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Core exercise ball workouts are a great way to bring variety to your exercise routine, and have the added benefit that with regular use you will strengthen your core muscles, which in turn will help your body in just about every activity that you do.

Using an exercise ball looks very simple, but because you have to work your muscles to stabilize yourself on the ball you get an extremely effective and thorough workout and you can exercise just about every part of your body.  You don't have to follow a brand new workout routine specifically for the exercise ball - by simply incorporating the ball into your normal routine - for example sitting on it while you do bicep curls with your dumbbells - you will be adding a new dimension to your workout by working your core muscles at the same time as your biceps.

Some people use their exercise ball as a chair - while using the computer or watching TV for example - and this way they are still working their core muscles while doing other activities.

Exercise balls - also known as Swiss balls, Pilates balls, yoga balls and gym balls, have been used by physiotherapists for years to help patients' rehabilitation after injury, so this is not some passing exercise fad.  People with back pain often get great results by stretching out with an excercise ball, strengthening the muscles in their back and ultimately helping to ease the pain (the exercises should be performed under professional supervision).

Exercise balls are available in different sizes and you should choose according to your height/leg length/upper body length to get the best from your workout.  To find out more information about choosing the best core exercise ball, click here.