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<I wanted to ask you what you think of these medicine balls. We have trainers now doing flyes for their chest on balloons rather than benches to have unsuitability to get functional stomach muscles and burn more calories. You have seen plenty of fads in 40 years in the business. Is this another fad or is everyone going to start training on big balloons now? Marian>

The ab balls are cute trick items that will come and go like the rest of the gear. They might be around awhile for some jolly folks who enjoy the effect. They are bouncy and require stabilizing by the user, and that is the argument for their benefit. Soon the stabilizing is effortless and a limit is reached in the weight one can safely employ. However, the stability of the solid bench encourages the lifter to pursue a heavier poundage and appropriately load the muscles for size, density and strength.

They're comfy for stretching and crunching but they ultimately interfere with the contraction of the abdominal muscles under the resistance of the body's weight or added weight; that is, crunching or contracting under load.

Many personal trainers are quick to pick up on the latest tricks and techniques coming down the pike, fearing they might be considered out-of-step, uncool, not hip, old-fashioned or boring if they don't.

Your friend will respond well if she enjoys and believes in the red, blue and yellow balls, if she trains regularly and intensely and if she eats right. The balls are okay for now. They will not revolutionize her or your training. The basics, like fire and ice, rule.

Tricks are for kids. Toughness in training is good. Personally I prefer more angle in my workout.

Rock and roll... Dave