The exercise ball is a large ball, sometimes called a Swiss ball or a Yoga ball.
This ball actually started being used in the 1960's, but has really grown in popularity in the past 10 years.
This tool is simple, but effective and can be purchased at sporting goods stores, department stores and online.
This ball was first used for physical therapy, but these therapists noticed that not only was the ball helping their patients gain muscle control.
It was helping these patients tone and strengthen their bodies, particularly the core muscles, in the abdomen, back, waistline, thighs and hips.
A big benefit of using the ball is it does not produce pounding or jarring to the joints, making it safe, fun and a great tool for getting in shape for anyone.
When you exercise on the ball, you're using muscles throughout your body just to remain balanced.
So, for example, if you lie on the ball as if it were a weight bench and do set of chest presses, you not only work with the muscles you are targeting in your chest but also tone your abdomen, waist and back muscles as they work to keep you balanced, and your thigh and buttocks muscles as they support your body weight.
This is dual action is what makes the exercise ball so beneficial when it comes to toning your muscles.
The nice thing about the ball is that it costs less than $20 and can be deflated and taken anywhere with you, if necessary.
These balls have often been used to improve posture.
Some people use them in place of an office chair when they are sitting at a desk.
I am not sure I am ready to give up my desk chair, but there are some offices that have done just that.
To me the ball is the ideal at home exercise equipment.
It is inexpensive and unlike a treadmill can be moved anywhere in your home.