Swiss Ball (also known as a Fitness Ball)

If you haven't experienced a workout using a Swiss ball, another name for a fitness ball or gym ball or exercise ball, you don't know what you're missing!

There's a reason it has become so popular and it's not just a fad. The ball has been used for many years by physiotherapists and is a great way to help relieve back pain. The effectiveness of the ball is due to the fact it's round and filled with air. That creates instability which in turns causes your body's core muscles to come into play.

When you do an abdominal crunch on the floor, basically your upper abdominal muscles are working. When you do it on the Swiss ball, your core muscles; which consist of all the muscles in your trunk area, deep muscles in your back, your pelvic area and hips are working to help keep you stable on the ball.

You just did your crunch but since more muscles were brought into play, you actually increased the value of your exercise. The result is you can actually do fewer repetitions and get more benefit. Or do better quality work!

That's just the beginning. There are so many exercises you can do on the Swiss ball that you'll never get bored, and not to mention that it is much more fun! It takes a little while to get used to the ball. You should begin by sitting on it and just getting a feel for it. Roll it back and forth. Side to side. Try to remain still sitting on the ball whilst moving your arms, lifting alternate legs etc.

It is advisable to go and see a health/fitness professional who has knowledge on back pain and they can go through some good exercises for you to do.