The Best Exercise Balls

Exercise balls are basically large and firm inflatable bouncy balls. Instead of being used for play, these elastic balls are meant as workout aids. They can be used to strengthen a variety of different muscle groups, and since they’re so versatile, they’ve become a staple in public and home gyms.

Buying Guide for Exercise Balls

Why buy an exercise ball?

If you prefer to work out at home rather than pay for a gym membership, an exercise ball is a worthy addition to your home gym. They’re probably best known for use in core-strengthening exercises, but you can use an exercise ball in other workouts, too. Along with your core, they can work your arms, back, and legs or even be used in full-body workouts. Exercise balls are also great for improving your balance, coordination, and flexibility. You can even incorporate them into yoga exercises or prenatal exercises. They’re also a regular fixture in various physiotherapeutic exercises; if you have lower back pain or similar issues, a physical therapist may give you stretches or a routine to do at home that involves an exercise ball.

If you don’t have the storage space for a big workout machine or bulky weight sets, an exercise ball can be a huge asset since it can be inflated and deflated as needed. And they’re a lot less money than exercise machines like stair steppers or treadmills.

What should you look for in exercise balls?

• Size: Exercise balls tend to range in size from 45 to 85 centimeters (roughly 17 to 35 inches) in diameter. The proper size for you will depend on your height. Your hips should be level with or slightly higher than your knees when you’re sitting on top of your exercise ball. A 55- to 65-centimeter (17- to 22-inch) exercise ball will be the right size for most people unless you’re much shorter or taller than average. And don’t forget that you can deflate the ball a little bit if need be. There are extra-small exercise balls (around 9-10 inches in diameter), usually for leg-only exercises.
• Durability: Keep an eye out for anti-burst or burst-resistant exercise balls that are less likely to give out underneath you while you’re working out or puncture if they accidentally come into contact with a sharp object. Nonslip models are also a good choice since they’re less likely to roll out from under you and onto something sharp, like a table corner. And the thicker and better quality the PVC or base material is, the stronger the ball will be.
• Color: Exercise balls come in just about every color or shade that you could want. Whether you like solid colors, dark or light shades, multicolored models, or even patterned or tie-dye designs, there’s an exercise ball that’ll suit your tastes. There are even some models with removable covers, which may be reversible if you ever want to mix things up a bit.

What’s the difference between exercise balls and yoga/medicine balls?

People use the terms exercise balls and yoga balls interchangeably; there’s no real difference between them besides the name. Pilates balls, Swiss balls, and physio balls are other common alternate names for exercise balls. Don’t worry about accidentally buying the wrong product if the exercise ball you want is listed under one of these names.

Medicine balls, on the other hand, are quite different, though they’re also used for working out, exercising, rehab, and physical therapy. Though they’re meant for the same sort of activities as exercise balls, medicine balls are smaller and heavier and tend to be used for rolling, throwing, and catching movements. Exercise balls, on the other hand, tend to be for sitting on and performing exercises like push-ups, planks, or stretching.

Our Picks for the Best Exercise Balls

Pros: There are 11 different colors available for this multifunctional exercise ball, and it can be bought in five different sizes as well. Even the smallest version can support up to 600 pounds, so it’s nice and sturdy. A nice dual-action air pump comes with your purchase for easy inflation, and it should only take a few minutes to fill up the exercise ball.

Cons: Though this exercise ball does offer a nice color variety, it’s only available in solid colors. There aren’t any multicolored or patterned designs available, and some users people found that the 65-centimeter model might not measure up correctly.

Bottom Line: Whatever task you intend to use your new exercise ball for, this model has you covered. It’s equally great for exercise, stretches, yoga, pregnancy, or even as a desk chair. The price varies slightly depending on which size and color you pick, but whatever model you choose, you’ll get a good value.

 

Pros: While most exercise balls have a pretty good weight capacity, this one goes above and beyond; it’s capable of supporting up to an impressive 2,200 pounds. The extra-thick PVC increases its strength and security, as do its anti-slip and anti-burst, slow deflation tendencies. Along with the exercise ball itself, you also get a foot pump for quick and easy inflation, as well as two air stoppers and an instruction booklet with detailed directions.

Cons: This exercise ball is a bit pricier than most due to its larger size. It shouldn’t break the bank for most people, but keep in mind that it will cost you a little more money. This model also doesn’t do well when it’s in contact with wood or paint, so try to keep it away from wooden furniture, woodwork, and painted walls or floors when using this exercise ball.

Bottom Line: If you need an extra-large exercise ball, this is the one for you. The weight capacity is impressive. Its size and high weight capacity make it a great choice for a desk chair. If you like this ball, but the extra-large size is too big for you, several smaller sizes are available, too.

 

Pros: Sitting on an exercise ball while working at a desk has been shown to help people activate their core more often throughout a typical workday. This ball comes with a stand to make it more practical to use at your office. The package includes the removable exercise ball, a chair base, a metal ball holder, four caster wheels (two of which are lockable), an air pump, and a desktop exercise guide. It comes in six colors, so you can choose your favorite or one that matches your company’s decor.

Cons: Be sure to follow the inflation guide so that the exercise ball stays properly inflated.

Bottom Line: Using this exercise ball and chair during your workday can help encourage better spinal alignment, core activation, and even better neurological well-being, thanks to the small and subtle movement of balancing your weight on the ball while working. This complete setup allows you to get your exercise ball chair up quickly without needing any additional equipment. It is important to follow the inflation guide for a properly inflated ball before use.

 

Pros: Measuring 9 inches, this mini exercise ball is a versatile piece of equipment for improving balance and flexibility. This ball can also be used for rehabilitation exercises for knee, back, and hip issues. The exercise ball features a textured surface for better grip. It is also easy to inflate and deflate, which makes it easy to take with you during travel. This ball is available in nine colors.

Cons: You may find yourself needing to inflate this between uses.

Bottom Line: This exercise ball is specifically designed for yoga, Pilates, and rehabilitative exercises. Using it can help you increase balance and flexibility. Many physical therapists recommend exercises with this ball for back, hip, and knee issues, which makes this 9-inch exercise ball a versatile piece of equipment in your home gym.

 

Pros: While it is a little more expensive, this is actually quite a high-value bundle. Besides the ball itself, you receive a pair of resistance bands, a foot pump, an inflation tape measure, an exercise wall poster, a ball base with plugs, a set of extra air plugs, and a plug remover. So you end up paying less money for this whole bundle than you would if buying each piece individually. The base gives the exercise ball extra stability for workouts and sitting at your desk, while the poster gives you a great jumping-off point for shaping your new workout routine.

Cons: Your size options are a bit more limited with this exercise ball. While it’s available in three different sizes, this doesn’t include extra-large or extra-small sizes. And there are only three color options to choose from, so there is less variety offered than in similar models.

Bottom Line: If you’ve never used an exercise ball to work out before, this set is a great place to start. Between the poster with workout suggestions (which also demonstrates proper form) and the base for extra stability, it offers plenty of guidance and peace of mind for beginners. It’s also a great option if you’re just starting to build your home gym.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to build your home gym or spice up your current workout routine, an exercise ball is an excellent investment. They can make classic exercises like push-ups and sit-ups more challenging and effective without breaking the bank. Check out our selections to get pointed in the right direction.