How to Buy an Exercise Ball
If you
are
just beginning the journey into exercise ball exercises you need to
know how to
buy
an exercise ball and how to
choose
a size appropriate for your
goals.
When you have your own exercise ball and your own
program
of
free
core exercises its like having your own personal trainer at
home.
When choosing an exercise ball I recommend getting one that is used in
gyms and physical therapy clinics. They are generally more
durable and can withstand greater weights. If you are carrying
some extra weight or if you decide to use
free
weights
with the ball it's worth the peace of mind and doesn't necessarily cost
any more than one you might pick up at a retail outlet. A good quality
exercise ball will say "burst resistant" or "slow release", so if it
does puncture, the air will be let our slowly.
The exercise
ball is the one piece
of equipment that will add diversity to your routine,
functional
training, and takes up very little room. Having your
own stability
ball to use with this seemingly unlimited supply of free
exercise ball
exercises will put you well on your way to your fitness goals.
Some
manufacturers claim to have
designs that if punctured will let air out slowly called "slow release
balls" rather than bursting. Always check the instructions that come
with your ball so as
to avoid exceeding its weight restriction.
Serious
injury can result if used improperly.
How
you choose an exercise ball will depend on what exercises you plan on
doing:
- The size you choose may or may not be important. If
you plan on
doing a lot of exercises sitting on the ball, the ideal size will allow
you to sit with hips and knees at 90 degrees, chest up, both feet flat
on the floor, and head centred over the shoulders. If you are just
beginning with the exercise ball, however, you may want one a little
larger. That way you can keep it a little soft to make your exercises
easier. Here's a general
guide on how to choose your
exercise
ball size.
- The thickness of the rubber will vary depending on
where you
get your ball from. You will find that physical therapy clinics and
gyms will have access to sturdier ball that you may find in a discount
store. If you plan on doing any high impact work, exercises with
dumbbells or bands, or if you are on the heavier side, a little extra
money for a burst resistant ball is worth the peace of mind that you
won't go tumbling if something leaks.
- If you want a really firm ball, get one on the
smaller side so
you can blow it up fully. On the other hand if you want to start easy,
get a bigger ball and don't blow it up all the way. The extra surface
contact with the floor will make the exercise ball exercises easier.
- Ideally, if you can afford it, get more than one to
keep your routine interesting and varying in intensity.
- I wouldn't advise picking one up at a yard sale
because you
don't know how old it is or how it was treated. Most plastics start to
degrade with age and temperature changes.
- Colour is an individual choice. Find something that
complements your decor. On the other hand if it blends into the
background you may forget it's there.
There are so many places selling exercise balls that prices have become
very competitive. You should be able to pick up a good quality burst
resistant exercise ball from any retailer at a reasonable price or your
physical therapist can probably get a good deal on one as well.
Exercise
balls at Amazon.com
