Which Ooof ball is best?

Which Ooof ball is best for me?

So, you're sold on the Ooof ball.  Now the question becomes, which one do you pick?

Don't let the number of Ooof balls intimidate you.  Picking one is simply a matter of deciding (1) what size ball you want: Junior, SV or BB and then (2) what weight ball to get.

The sports you enjoy and wish to train for will determine the appropriate Ooof ball size.  Your age and physical condition, along with your workout goals, will determine the right ball weight.  

Pick the right size Ooof ball

Begin by asking yourself this question... 

What sport(s) do I most enjoy? 

For sports like golf, tennis, and baseball, choose a Junior or S/V (soccer/volley) size Ooof ball.  These smaller sizes keep the hands close together for swing training.

For basketball, football, and martial arts, choose from the larger Ooof BB size balls.

This table shows which Ooof balls work best for different sports. For the sports you like, which type ball is recommended (marked by x's): the 5 1/4" Junior, the 8 1/4" SV, or the 9 3/4" BB?

Have you narrowed your choice down to the size ball (Junior, SS, or BB) appropriate for your favored sport(s)?   Great!  Now you are ready to pick a suitable weight ball from within that grouping.  

Pick the right weight Ooof ball

To settle upon a weight, you need to ask yourself a couple more questions...

What is my age and how often do I work out?

In other words, how fit are you right now?  You need to select an Ooof ball that matches your current level of fitness.

It's tempting to push your limits by going with a heavier ball.  Actually, though, you should probably go with a ball slightly lighter than your first instinct.  This allows you to safely and comfortably develop your skills, strengthen and tone.  Then you can move up in weight.

Keep in mind that (1) many exercises are done with the Ooof ball at arms length, which dramatically increases the effort required, and (2) a lighter ball might be more fun to work with.  There's no rule that says you need to opt for the heaviest ball you can handle.

The colors of the x's in the chart above indicate which ball weights are generally recommended for different age/ability groupings:

x = kids up to 10, those with physical challenges or in rehab

x = youths 10-13, most women, casual exercisers 

x = physically fit men, advanced women

Consider these guidelines, but use your own judgment.  And, when in doubt, go lighter. You want a ball heavy enough to noticeably slow down movement, but not so heavy as to sacrifice accuracy, control, or range of motion.

Congratulations, you're almost done!  Only one more thing to consider... How do you want to use the Ooof ball?

What is my main goal in using the Ooof ball?

Are you more concerned with building strength...or stamina and endurance?

To develop core strength, go with a heavier Ooof ball and fewer repetitions.

To promote endurance, use a lighter Ooof ball with more repetitions.

Have you decided on a ball?  If you're still debating, consider whether one of the balls would likely prove more versatile.  Or maybe your needs and purposes vary enough that you really need two Ooof balls!  

Confirm your Ooof ball choice

Want to confirm your choice?  Here's a quick summary of what the different balls do: 

* junior size: 7 1/4"

** soccer/volleyball size: 8 1/4"

*** basketball size: 9 3/4"

Let us help you choose

Still debating?  Call us at 913-390-0247 - we'll answer your questions and help you decide.

If you'd like tips and instruction on using the Ooof ball to develop core strength and perform sport-specific resistance exercises, check out our Ooof ball videos.