Learn how to choose a fitness ball

What’s the best fitness ball for you? It depends on how you plan to use it.
Here, I’ll help you choose the perfect one for your workouts to stay comfortable and supported while getting the most out of your fitness routine.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

1.   Measure your height

The first step towards choosing a fitness ball is to measure your height.
You can do this by standing against a wall with your shoes off and marking the spot where your head reaches.
Then, use a measuring tape to measure the actual height.

2.   Purchase a ball that matches your height

Once you have your height, choosing a fitness ball becomes easy.
We have an approximate size chart that will guide you in the process.

• 18 inches (46 cm) ball for 5 feet (152 cm) or shorter
• 22 inches (56 cm) pilates ball for 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) to 5 feet 7 inch (170 cm)
• 26 inches (66 cm) ball for 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) to 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
• 30 inches (76 cm) ball for 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) or taller

It is best to choose a larger ball if you suffer from problems with the back, have long legs, or plan to do some intense stretching exercises using the fitness ball.

3.   Made of breathable material

Your fitness ball must be of breathable material.
This is because you will exercise on it, and your body will be touching the ball as you do so.
This means that all the sweat will also stick to the ball’s surface.
Breathable materials like linen fabrics ensure that the sweat is easily absorbed and the fitness ball remains cool and dry.

4.   The firmness of the pilates ball

Along with the height and the ball’s material, its firmness is something else you should keep in mind while choosing one.
The fitness ball should be firm to sustain your weight and aid you in your exercise workouts effectively.
However, the ball should not be as stretched like a drum.
That will make your workouts very uncomfortable and even painful.

There is a way to ensure that your fitness ball is just firm enough.
First, you should sit on the ball and look at the mirror.
There should be a slight indenture in the ball where you are sitting.
If this happens, you will know that the ball’s firmness is perfectly suited for your exercises.

5.   Anti-burst properties

Most fitness balls come with a description that includes the term ‘anti-burst.’
What does this mean?
This simply means that the ball contains certain anti-burst properties that prevent it from bursting at any point and causing an accident.
Instead, these balls slowly get deflated when there is a puncture, giving you ample time to move away from it.

Fitness balls, like the Swiss balls, are made of honeycomb structures that create burst-proof bubbles on them and prevent the ball from bursting.
If you are using a ball made of PVC material, ensure it’s a thick PVC.
If it is thin, the ball can burst out of the blue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.      What is the maximum weight that an exercise ball can take?

There is no one standard answer to this as different fitness balls have a different threshold for weight.
Most balls offer a maximum weight of 113 kgs, but you will surely find ones that support a higher range.

2.      How durable are exercise balls?

This depends on the quality of the ball and the care with which you use it.
Thin, flimsy balls will be damaged within a year, while the superior-quality ones are said to last for many years.

Summing Up

Pilates or any similar exercise is an excellent way to gain body balance and strengthen your core.
The fitness ball is a superb aid to support you in your efforts.
This article has attempted to effectively sum up certain factors to keep in mind before choosing an exercise ball.
If you follow these, you will most definitely find a ball that suits your needs and requirements.

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.
You may need little more than an aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.
One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.