Quick Answer: How to Choose the Right Exercise Ball
The best exercise ball should have:
- High-quality, thick PVC material (anti-burst)
- Correct size for your height (knees at 90° when sitting)
- Appropriate weight limit (at least 250 lbs/113 kg)
- Non-slip textured surface
- Explosion-proof design
Are you looking for some high quality exercise balls? We've put together this comprehensive guide for you that will help you make the right choice.
Exercise balls (aka Swiss balls, yoga balls, Pilates balls, therapy balls, birthing balls, birth balls, etc.) are highly compressible, heavy-duty inflatable balls used during exercise. They range in diameter from 18 to 30 inches (approximately 45 to 75 cm) and may be made of stretchy vinyl or plastic. Exercise balls are great for targeting your upper body, lower body, and core. At the same time, they offer fun and effective cardio and strength workout options.
How to Choose the Right Exercise Ball
There are many options for exercise balls on the market, but choosing the best exercise ball can be a challenge for a variety of reasons. But the following guide will help you answer most of your questions. Here, you'll learn about the key features of an exercise ball to keep in check when buying one, as well as a few other tips to help you avoid buying a poor-quality product.
1. Choose the Correct Exercise Ball According to the Material
While exercise balls are most often made of soft PVC, there are also exercise balls that use other materials such as TPE, NBR, and rubber. And PVC exercise balls are either made from recycled materials or made in an environmentally friendly way.
The eco-balls come in matte colors, are more resilient and wear-resistant. Recycled exercise balls, on the other hand, look a bit shoddy, smell bad, and have a shinier look.
The exercise ball for abs is made of highly elastic and tough explosion-proof PVC, which is safe to use. The thicker the PVC used, the less likely the ball will explode during use. High-quality PVC keeps your ball in great shape, even after you leave it inflated for a while or use it during high-intensity workouts. It is a key ingredient in the plastic of yoga balls, making them expandable and providing the bounce needed for gym use.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is also available in unmodified form, which is the state after polymerization. However, this is still not suitable for yoga balls, so additives are used to make PVC with some favorable modifications to its properties. These additives can be anything from heat stabilizers to flame retardants or impact modifiers.
While rubber exercise balls are very rare, some may contain latex. If you are sensitive to materials, you should always check with the manufacturer to make sure you are getting a latex-free exercise ball.
2. How Should I Choose the Size of the Exercise Ball?
Exercise balls come in many different sizes. These are designed to be used by people of different heights so that they can maintain proper form during exercise.
The diameter of a yoga ball is used to indicate its size. Inflate your exercise ball completely, then run a tape measure around the middle of it to measure the diameter. The best size depends on your height and the activities you plan to do with the ball.
Exercise Ball Size Chart
| Your Height | Ball Diameter |
|---|---|
| Under 5'0" (152cm) | 45cm (18") |
| 5'0" - 5'5" (152-165cm) | 55cm (22") |
| 5'6" - 6'0" (168-183cm) | 65cm (26") |
| 6'1" - 6'7" (185-200cm) | 75cm (30") |
| Over 6'8" (203cm+) | 85cm (33") |
Sit on an exercise ball. If your knees seem to be pointing up and your thighs are at a lower level, you need a bigger ball. Or, if your feet don't easily touch the ground, you'll need a smaller exercise ball.
We always recommend choosing a larger exercise ball if:
- You have long legs
- You are overweight
- You have back problems
- All you need is a stability ball to stretch
If you have shorter legs, or a lower BMI, a smaller yoga ball is better for you.
Wondering how to determine the right size for you when shopping online? All you need are some tape measures and a little effort.
You can squat with your back against a wall, keeping your thighs parallel to the floor and bending your knees at right angles. Mark the wall at the height of your hips, and measure the distance between the floor and that mark. This is the fully inflated diameter for your ball!
Before you get too stressed about the size of exercise balls, though, you should know that they are adjustable. If your hips and knees are leaning at odd angles, you can always add or release some air to make it fit you better.
3. Does Weight Matter When Buying a Yoga Ball?
Yes, you also need to consider the weight of the yoga ball. As a general rule, for an equally large exercise ball, always go for the heavier one. When purchasing an exercise ball for fitness, ask the manufacturer for its weight to find out its quality. Manufacturers who offer high-quality yoga balls will often mention the weight in the product specifications.
4. Choose an Exercise Ball with Explosion-Proof Performance
It is not uncommon to find that all exercise balls are labeled Burst Resistant or Burst Proof. This means you don't have to worry about them bursting, and you can expect them to deflate slowly (and safely) in the event of a puncture.
Better materials and fine-tuned manufacturing procedures are what make an ideal explosion-proof yoga ball. For example, some exercise balls - such as the Trideer Exercise Ball - have a honeycomb structure that forms many explosion-proof air bubbles on the surface of the ball. These air bubbles prevent any cracks or punctures from expanding further, thereby avoiding an explosion. Others have keel-like explosion protection added on the inside to keep them tough even under high pressure.
The thickness of the PVC is an important factor in determining the quality of your exercise ball. The thinner the material of the ball, the poorer the quality of the ball usually is and the higher the risk of bursting during use. So, always choose thicker PVC balls for safety and maximum durability.
It is best to test the anti-burst performance of the fitness ball before buying. This is essential to ensure your safety during use. A ball that deflates slowly is always the right choice, not one that explodes under you to prevent accidental punctures!
One thing to keep in mind is that balls marked "explosion proof" can also burst under certain conditions. That's why you should check for any signs of wear before starting each workout. Clear the ground to make room for your ball workout, put away items that could hurt you if you fall, and use your exercise ball indoors only.
5. What Characteristics Determine the Anti-Slip Performance of an Exercise Ball?
The anti-slip feature of the stability ball is essential to prevent slip and fall accidents during use. Balls with a non-slip design provide better control and are generally safer to use.
The texture of an exercise ball can indicate its non-slip properties. What you want is something that moves smoothly but still offers enough grip to stay in place while you work out. The ultra-smooth surface can cause the ball to slide around dangerously during use. However, overly sticky textures can get dirty quickly with lint, hair and dirt while avoiding slippage.
6. What is the Weight Limit of the Exercise Ball?
Different yoga balls are designed to support different weights. The exercise ball has different limits for resting weight and moving weight. The maximum weight a stability ball can support when weight is not moving over it is its static weight limit. The maximum exercise weight that the exercise ball can support without bursting, such as the maximum weight that an individual can exercise with an exercise ball, is the dynamic weight limit.
Most balls have a weight limit of approximately 250 lbs or 113 kg. However, heavier-duty balls may have a static weight limit of up to 2,200 pounds and a dynamic weight limit of about 500 pounds.
Recommended: Trideer Exercise Balls
Based on all the factors discussed, Trideer Exercise Balls meet all the criteria for a high-quality exercise ball:
- ✓ Extra-thick, anti-burst PVC material
- ✓ Honeycomb structure for explosion-proof safety
- ✓ Available in all standard sizes (45cm-85cm)
- ✓ Supports up to 330 lbs static weight
- ✓ Non-slip textured surface
- ✓ Includes pump and plug remover
- ✓ Multiple color options
- ✓ Affordable pricing without compromising quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight limit for most exercise balls?
Most exercise balls have a static weight limit of approximately 250 lbs (113 kg). However, high-quality balls like Trideer can support up to 2,200 lbs static weight and 500 lbs dynamic weight.
How do I know if my exercise ball is the right size?
Sit on the ball with feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle with your thighs parallel to the ground. If your knees point up, you need a larger ball; if your feet don't touch the ground, you need a smaller one.
What does anti-burst mean for exercise balls?
Anti-burst (or burst-resistant) means the ball will deflate slowly and safely if punctured, rather than exploding suddenly. This is achieved through thicker PVC material and special construction like honeycomb structures.
Can I use an exercise ball as an office chair?
Yes! Many people use exercise balls as office chairs to improve posture and engage core muscles. Learn more about using exercise balls as chairs.
How thick should the PVC be on a quality exercise ball?
Quality exercise balls should have PVC thickness of at least 2mm. Trideer exercise balls feature extra-thick PVC for maximum durability and safety.
Do I need a pump to inflate my exercise ball?
Yes, most exercise balls come with a hand pump. Read our complete inflation guide.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Exercise Ball
Choosing the right exercise ball doesn't have to be difficult. By focusing on these six key factors - material quality, correct size, appropriate weight, anti-burst features, non-slip performance, and weight limits - you can find the perfect ball for your fitness needs.
Remember:
- Always choose thick, high-quality PVC for safety
- Select the size based on your height
- Look for anti-burst certification
- Check the weight limit matches your needs
- Test the texture for non-slip properties
With the right exercise ball, you'll enjoy safer, more effective workouts whether you're using it for core training, as an office chair, or for pregnancy exercises.
Ready to find your perfect exercise ball? Explore Trideer's collection of high-quality, anti-burst exercise balls in all sizes.
