Stability ball workouts are the best way to continuously engage your core muscles even while working other muscles at the same time. No matter what exercises you choose to do with it you will be working those abdominal and back muscles. The ball is unstable in nature and these muscle must work to stabilize it. It is a great piece to add to your current group of exercise equipment, at home or at the gym.

They can be purchased under various names. Sometimes it is just a matter of what exercise is being sold along with them. It may be called a balance ball, pilates ball, swiss ball or simply an exercise ball. There will be a pump with your purchase as they will need to be inflated. They are lightweight and easy to travel with. They can handle up to 700 pounds of sitting weight. They come in more than one size. You will choose what diameter ball to get from a chart on the box based on your height.

The stability ball was initially used to help in the physical rehabilitation of those with neurological disorders, spinal injuries and other injuries. They are still used today by therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. It was then picked up by those who work with professional athletes to help further condition their muscles.

Posture is greatly improved using the exercise ball. In order to keep the ball in position you will have to sit correctly. Increase your flexibility by using the ball to do stretching exercises. More can be done on the ball than on a flat surface. The same with an ab routine. Do your normal ab routine on the ball instead. You will see noticeable improvement. It can prevent back pain by strengthening the back muscles. It will help support your weight allowing those with back pain to workout and even improve it.

Weight loss is a benefit of using these balls as well. Since you can do a total body workout and strength training routine with the ball you will improve the tone, strength and endurance of your muscles. Muscles burn fat around the clock, more muscle means more fat burning power. It also helps improve balance by engaging those core muscles to stabilize the ball.

Stability ball workouts can be strenuous exercise or easy low impact work, depending on how you use it. You can find workouts designed just for them including aerobic exercise. It can be used for all ages groups from kids to the elderly. It helps with their functional strength which is needed for everyday activities. Its lack of stability improves overall coordination and most of all it can be just plain fun.