Exercise/stability balls can be a great asset in your fitness journey if used right. (No judgment if you want to use yours as a desk chair :D) Most exercise balls are versatile, affordable, and can help target different muscle groups. From improving your core stability and strength, to improving posture, coordination and balance, there’s plenty you can do.
Some of our top picks for the best durable exercise ball are:
- Best Overall: TheraBand Pro Series
- Runner Up: Superior Fitness Stability Ball
- Best Budget: Wacces Fitness Ball
- Best for Working Out: GoFit ProBall
- Best Splurge: Power Systems ProElite Stability Ball
- Also try: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball/Trideer Exercise Ball
Keep on reading to know more about them!
Best Exercise Ball: Top Picks
Want a toned physique without having to spend hundreds of dollars on gym equipment? Exercise balls are here to save the day!
Best Overall: TheraBand Pro Series
This is one of the best exercise balls on the market, allowing you to exercise abdominals, hips and other muscles for flexibility. TheraBand Pro Series exercise ball is the one to buy if you want something similar to the ones you’d find at a gym or physiotherapist’s office.
This exercise ball comes deflated with two plugs, a 24 exercise guide poster, and an inflation adaptor. The power pump for this exercising ball is sold separately.
The only caveat with this ball is that it takes quite a while to inflate. According to the instruction manual, you need to lay it flat out for a couple hours, then inflate to 50% and wait 24 hours, to inflate it fully.
Pros
- Comes in four size options: 45cm, 55cm, 65cm, 75cm
- Robust build
- Firm and supportive for injury-prone joints
Cons
- Does not come with a pump
Runner Up: Superior Fitness Stability Ball
This exercise ball by superior fitness is known for its quality and value. Not only is it incredibly sturdy, but also comes with resistance bands, and a stability ring.
Kicking things on with the design, we have an outer shell made up of anti-burst PVC material, that is rated to hold up to 600 pounds without deforming. Furthermore, the top layer is non-sticky (anti-slip technology) to the skin so you will no longer have to worry about sweat when working out.
This particular model also has a stability ring, which prohibits it from moving round when you are on it. The additional resistance bands are also a good add-on.
Pros
- Value for money
- Excellent build quality
- Non-stick and anti-slip technology
Cons
- Needs to be pumped up by hand
Best Budget: Wacces Fitness Ball
This exercise ball is quite versatile and ideal for both upper/lower body intense workouts and stretching exercises. The durable PVC exterior gives it additional strength and wear protection, which is why this exercise ball has received tons of positive reviews online.
This ball has decent grip due to the rugged surface and comes with a handy workout guide. You get six color options, and an anti-burst design along with a size range of 22-26-30 inches.
Lastly, you also get add-ons like extra plugs, a hand pump, and a plug remover.
Pros
- Made using eco-friendly rubber
- Affordable
- Comes with a hand pump
Cons
- Slick surface when wet
- Considerably lesser size options
Best for Working Out: GoFit ProBall
The GoFit ProBall is designed to help users optimize their workouts and improve their overall fitness. It features an ergonomic design that allows for maximum comfort while you exercise.
It also has a non-slip surface that ensures stability and control during your workouts. The GoFit ProBall can be used for a variety of exercises, from yoga and Pilates to core strengthening moves.
The ProBall also comes with ball plugs, ball plug remover, foot pump, measuring tape and an instructional DVD that provides detailed guidance on how to use the ball correctly and how to perform different exercises with it. This is great for beginners or even experienced fitness enthusiasts looking to switch up their routines. Additionally, the ball has a recommended weight limit of 300 lbs, making it a great choice for heavier users.
Pros
- Ideal texture for working out
- Durable
- Supportive and tight
Cons
- Exercise prints on the ball fade over time
- Long inflation time
Best Splurge: Power Systems ProElite Stability Ball
The ProElite ball is made of commercial-grade PVC which makes it highly durable and puncture resistant. It is available in multiple sizes, making it suitable for all users regardless of height and body size. The ProElite ball also features a burst-resistant valve which provides quick deflation when punctured. This makes it easy to adjust the inflation level to suit user preference.
It has a bust resistant rating of 1,000 pounds and also comes with a tape measure.
Pros
- Durable and thick outer layer
- Textured surface for extra grip
- Good for heavy workouts
Cons
- Expensive
Benefits of Using an Exercise Ball
While some use an exercise ball for fun and playing around, others use it to work out on a regular basis. Not only will a stability ball help you stretch your body, get into stability training, and train multiple muscle groups, but it will also help reduce lower back pain.Here are some more benefits of using this highly versatile item:
Core Training
Using an exercise ball is a great way to train your core muscles. Core training is important because it helps strengthen the abdominals, back muscles, and obliques which are critical for balance, stability, and posture. With regular use of an exercise ball during core exercises, you can build strength in your midsection while also improving your overall balance and stability. Core exercises that can be done with an exercise ball include crunches, sit-ups, plank holds, jackknives, and supermans.
Improved Posture & Balance
Using an exercise ball helps to improve your overall posture and balance. Because of the instability factor associated with using a ball, the muscles in your core must work together to keep you balanced. This helps build strength which leads to improved posture over time.
Reduced Lower Back Pain
An exercise ball can also help alleviate lower back pain. Sitting on an exercise ball helps improve your posture, and the instability of the exercise ball encourages proper alignment of the spine, thereby reducing lower back pain. Additionally, core exercises such as crunches and planks can help strengthen the muscles in your midsection, which will take some of the stress off of the lower back muscles.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Using an exercise ball is also beneficial for your cardiovascular system. Regular use of the exercise ball increases your heart rate and blood pressure while also helping to develop your respiratory system. Furthermore, it helps to increase calorie burn and reduce stress levels, which can lead to improved circulation in the body.
Buyer’s Guide
Using an exercise ball can help improve balance, flexibility, coordination, and posture. It also helps to strengthen core muscles, including the abdominal and lower back muscles. Regular use of an exercise ball may also lead to improved posture, increased energy levels, and improved sports performance.
Types of Exercise Balls
There are two main types of exercise balls available: mini-exercise balls and stability balls. Mini exercise balls are smaller, lightweight versions of traditional exercise balls that are good for use in tight spaces or at home. Stability balls provide more support than mini-exercise balls and are used for balance exercises, yoga poses, and sports training.
Choosing the Right Size Ball
The size of an exercise ball is important when selecting the one that best suits your needs. The height of an individual should also be taken into account when choosing a ball as each person will require a different sized ball. Generally, a person under five feet tall should buy a 45 cm ball, for a person between 5’1″ and 5’7″, a 55 cm ball is recommended, and for a person that is taller than 5’7″, a 65 cm ball would be the best choice.
Material and Strength
Look for an anti-burst design that can hold up to 600 pounds minimum along with other features like anti-slip grip and textured surface, so that you do not slide off the ball. Aside from this, make sure that the build quality of your exercise ball is robust so you can carry on with your workouts without worrying about any injury.
Additional Tips for Use
These balls can help improve balance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and posture. Exercise balls provide effective core stability training by targeting the muscles that support your spine. Now that you know about some of the best exercise balls you can buy, here are some tips and tricks that will help you make the most use out of it.
- Get the Right Size: It’s important to choose the right sized ball for your body type so that you can get the most out of your workouts. If the ball is too large or too small, it can be difficult to use it properly and safely.
- Avoid Over-inflating: Proper inflation techniques are also important for safe use. The best way to inflate an exercise ball is with a hand pump, just be sure not to over inflate the ball. Over-inflating a ball can cause it to burst, which could result in serious injury. The ball should feel firm but not hard when pressed with your hand.
- Storage: Safe placement of the exercise ball is also essential. It’s important to make sure that the area you’re using is free of any sharp objects that may puncture the ball. Also, the ball should be placed on a non-slip surface to ensure it doesn’t move during your workout.
- Pre-condition Before Workouts: Finally, it’s important to do some stretching exercises before beginning any exercise ball routine. Stretching helps to warm up the muscles before using the ball and reduces the risk of injury. Common stretches used with an exercise ball include chest stretches, shoulder rolls, lower back stretches, and leg lifts.
Creative Exercises with an Exercise Ball
Core exercises
- Abdominal crunches
- Plank exercises
- Explosive jumping exercises
- Seated push-ups
- Bicep curls and tricep extensions
- Squats with the ball
- Leg raises with the ball
Balance and stability exercises
- Side-to-side plank movements
- Rotational ball squats
- Single-leg balance on the ball
- Leg swings with the ball
- Calf raises while seated on the ball
Plyometrics using the exercise ball
- Lateral ball jumps
- Forward and backward ball slams
- Single-leg hops on the ball
- Ball-tosses into the air and catching it
- Medicine ball throws using the ball for resistance
Cardiovascular training with the exercise ball
- Single-leg squats with the ball
- Jumping jacks on the ball
- Bicycle crunches with the ball
- Burpees with the ball
- Box jumps onto and off of the exercise ball
By following these tips for the proper use of an exercise ball, you can get the most out of your workouts and stay safe while doing them. Exercise balls are a great way to improve balance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and posture – so start using one today!
