Exercise balls have become very popular accessories in fitness clubs, home gyms, and even the office. Exercise balls are often associated with programs that focus on the abdominal muscles and low back muscles. However, exercise balls can be used for much more. Many people use exercise balls in traditional resistance training exercises. For example, instead of performing a biceps curl while sitting on a bench, you can perform the biceps curl on an exercise ball. Because the exercise ball is an unstable (labile) surface, it requires that you use your abdominal muscles and low back muscles to stabilize your body while you work your biceps muscle. Another benefit of the exercise ball is that it provides a comfortable surface for performing a variety of exercises. It's important that you pick a ball that is the right size for you. Here are some recommendations for ball size:
| Person's height | Exercise ball diameter |
|---|---|
| 5' and under | 45 cm |
| 5'1'' – 5'8'' | 55 cm |
| 5'9'' – 6'2'' | 65 cm |
| 6'3'' – 6'7'' | 75 cm |
| 6'7'' and taller | 85 cm |