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What are exercise balls used for?
Aren't all exercise balls basically the same?
Do I need a burst-resistant ball?
What size ball should I get?
Why are some balls softer than others?
How do I inflate the ball?
How do I care for my exercise ball?
How do I clean my exercise ball?
How do I learn
how to use my exercise ball?
I'm tempted to say, "just about
everything!" Exercise balls are incredibly versatile
fitness tools. Use them to work on balance ... resistance
... flexibility ... and strength.
Exercise balls are a natural for anyone wishing
to actively sit, stretch, tone, and strengthen. It's a
nice bonus that they are also fun, safe and affordable!
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Sadly, no! A lot of balls on the market
are designed for inexpensive play. Being flimsy,
they pierce easily and don't hold up well to sustained use.
We carry only high-quality, durable exercise
balls. All these balls are tough and resist piercing.
They can also handle greater weights.
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We recommend using a burst-resistant exercise
ball whenever possible (Transparent balls and the huge Megaballs
don't come with this option).
Why? Well, security is the most
compelling reason. No matter how tough the ball, something sharp
like a nail can penetrate it. When that happens, a
non-burst-resistant ball can burst rather like a balloon,
dropping you abruptly on the floor - and giving you a good
fright! Not good. Puncture a burst-resistant
ball and it deflates slowly and gently.
A less obvious reason for preferring
burst-resistance is peace-of-mind. Knowing that your ball
will not explode if punctured - though it can still tear
-
lets you relax. That's worth a lot right there!
Note: If you are using your exercise
ball for therapy, don't gamble! Get the safety of
burst-resistance. Likewise, if you plan to use weights
while exercising on the ball, you need burst-resistance.
Otherwise you're running unnecessary risks.
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What size ball should I get?
Here are some rough sizing guidelines:
 | If you
are 4'11" to 5' 3" get
55cm. |
| If you are
5' 4" to 5' 10" get
65cm. |
| If you are
5' 11" or taller get
75cm. |
Sizes based upon height are approximate.
If you are near a division (for instance, you stand between 5' 2" and 5'
5" tall) you could opt to go either
way. Consider your other body characteristics (like
weight) and how you
plan to use the ball. Click for more precise sizing
instructions.
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Why are some balls softer than others?
Some balls are softer because
some people prefer a softer feel. Others like firm. Fortunately, softer does not mean less
burst-resistant or durable. Soft? Firm? This
is a matter of personal comfort and preference.
Soft versus firm really becomes important only
if you plan to use your exercise ball as a chair and spend many
hours on it. Otherwise, you might want to use it only as a
secondary consideration in choosing a ball.
NOTE: Under-inflating a ball also makes it
seem softer. Just so you know :)
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Filling is easily accomplished. The
simplest solution is to buy a
FitBall hand pump along with
your ball (this pump is optional with any of our balls).
It makes quick work of inflating.
When your ball arrives, here's what you
do: remove the plug from the ball, fill the ball with air,
then replace the plug.
If you prefer, you can visit your local car or tire repair shop and see if you
can't use their compressed air to blow up the ball.
Wondering how much air to put in? Click here
for detailed
advice on inflating your ball.
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Caring for an exercise ball is pretty
straightforward. Just be careful to:
| Check for sharp
objects before using. Examine your clothing
and the area where you will be using the ball for items like
nails, staples, and sharp jewelry that could cause a
puncture. |
| Regularly
check your ball for gouges or deep
scratches. |
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Wash
your exercise ball with a soft cloth and warm, soapy
water. Try not to let the ball come in contact with materials printed
in black ink (like newspapers), since these can permanently mark the ball.
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How do I learn how to use my
exercise ball?
We illustrate how to do some basic exercise
ball exercises. For more detailed, specific
information, explore our selection of exercise
ball books and videos.
We're suckers for
videos especially, because watching someone else actually
perform certain actions really helps. You see how movements play
out. Then, after seeing how the expert does it, you try it
yourself, modeling your performance upon the expert's.
Didn't quite catch that sequence? Just rewind and
redo!
Whether your new to exercise ball workouts or
already skilled, whether you want a general program or a
targeted one, you'll find videos to match.
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Exercise
ball FAQ
