t Speakwell we are always looking for things which will help keep us active. Pedometers have been a big success in stimulating us to do at least 10,000 steps a day. But we needed a piece of equipment to complement all our walking and jogging and promote ongoing strength, flexibility and balance. The answer was under our noses, or more accurately, under our behinds, as we often sit on fitness balls while keyboarding, researching and speaking on the phone.

This piece of equipment goes by a number of names: exercise ball, fitness ball, stability ball and Swiss ball and is a user friendly, very versatile device that can be used for a complete, full body stretch, strength and stability work-out. You will find them in all the top gyms, fitness clubs and spas and the majority of personal trainers use a fitness ball in some of their work with clients. They are great for core strengthening and can provide the same sort of stumulus as a Pilates work-out.

I believe in them so much that I've purchased a quantity of balls from a local manufacturer and will make them available to 'Well' readers at a very, very, good price. I did a lot of product research and have come up with a high quality fitness ball with built in puncture protection. Most people will want to get the 65 cm ball, but if you are very tall (6'1" or over), go for the 75 cm ball and if you are below 5'3", we have 55 cm balls.

Our silver balls make great gifts and with Christmas coming why not give the gift of fitness to your friends and family? Have a look in our WellMart section. Our silver balls are also included as part of our 'Well in a Box' special Christmas and New Year's offer.