The stability ball dates back to around 1960 when the Italian toy maker Aquilino Cosani designed and sold the ball mainly in Europe and it was known as the Gymnastik Ball. It wasn't until about 1980 that the exercise ball made its way to North America being used for clinical rehabilitation. The stability ball has been called by a variety of other common names such as Exercise Ball, Swiss Ball, Balance Ball, Fitness Ball, Physio Ball etc.

Proper ball size is determined by the user's height. When seated on the ball, your hips and knees should be close to parallel with the floor. The following is a size chart to help you determine which ball size is recommended for your height.

55cm - inflates to 21 inches high - 5'to 5'7"

65cm - inflates to 25 inches high - 5'8" to 6'3"

75cm - inflates to 29 inches high -Taller than 6'3"

Using a stability ball is great for many things. It can strengthen the back muscles, the core and abdominal muscles. If you are working out to achieve great abs, this ball can definitely target the abdominal areas.

Some easy to start exercises on the stability ball are sit-ups and crunches. These exercises will help you to use more muscles then by doing them on the floor. When using the ball for other exercises, such as holding the ball in front of you on the ground, and doing leg lifts, you want to make sure you have balance and use a focal point. Always remember to breathe and never hold your breath.

Sitting on the ball at any time, instead of in a chair, will give your body and core muscles a good workout. This will also help improve your posture and balance. By sitting straight up on the ball, this will take the pressure off of your back. The stability ball works the "foundation" or trunk in almost every exercise, whether it is a targeted activity for upper body, lower body, or specifically for the abdominals and low back. Your body can be easily positioned on the ball to go through a greater range of motion. Allows you to be comfortable "off " the floor for many exercises.

Because the ball is a little unstable and you must constantly adjust to remain balanced, use of the stability ball improves the functional strength, balance and flexibility of the body. Using free weights with the ball as a bench is great for all those stabilizer muscles.

Stability balls make great additions to anyone's home. They can easily be used at the office or even deflate them and take them with you on vacation. No matter if they are used for strengthening the abdomens, flexibility, or balancing, the list goes on. The stability ball has become very popular, very easy to use and a must have for exercising.

Weslo Pursuit exercise bikes are cheap, and I do mean cheap. You can pick one up for as little as $80 and the most you'll ever pay is around $300. But, can a machine this cheap be any good? Well, the truth is that only some models are worth looking at and then only if you're looking for an entry level bike and only plan on using it for light exercise. Here's a review of Weslo Pursuit bikes.

The Weslo Pursuit 2.0 DS bike (WLEX0901) only costs around $80. Quite frankly the bike is simply too cheap to be anything more than a toy - a toddler's bicycle costs more, so would you really expect to get any kind of decent workout from it? But, if you are still interested, the bike has cross-training arms that are designed to work the upper body. The arms can be operated independently of the pedals, so you don't have to use them. Amazingly, it also comes with a small LCD console that displays speed, time, distance, calories burned. Well, that's enough said about this particular machine, except to say that the seat and pedals are very cheap and uncomfortable - most toddler's bikes have better but then again, they costs more and are better built.

It's tough to find nice things to say about the next model up, the Pursuit 4.0 (WLEX1776). I suppose it's cheap, costing around $150. It's an upright model and does look quite nice and inoffensive in its green livery. You get a fairly decent console and a heart rate monitor in the handle bar grips. You also get 4 preset programs and a Target Pacer. The seat and pedals are okay and come with adequate adjustments. But frankly, you should only buy this bike if you plan on using it only occasionally; I can't see it taking any kind of strenuous workout.

If you are going to buy a Weslo upright exercise bike buy the Pursuit E 40 (WLEX1994). For around $300 you get 8 preset programs, an EKG grip pulse sensor and a more robust frame. Again, I'm not sure how long it would last if it was really hammered, but for the casual user it's a perfectly fine piece of fitness equipment.

Thinking of buying a Weslo recumbent exercise bike? Sure? Well, don't even bother looking at either the Pursuit E21 recumbent (WLEX1402) or the Pursuit 6.0 DX (WLEX1304). I can't begin to describe how inadequate these machines are, so I won't.

Instead, let's talk about the Pursuit E 45 or the Pursuit 4.5 R. They both cost around $180 and are the only recumbent models worth considering.

The 6.0 DX comes with a good sized LCD display, EKG grip heart rate monitor and 4 pacer programs. With the 4.5 R you get 6 personal trainer workout programs and an Easy Pulse heart rate monitor. Of the two machines I prefer the 4.5 R, it looks better and I like the overall styling as well as the 6 preset programs.

If you're looking to buy a cheap exercise bike, then by all means consider a Weslo. Just be sure that you avoid the very cheap models and look towards buying the more expensive ones. Also, be sure that the bike is going to be okay for you in the long term; if you really think cycling is going to form a core part of your regular exercise program then maybe you should look at another brand instead.

If you are addicted to running or jogging the winter season presents you with several challenges. Years back I would run each night or morning after work. One night I set out on my short 3 mile route and as I was rounding the first corner I my feet hit black ice. I went down and out. I found myself awakening to the sound of one our radios and a brother officer from our force peering down at me. I was transported to the hospital with a concussion. I was lucky that I was not struck by vehicle as I was lying in the street unprotected for what we estimated was about 10 minutes. I still love my roadwork but when winter arrives I do it inside during periods of bad weather.

I tried using a treadmill to do my daily workouts but it was not long before my knees began to complain loudly. My exercise physiologist friend told me that because the belts on a treadmill slip, your knee can be injured. She suggested I try using an elliptical trainer> instead. I visited our local Y and found that there were actually more elliptical trainers than treadmills. I also quickly noticed there were more people using the ellipticals as well.

After being checked out on the different trainers I took one for a fairly intense ride. It took a while to gain the muscle memory to efficiently use the trainer. The use of moving handle bars was new to me but shortly I got the rhythm down. After about 20 minutes I had a burn in muscles that I do not use when I am running. I was told that using an elliptical trainer was like running on air and to some degree I would have to agree. It was clear that using an elliptical was a lot easier on my ankles and knees. Over time the lack of impact to my joints was appreciated with less joint pain when getting up in the morning.

I was worried that I would not be training the muscles that I would use when I got back to my normal outdoor training routine. After about two weeks of foul weather and using an elliptical trainer I had a chance to take a run during our January thaw. I was surprised that my ability to make the 5 K run was actually increased. All of which has convinced me that I can stay in shape all winter long without taking the risk of outdoor training during the winter months.

A treadmill review is helpful for buyers who still lack the knowledge in choosing which treadmill is a best buy. Instead of asking any salesman who could e bias in his opinion, one good alternative is to read a review and check out common comments of people n a particular product.

Recent treadmill reviews would show that the best treadmill in the mid-range folding category is the Sole F80 which boasts its 20 year motor warranty. This strong warranty feature is comparable to the feature of top of the line treadmills. Some reviews showed that what is being liked about the product is the 55" x 20" running surface. This is believed to be the edge of the product as compared to the other products on the same category. This treadmill is easily foldable if the user wished to just store it somewhere.

For people who have very limited budget, treadmill reviews suggested Image 19.0R which is found to be the best product on the budget category. Although it only has a 90-day parts and labor warranty, the reviews still claimed that it is the best if the user simply wanted to include walking as part of his fitness plan.

In terms of running, treadmill reviews recommend the Life Fitness which is observed to be the most preferred treadmill of professional runners. It has features such as a shock-absorbing deck and customizable controls. It also has a heart-rate monitor so that the person doing the exercise will be able to find the right speed that could keep in his heart-rate zone. This way, he will be assured that his exercise speed will not be harmful or hazardous to his heart. It is important for anyone to be aware of what the supposed exercise speed is for the person's heart rate.

You can go to the gym and tone that body by working on the treadmill or by lifting weights. But now, you can get the same results with Swiss ball training.

The training involves the use of a large ball. It is also known in the fitness world as an exercise or stability ball and when filled with air, could weigh from 600 to 700 pounds.

The reason why it is called a Swiss ball is because it was successfully used by a Swiss doctor in rehabilitation therapy. He discovered that this creates instability in the person forcing the patient's muscles to compensate and find balance.

As with all exercises, the training forces the body to go through a wide range of movements thereby activating your muscle fibers and bringing intensity to the workout. In order to keep the ball still, the various muscles in your midsection will exert effort.

You get the most out of the training by using the size appropriate to your height. This is available from 45cm to 75cm in diameter that is surely available at the gym while there are sporting goods store that sell this so you can also do this exercise at home.

Before you get into the training, it is best to consult a doctor. The elderly, those who are injured and women who are pregnant should not try it without personal instruction and care.

Just like any other exercise, it is best to warm up before exercise ball training will commence and cool down when the session is over.

The training if done correctly can help strengthen abdominal muscles by directly targeting them. This is because the muscles involved in the exercise are the ones that will work to stabilize and support the body thus also developing core strength.

As a result, your motor reflexes will be enhanced as all the muscle groups are forced to function while still keeping balance intact. You will also build up your endurance especially in the parts of the body where you once thought had no muscle which eliminates all sorts of back aches and strains.

Swiss ball training also helps promote weight loss by lowering the abdominal fats. Since you only work out for an hour in the gym or at home, the only way to continue is to maintain a proper diet.

There is some confusion when it comes to which piece of cardio equipment to buy for a home gym, but the big two contenders are the elliptical and the treadmill. Both of these machines have pros and cons, but both can get you into good shape if you actually use them.

The elliptical has become one of the most popular units of cardio equipment. At big commercial gyms they can even outnumber the time-tested treadmills. That would have been unthinkable a few years ago. As a trainer, I've found that the elliptical machines tend to force people to a higher level of output, mostly by virtue of the unfamiliar motion combined with hand movement. That's of course great for total calories burned, and that's what it takes for real fat loss to occur. The motion on the elliptical is somewhat similar to running. Although on the elliptical, there is no jarring impact like that experienced with jogging. The elliptical makes it easy for individuals with sensitive or "bad" knees and joints to get a fat-burning cardio workout.

As mentioned earlier, most ellipticals have moving arms. This really helps force the heart rate up. Pulse rate goes up because, as more working muscles join in, the cardiovascular system has to work harder. If you've never seen one in use before, the arm motion creates something like a cross-country-skiing motion.

Since the elliptical tends to be quite intense cardio, many personal trainers recommend it. It may be a good step up from jogging on the treadmill, especially for individuals interested in fat loss. This is very true if they're not experienced runners. But for people who enjoying running, the treadmill can actually be superior.

A treadmill exercise machine is perhaps the basis for indoor cardio. Nearly every gym has enough for an array of exercisers. It accommodates many fitness levels, from an easy walk to a full-on sprint.

If you're considering a treadmill for a home gym, think about the following: Be sure that you purchase a treadmill that has a jogging area of 3 feet wide by 50 inches long or greater. If you're 6 feet tall, you'll definitely need a surface that long, or longer. Be sure to try any possible treadmill purchase out before you buy. And, make sure it gives adequate shock absorbing. Also, look for a treadmill with a 1.5 horsepower engine or greater. This is what's found in commercial gyms.

Regardless of what you choose, aerobic training has many benefits. Many individuals feel more "energy" from aerobic or cardio workouts. This is true partially because cardio helps to increase aerobic capacity. (This capacity is associated with a quicker metabolism too.)

How can you tell if your treadmill or elliptical workout has put you in the so-called cardio zone without a heart rate monitor? In general, you need to at least break a sweat, but you shouldn't go so hard that you couldn't carry on a conversion using short sentences. You should stay within your target heart rate for at least twenty minutes.

Both the treadmill and the elliptical have pros and cons. The one you finally decide on is a very individual choice. Whether you end up with a treadmill or an elliptical, you'll get benefits as long as you use it regularly.

Reviews of the best treadmills you can buy in the low-, mid- and high-end range.

Low-End, Cheap Treadmills

If you're on a budget or want a machine for occasional or light use you should definitely have a look at buying a cheap machine. Even if you're a serious runner who likes running outside, a cheap and affordable model is fine for those times when you wish to run indoors.

The problem with cheap home treadmills is that some are good and deliver on their promise of being a worthwhile piece of exercise equipment, but some cheap models are downright bad.

One can think of the Sportcraft treadmill. This is a low cost machine that is mass sold through retailers like Wal-Mart and Target. It was first launched in 2001 and has 3 product recalls in that short space of time. This is what Treadmill Doctor has to say about this company's machines: 'We expect them to continue mass-marketing game tables and the like but we believe they should stay away from making treadmills.' The Sportcraft treadmill is bad.

However, the Weslo Treadmill is a good cheap model. You can buy the Weslo Cadence G-25 for as little as $200. It is a perfectly acceptable machine for walkers and joggers. It comes with a motor speed of 0 - 6 mph. The treadbelt is 43" with 3 incline positions; 5, 7 and 9%. It comes with a Step-by-Step Feedback Console that has a pretty decent display that helps you keep track of speed, time, distance, calories and fat calories burned.

Some trade reviews of Weslo treadmills give them a poor rating but they usually don't compare like with like. More typically they compare the Weslo with some mid-price machines costing about four to five times as much, which is a nonsensical thing to do.

The Weslo Cadence G-25 treadmill is perfect for those who walk or jog. And, at $200 it is more than reasonably priced.

Mid-Price Treadmills

This is the most competitive sector in the market as most runners are adequately served by using one of this price range. The price does vary quite significantly though; you can pay anything between $1,000 and $2,500. These machines have an array of features to entice the customer. You can buy one that has an amazing control panel, or you can buy one with a very basic control panel but has a very good motor and treadbelt.

If you're someone who needs motivation then you should take a look at HealthRider treadmills. Some models like the T600i come with 4 Window LED Biologic console complete with iFIT.com technology. iFit is an interactive system that works by sending digital cues from the iFIT.com web site, compact discs, and videos to vary resistance, speed, and incline functions according to workouts developed by iFIT.com personal trainers. It's great software for those who find the idea of running on a machine as about as exciting as watching paint dry. The T600i treadmill from HealthRider is about their best model.

If you're looking for pure quality in terms of design and manufacture take a look at a PaceMaster treadmill. Founded in the 60s by the renowned Bill Staub, PaceMaster treadmills have a reputation as being the best. The PaceMaster Gold Elite comes with a 3 hp continuous duty McMillan motor and a maximum speed of 12 mph. So well put together is this machine, it can handle a pay load of 400 lbs. The incline goes from 0 to 15% with 0.5% inclinations.

So confident is the company about the Gold Elite that is comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, with 12 years on the motor and a 5 year parts and 1 year labor warranty. It's unheard of for anyone else to have a warranty on the motor for this length of time.

High-End Treadmills

The one that stands head and shoulders above others is the Landice treadmill. But what makes it so special? For starters it comes with an American made 3 hp continuous duty drive motor that constantly delivers 3 hp with fear of overheating. The fly wheel is the best in the industry and helps to prolong the life of the belt. The treadbelt used on a Landice treadmill is 4-ply; the vast majority of other brands use only 2-ply. 4-ply means the machine can stand up to intensive use from even the most demanding athletes. Landice also give a lifetime warranty with the treadmill, though be warned, there are so many loopholes you need a lawyer present when it's installed. Landice machine are the best but they're expensive and start at just over $3,000.

Stamina makes cheap recumbent exercise bikes that are extremely popular. Their appeal lies in an attractive combination of price, construction and feature list. However, when buying a cheap piece of fitness equipment there are going to be some negative points. Here are some ratings on the company's recumbent models.

The Stamina Magnetic Resistance recumbent bike (15-4600A) retails for around $200 and is the cheapest model. For $200 it does look good value for money, but when you look closer you really do have to ask if this piece of equipment will give you a decent cardiovascular workout. For starters, although there is magnetic resistance, there are only 8 levels and you have to manually change the resistance using a knob. While this may not be a crucial design flaw, the absence of built-in heart rate monitor is. To get the best workout you really do need this feature and the 15-4600A not having it is a major negative point. Finally, the construction does look rather basic and a little flimsy. This machine has a poor rating of 1 out of 5.

For a mere increase of $30, the Stamina Silent Magnetic Resistance bike (15-4800A) is a much better buy. It's design and construction is better than the 15-4600A. There are 6 preset workout programs and, with this model, you do get hand grip pulse sensors. The resistance still only comes with 8 levels and you have to manually adjust it with a knob, but that's would you'd expect at this price. For its price, build and features it isn't that bad and gets a rating of 3 out of 5.

Next up is the EMR Conversion II Recumbent bike/rower (15-9002) that retails for around $600. I like the idea of combining both bike and rowing machine as both provide workouts for different parts of the body and for many, buying and using two separate machines is expensive and impractical. However, the 15-9002 falls short as being a good piece of kit. While it is very easy to convert it lacks any preset programs, the construction quality could be better and the resistance is still only at 8 levels and it requires manual adjustment. Not up to scratch and it only gets a rating of 2 out of 5.

The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent bike/rower (15-9003) is the better option. It retails for around $800. When compared to the 15-9003 the better design and construction is very apparent and the LCD is larger and easier to read. But again, it lacks preset workout programs and there are still only 8 levels of resistance. Out of the two bike/rower machine this is the better one. Is it worth the extra $200? Probably. It gets a rating of 3 out of 5.

The most expensive model is the Elite Total Body Bike(15-9100). It retails for a, not inexpensive, price of $900. I'm disappointed with this machine. While I like the idea of the 'pedaling' handle bars the machine lacks many features. It does have hand grip sensors, a console giving you the usual data feedback, etc. But, it lacks many that you'd expect a machine at this price to have. There's no preset programs, the resistance levels are still only 8 and still require manual adjustment! Compare this to the Tunturi E60R recumbent exercise bike that retails for $1,000. The Tunturi comes with one of the most feature-rich console you can get, 8 motivational, scalable workout profiles and 8 user profiles to suit individual fitness goals, electronically controlled brake that produces a wide effort range and enables the exercise settings to be easily changed whilst training - no manual adjustment, and it comes with a much better warranty. The Tunturi simply out does the Stamina on every salient point. This Stamina bike leaves a lot to be desired and only gets a rating of 1 out of 5.