As more and more people begin to pay attention to health, various fitness equipment that can be used at home have become popular.
Wherein fitness ball is exactly a kind of such exercise tool.
Swiss balls, commonly known as exercise balls, are very popular in gyms and at home. They are a stylish workout accessory for those who like to try different workout styles.
Paired with specific exercises, these giant yoga balls aid in the development of core strength, balance and flexibility.
But if you're wondering if it's worth investing in an exercise ball, get regular exercise at the gym or a Swiss ball will last you 1 to 2 years.
Depending on the care they receive, some can last up to five years. Plus, they're affordable, so there's not much risk involved.
However, you must know how to use the exercise ball effectively. Here's a brief guide to exercise balls, how long they last, their benefits, and how to use them safely.
How long do exercise balls last?
Typically, therapy balls have a lifespan of 1 to 2 years with continued use. If you use it every day and do rigorous workouts like weight training, you may want to consider replacing it soon.
On the other hand, if you use a yoga therapy ball at home and maintain it properly with regular cleaning and gentle use, it can even last up to 5 years.
However, you must watch for certain signs that, as we'll discuss later in this article, will indicate if you need to replace your exercise ball.
Will the Therapy ball explode?
As versatile as yoga therapy balls are, they do require maintenance. If you use the exercise ball incorrectly or if it is not in good condition, you could damage the ball or injure yourself.
Exercise balls can withstand heavy use. But even if you have a high-quality medicine ball, you can't expect it to last indefinitely.
Exercise balls have limits, and when those limits are exceeded, it will burst.
Common causes of fitness ball bursting and how to avoid them
There are many cases of injuries related to exercise balls.
While most injuries can be attributed to simple accidents, sometimes they are caused by faulty equipment or misuse of this training tool.
Bursting exercise balls is another common occurrence that can cause injury. There are a variety of factors that can cause an exercise ball to burst.
Here are some of the most common reasons why exercise balls pop and what you can do to avoid them:
1. Applying too much weight
Each exercise ball comes with weight recommendations.
More often than not, people tend to exceed this weight limit by either stressing it too much or using it for weight-bearing exercises. Make sure to always check the weight limit and never exceed it.
2. Hyperinflation
If you overinflate an exercise ball, it will stretch the material and make the ball easily punctured.
3. Accidental tearing or rupture
Always make sure there are no sharp objects on the floor where you will be using the physical therapy ball. Use the ball away from any sharp corners or other devices that could cause tearing.
4. Weakened or worn areas
If you use your medicine ball on a regular basis, it's critical to check it at least once a month to make sure there are no worn areas.
If you feel the material is worn, it's time to replace your exercise ball.
5. Excessive outdoor use
Did you know the sun's ultraviolet rays can quickly wear down your exercise ball?
It is recommended that you use the fitness ball in a cool place indoors and avoid strenuous exercise such as hitting and kicking.
How to properly inflate a exercise ball?
When shopping for an exercise ball, be sure to check for an air pump so you can easily inflate it when needed.
Inflating an exercise ball is very easy with the proper equipment.
Here are the steps to follow to properly pump an exercise ball:
Let the balls come to room temperature for 2 h. This will bring the plastic temperature back to normal, making it easier to inflate the ball.
Place the tapered tip of the ball pump into the opening of the exercise ball.
Pump the ball to 80% of its original size. To fill the ball, push the lever on the pump up or down.
The ball will start to get bigger as you pump. After you've drawn the ball, insert the included small white plug and let it sit for 24 hours.
After letting the ball sit for a while, it's time to inflate it to full size. Remove the previously installed white plug and insert the ball pump head into the hole as quickly as possible.
Continue pumping the ball until it is completely full.
Reinsert the ball and place it another day. Leave your ball indoors until the next day before using it.
Is it worth using an exercise ball?
With so many of us leading sedentary lifestyles, people tend to look for ways to make their work lives healthier.
Women exercising with a exercise ball outdoors. One of the ways to do this is by using a exercise ball. An exercise ball gives you the opportunity to try a variety of exercises and can even be used in place of an office chair.
However, given the risk of a Physical Therapy ball bursting, one might wonder whether it's worth using a exercise ball. Which tool you use for your workouts is entirely up to you, as you have to take your workout and goals into consideration.
But you can also look at the pros and cons of using an exercise ball to make a more informed decision.
Benefits of Using a Therapy Ball
Exercise balls may not seem as exciting or glamorous, but they're an affordable way to boost your heart rate and burn calories.
Exercise balls can revitalize old, boring sports, making them more fun and allowing you to refocus while training your body in new ways.
Exercise balls provide a different experience for your stabilizers by engaging your brain and body to promote greater stability and core strength.
Disadvantages of using an therapy exercise ball
Without supervision, you could lose your balance and risk injury.
Large bouncing balls are fun, but they take up a lot of space.
Being unable to maintain your balance can distract you from the actual exercise, resulting in less benefit from your workout.
When should I replace my exercise ball?
It is important to have all exercise balls marked with the date you purchased them and their burst limit.
Limit the Lifespan of Exercise Balls
Exercise balls have a lifespan of approximately 12 months, depending on how much you use them. So it's important to replace them after that.
Exercise balls are also available in various burst limits ranging from 200 lbs to 1,000 lbs. These limits should be marked so that people who are heavier or lifting weights know to use the ball according to the burst limits.
Once you pass the 12 month mark, and even before that, if you overuse your medicine ball, you may want to consider replacing it to keep you safe. Remember, prevention is better than cure
In conclusion
Exercise balls provide invaluable support during stretches and exercises and require proper care to ensure effective use.
So, while some exercise balls can last up to 5 years before needing to be replaced, if you've been using the same medicine ball for more than 2 years, it may be time to replace it.
