If you are looking for a way to spice up your home workouts, you might want to consider getting an exercise ball. Exercise balls are inflatable spheres that can help you improve your core strength, balance, posture, flexibility and more. They are also great for rehabilitating injuries, relieving back pain and even preparing for labour. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best exercise ball for your needs? Here are some factors to consider:
Benefits of Exercise Balls in the UK
Exercise balls are not just for fun and games. They are a fantastic piece of kit for core-strength, balance, posture and even injury rehabilitation. They’re also perfect for home gyms, as they are versatile, lightweight and easy to move around, plus they can be deflated for compact storage.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the benefits of exercise balls and how to use them effectively in your workouts. We’ll also recommend some of the best exercise balls you can buy in the UK, depending on your needs and preferences.
What is an Exercise Ball?
An exercise ball, also known as a stability ball, Swiss ball, physio ball, balance ball, body ball, gym ball, Pezzi ball, Pilates ball, yoga ball or therapy ball, is a large inflatable sphere made of PVC or rubber. They come in different sizes, ranging from 45cm to 85cm in diameter, to suit different heights and purposes.
Exercise balls were originally developed in the 1960s by an Italian plastics manufacturer as a gymnastics aid. They were later adopted by physical therapists in Europe and America as a tool for postural re-education and back rehabilitation. Nowadays, exercise balls are widely used for fitness and wellness purposes, as they offer a range of benefits for the whole body.
What are the Benefits of Exercise Balls?
Exercise balls work by creating an unstable surface that challenges your muscles to stabilise your body. This activates and engages your core muscles (the muscles that support your spine and pelvis), as well as other muscles in your arms, legs, back and glutes. As a result, they have several great benefits:
Challenge the core: Using an exercise ball can help you strengthen your core muscles, which are essential for good posture, balance, stability and movement. A strong core can also prevent or reduce lower back pain, improve your breathing and digestion, and enhance your athletic performance.
Increase coordination: Using an exercise ball can help you improve your coordination and proprioception (the sense of where your body is in space). This can help you perform better in sports and everyday activities that require agility and precision.
Improve balance: Using an exercise ball can help you improve your balance and stability by training your vestibular system (the system that controls your equilibrium) and your neuromuscular system (the system that connects your nerves and muscles). This can help you prevent falls and injuries, especially as you age.
Enhance stability: Using an exercise ball can help you enhance your stability and mobility by increasing your range of motion and flexibility. This can help you prevent stiffness and joint problems, as well as improve your posture and alignment.
Size: Exercise balls come in different sizes, usually ranging from 45 cm to 85 cm in diameter. The right size for you depends on your height and the type of exercise you want to do. As a general rule, you should be able to sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. If you are taller than 6 feet, you might need a larger ball, while if you are shorter than 5 feet, you might need a smaller one.
Durability: Exercise balls are made of different materials, such as PVC, rubber or latex. Some are more durable than others and can withstand more weight and pressure. You should look for an exercise ball that is burst-resistant, meaning that it will deflate slowly rather than pop if punctured. You should also check the weight limit of the ball, which is usually between 200 and 500 pounds.
Texture: Exercise balls have different textures on their surface, such as smooth, ribbed or dimpled. Some are more grippy than others, which can affect your stability and comfort. You should look for an exercise ball that has an anti-slip texture, especially if you sweat a lot or use it on a slippery floor.
Extras: Some exercise balls come with extras, such as pumps, plugs, straps, DVDs or online guides. These can make your experience more convenient and enjoyable. You should look for an exercise ball that comes with a pump, as inflating it manually can be very tedious and time-consuming. You should also look for an exercise ball that comes with instructions or suggestions on how to use it effectively and safely.
Based on these criteria, we have selected some of the best exercise balls in the UK for 2024:
Technogym Wellness Ball Active Sitting – Best for longevity: This exercise ball is designed to be used as a chair, promoting active sitting and improving your posture and spine health. It is made of high-quality PVC that is resistant to wear and tear and has a removable cover that is washable and anti-bacterial. It also comes with a QR code that gives you access to online exercises and tips.
Core Balance Gym Ball – Best for size options: This exercise ball is available in four sizes (55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm and 85 cm), so you can choose the one that suits your height and preferences. It is made of anti-burst PVC that can support up to 300 kg of weight and has a textured surface that prevents slipping. It also comes with a hand pump and a plug remover.
Amazon.co.uk Pure2Improve Exercise Gym Ball – Best for comfort: This exercise ball is made of soft rubber that conforms to your body shape and provides cushioning and support. It has a dual-textured surface that offers grip and massage effects and can hold up to 250 kg of weight. It also comes with a foot pump and a measuring tape.
eBay Decathlon Domyos Durable Swiss Ball – Best value: This exercise ball is one of the most affordable options on the market, but still offers good quality and performance. It is made of thick PVC that is burst-resistant and can support up to 110 kg of weight. It has a smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain and comes in three sizes (55 cm, 65 cm and 75 cm).
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