Whether online or in-person, Yossi’s methods offer hope for anyone struggling with pain or seeking to enhance their physical health. Join us, listen, learn, and perhaps you too will embrace the "little ball revolution."
Learn more about Yossi Montrose:
Yossi has a business called PerformaBall, and he has 20 years of experience training people on the stability ball. He’s helped people get rid of back and joint pain, improve physical and mental performance to help live a better quality of life. He studied under Paul Check and has created his own PerformaBall course and has created over 3500 exercises on the ball, as well as countless workouts around different goals for people. He has studied holistic health and his main focus is training and nutrition. He also offers people in the workplace a seating solution using the stability ball. Core stability and balance, he believes is the foundation to build on strength, agility, and speed.