by Paula Mead

Created on: August 20, 2008   Last Updated: May 23, 2010

These large inflated balls may look like they belong in a playground, but an exercise ball is the most functional piece of home fitness equipment. There are various names for these, such as gym ball, Swiss ball, balance ball and stability ball. They are often called stability balls as they require you to use your core body muscles for balance and stability as you lean, lie or sit on the ball.

Trying to keep your balance on an exercise ball challenges your muscles as they work to keep you stationary. Many different moves and stretches can be performed on an exercise ball, from abdominal crunches to back stretches to bicep curls. A good exercise to begin with is to sit on the ball and perform arm exercises, such as dumbbell presses or bicep curls. Remember to move slowly as you have to balance, as well as work your arms. Lying or sitting on the unstable ball engages back, leg and core muscles that you may not otherwise use in a workout.

Exercise balls are utilized in exercise and physical therapy and sometimes used to treat back pain.

What size ball should I buy?

Your height size
75cm

Medicine balls are also used for strength training. A medicine ball is a weighted ball (approx 14" diameter) not to be confused with the larger inflated ball discussed above. This form of exercise involves throwing, catching and lifting the ball, designed to strengthen muscles.

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