When you buy exercise balls, there are three things to consider:

1. Your height
2. Amount of Use
3. Inflation

SIZE

Use the Size Chart to determine the correct size.  The size of the ball is based on your height, and the length of your legs.  When sitting on the ball with your feet flat, your knees should be in line with your hips, forming a 90 degree angle.

If you buy a ball that’s too big, reduce the inflation.  If it’s too small, increase the inflation for a better fit, using the knee to hip rule.  Use caution when increasing inflation.  If there is no “give”, the ball can break.

AMOUNT OF USE: Burst Resistant vs. Standard

Exercise balls can break, just like a balloon.  A burst resistant ball makes good sense for seniors, pregnant women, or your weight, and how much you’ll be using the ball.  Some models are designed to hold up to 600 pounds.  When an exercise ball breaks, you fall off.  A burst resistant ball deflates slowly, giving you a chance to get up, before falling down.  A burst resistant ball will cost more, but worth the price, as a safety precaution.

INFLATION

Over-inflation may cause the ball to break.  It’s also harder to do your exercises on an over-inflated ball, because it makes balancing more difficult.  There should be some “give” when the ball is filled.  Test the “give” by pushing your fingers into the ball.  You should be able to push your fingers inward about 2″.  You’ll need a ball pump.  They are available in manual or electric.  May as well get a manual.  You’ll save money, and get some exercise too.  If you have several balls to fill, the electric pump, will be a better choice. It’s faster than the manual pump.  If you’re giving workshops, you might want to have a manual pump on hand, just incase the electric pump malfunctions.

STABILITY BALL SIZE CHART

Ball Diameter: 45 cm.
User Height:  Under 5′ Tall

Ball Diameter: 55 cm.
User Height: 5′ to 5′ 5″ Tall

Ball Diameter: 65 cm. ball
User Height: 5’6″ to 6′ 1″ Tall

Ball Diameter: 75 cm. ball
User Height: 6′  2″ to 6′ 8″ Tall

Ball Diameter: 85 cm. ball
User Height:  Over 6′ 8″ Tall

Information in this post is educational.  It should not be used to replace medical advice from your physician, or other healthcare provider.

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Copyright 2012 Irene Pastore, and Blue Moon Personal Training