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The fitness ball is an essential weapon in your weight-loss arsenal. It allows you to not only strengthen the core muscles, but it tones the entire body. Balance, resistance, and flexibility add to the over all benefits of using a fitness or exercise ball.

When purchasing a fitness ball it is important to choose a burst resistant ball. Unlike other, flimsier balls, a burst resistant ball will not burst as a balloon does. Instead, if punctured, the burst resistant ball will deflate in a slow manner. Thus the user will be safer.

Another important thing to remember is to purchase the correct size. Yes, it’s true: size does matter (at least when it comes to fitness balls!). Follow this basic guideline when purchasing the ball:

If you are 4’11” to 5’3” choose a 55cm ball

If you are 5’4” to 5’10” you’ll need a 65cm ball

And if you are 5’11 or taller purchase a 75cm ball

Using your new fitness ball can be as easy as following the suggested exercises that your ball comes with, popping in a DVD (such as the total body workouts from Gaiam), or visiting a website to find the right exercises to fit your level of fitness.

I have found ExerciseBallworkouts.net to be very informative and useful. Youtube also has many short videos to get you started.

No matter what fitness level you are at, an exercise or fitness ball can help you achieve the body you want. Remember to stretch out, work hard, and have fun.

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