The "Swiss Ball"

The big inflatable balls that you see in your gym have been around for a long time, originating in the 1960's made by an Italian toy maker. American physical therapists and trainers picked them up in the 1980’s and they caught on in the 1990’s.
Many innovations have come about to use them to enhance core strength and stability; the major catch being that you have to use them.
I am interested in Swiss Balls for the following purposes:
1. These are great for adding variety to your workout to keep it interesting.
2. Big ball exercises combine strengthening with balance and coordination. Challenging the balance and coordination part of your brain helps build stability to keep you healthy. It also stimulates upper brain centers to increase mental function, reduce stress hormones, and even slow aging.
3. Sitting on a Swiss ball at your desk will help avoid low back fatigue and wearing on spinal structures.
When you sit on a ball, you almost never stop moving slightly. This easy movement keeps your muscles firing and gives structures more of a break from moment to moment. (You may have noticed this when you have walked or hiked for several hours vs. standing for the same amount of time. Your legs and back are often more fatigued from standing than from moving.)
A ball should be large enough to support you so that your thighs are horizontal when sitting. For most people, a 65 cm ball is about right.
Another factor is that more expensive balls are much firmer when inflated to the correct size. You may actually prefer a softer ball but it is something to consider.
Balls run about $15-30 depending on the source. We carry them at the clinic for $25.
There are thousands of websites including Youtube videos demonstrating how to use Swiss balls in a variety of ways.
While searching the web, if you substitute "exercise ball" for "Swiss ball", you will find another 15,000 Youtube videos.