Who would have thought that a big colorful ball could become such a major piece of fitness equipment? Originally used by physical therapists to help patients undergoing rehabilitative therapy, the exercise ball has now evolved to become a major component in whole body workouts for men, women and children old and young. It not only works out multiple joints in one sitting, it forces the body to balance and maintain proper alignment as well.

Its versatility is unmatched. It strengthens core muscle groups as it helps users gain symmetry. Because exercises done on these stability balls are less straining on the body, they encourage users to stick with their routines and reap tremendous benefits. And since they're inflatable and can be stored anywhere, they are highly portable and can be brought anywhere you go.

However, with the inherent instability of exercise balls, concern for basic safety comes to mind. This calls for foresight to prevent any injury while exercising. Here are some tips to observe as you do your routines using this fun piece of equipment:

• Before you begin seriously frolicking around with an exercise ball, make sure that you do warm up exercises to prepare all your muscle groups. Workouts involving the exercise ball can seem deceptively fun and easy, but don't be fooled, they are intense. You must keep the blood flowing and prep up your muscles first to prevent injury and strain.

• Choose the right ball size for your height. A trainer or the manufacturer can provide these for you. Also, if you're just starting out, don't inflate your ball too much. Firmer balls make exercises more difficult.

• Mind your body always. You must be in control of your movements. Anytime you find yourself losing balance or not doing an exercise properly, stop and redo the exercise, this time with proper form and technique.

• Maintaining traction is important so you can control the ball. If you can do it barefoot, then by all means do so. If not, wear rubber shoes.

• This might seem obvious, but wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. You need to keep your focus on the ball so you keep your balance and stability. You don't need the added distraction of constantly fixing your zippers.

• Choose an area with lots of space for you to do your exercise. You have no idea how far you can go just rolling around.

• If you're doing balance exercises, pull your chin in and keep your shoulders square while you're sitting on the ball. Focus by fixing your vision at a certain point.

• Breathe normally all throughout your routine. In difficult phases of the exercise, breathe out; in easier parts, breathe in.

• Substitute chairs with exercise balls. It forces you to observe proper posture by aligning your spine, improving balance and circulation. These stability balls even go as far as giving you leaner ab muscles

• Even if you observe these safety tips, don't forget to have fun! That's why stability balls are such a hit: They provide a serious full body workout without leaving the fun out!