There are dozens of devices available out there that promise miraculous results in the area of physical fitness. If you doubt that just turn on any infomercial TV channel for a while. You’re sure to see several ads touting the latest and greatest miracle of engineering design. Some famous people have even lent their names and reputations to some of these devices. If these gadgets work so well, why do you see so many turning up at garage sales? Why, because most of them are not what’s advertised. The exception is the core exercise ball, which may be the most effective piece of fitness equipment on the market.

Also known as a stability or fitness ball, it’s basically a huge, inflatable rubber ball designed to withstand pressure of up to one thousand pounds. You can sit on it, lean on it or lie down across it, which are positions utilized when working out with this piece of fitness equipment.

Its use has become so widespread that it’s a ‘must have’ item for personal trainers and exercise gurus. It’s easy to use and inexpensive to acquire. Exercise balls may be the single most efficient means for developing your core muscle groups. Properly strengthening your core muscles will make every other exercise you do more effective.

Core muscles refer to the muscles in the center or core of your body. These muscles are responsible for originating all of your body movements. Working on strengthening your core muscles provides support for the entire body and makes every other exercise you do easier.

Here’s why the ball is so effective. In order to sit on it without falling over your core is called into constant action. It needs to continually flex, thereby working the muscles together. Different exercises will target specific muscle groups within your core.

If you’ve ever wondered how some people are able to get those ’six-pack abs’, here’s some news for you. Sit-ups won’t do it. In fact, this particular exercise has been found to be detrimental to your body, especially the lower back and spine. But a similar exercise, done with the aid of an exercise ball, will help you get exactly what you’re looking for — fat loss and harder abdominal muscles. What’s key is working the core muscles properly.

Fitness balls come in half a dozen different sizes. The size that’s right for you will be determined by your height. Your knees should form a right angle when sitting on the ball with your feet flat on the floor. If not, get a different size. Be advised, also, that firmer balls are more difficult to work with so, as a beginner, you should go for a softer one.

Originally devised to help rehabilitate sufferers of spinal injuries and those with neurological disorders, the core exercise ball has grown to become on of the most effective fitness aids of all time. There is no better way to do effective abs exercises. It can help you to acquire awesome abs and rid yourself of the unsightly fat that’s been hiding them for so long.