The Best Exercise Balls
You can't get much better than a solid exercise ball when it comes to perfecting your stretches and practicing everyday physical therapy. These balls can accommodate anyone from serious athletes to people mending injuries, and the range of productive exercises you can practice with them is nearly limitless. But not every exercise ball will offer the same advantages as the next, which is why we've compiled this list of the ones we found to be most beneficial. Read on and get ready to breathe easier, figuratively and literally.
What To Look For
There were three things we kept an eye out for when picking each exercise ball for our list: is the ball comfortable to use, yet firm enough to provide many benefits during exercise? Can it be inflated and put to use with minimal setup time? Finally, will it keep its shape over a long period and avoid deflation after consistent use? Each exercise ball on our list was chosen using these factors as guides. URBNFit created an exercise ball that, thanks to its focus on accessibility for pregnant people, managed to raise the standard for every individual who may want to use it. Meanwhile, Gaiam provided a convenient chair design that allowed the exerciser to stay comfortable while getting their stretches in. Keep reading to find out which exercise ball will be making your world go ’round today.
URBNFit Pregnancy Stability Exercise Ball
Birth of greatness
URBNFit made this exercise ball for use during pregnancy and, in the process, made our favorite exercise ball full-stop. Its unique anti-slip glaze covers durable PVC material that can hold up to 600 pounds, ensuring the utmost stability for your exercises. It also comes with a dual-action pump that lets you inflate it in a matter of minutes. Pregnant or not, you’re sure to get a lot of value and benefit from this superb exercise ball.
Pros
- It comes in a variety of vibrant, appealing colors.
- This exercise ball comes with an app featuring easy guided exercises to get started with.
Cons
- It will need to be reinflated every so often to keep its shape, but that’s just standard maintenance.
BalanceFrom Anti-Burst Exercise Ball
Heavyweight champion
This is one exercise ball that won’t slip or burst no matter how much weight you put on it. Its high-quality composite materials are constructed to be able to hold up to a literal ton of weight. Plus, it’s easy to clean with a simple damp cloth and comes with a foot pump for quick inflation. It’s convenient to use and can handle almost anything you throw at it, putting it head and shoulders above the average exercise ball.
Pros
- It’s very compact for how much weight it holds.
- The foot pump also comes with an extra inflation needle and a tape measure, which are thoughtful bonuses.
Cons
- The pump works via a spring and can break if you pump it too vigorously, but it should hold up to normal use.
Gaiam Classic Ergonomic Exercise Ball Chair
Your throne awaits
The chair design of this exercise ball flawlessly combines comfort with ergonomic support. This chair is designed to facilitate micro-movements that keep the mind alert during dull work or school days. Since it comes with a guide for desktop exercises, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of it. Those in need of a new seating arrangement that’s gentle on the back will love this exercise ball
Pros
- It can be purchased in several tasteful, workplace-appropriate colors.
- It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, considering it has more components than the average exercise ball.
- The stimulating nature of this exercise ball makes it a great choice for users with ADHD.
Cons
- It can be difficult to tell how much air you’re filling the ball with during inflation.
Trideer Stability Training Exercise Ball
Sometimes a smaller exercise ball can be just what you need to work out kinks and focus on problem areas. This nine-inch Trideer ball proves exactly that, as its size lets you zero in on specific muscles to both stretch them and strengthen their endurance. It’s also smooth and sturdy, with just enough texture to keep it in place as you work out. Bigger isn’t always better, and this small exercise ball proves it.
Pros
- It’s exceedingly affordable, letting you get multiple balls for friends and family.
- Their emphasis on smaller muscle clusters makes them great as physical therapy tools.
- Since they’re so small, they’re more portable than the typical exercise ball.
Cons
- The plug for holding air inside the ball could be a bit more reliable.
Zelus Balance Trainer Exercise Ball
Getting to the core
If you’ve never used an exercise ball trainer before, this is a great one to start with. This Zelus ball comes with a stabilizing non-skid base and two resistance bands to ensure total stability for your workout. Thanks to its unique shape and durable polyvinyl chloride construction, it can add a level of dynamism and intensity to your exercise regimen that a standard exercise ball can’t. People looking for something unique and rewarding can put their minds at ease with this exercise ball.
Pros
- Its focus on stability makes this a great exercise ball for core and balance training.
- The instructions are clearly written to help you put this ball together with ease.
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than a typical exercise ball, but it’s worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of person should use an exercise ball?
Almost anyone can use exercise balls, but they’re especially valuable for people who need a form of at-home physical therapy, or for individuals who want a fun way to refocus their stretches and breathing exercises. Many people also use exercise balls as chairs, due to their stability and ability to promote good posture.
Do I need an exercise ball even if I don’t work out or do physical therapy at home?
Even if you don’t have any active medical issues, there are probably places on your body where you could stand to gain some flexibility. An exercise ball can be an easy, fun way to promote healthy movement across your whole body, and you might be surprised by the positive effect this may have on your life as a whole.
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