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Boost your core strength, balance and spine health in the comfort of your living room Balance Board Ball
If you've ever set foot in a gym, yoga studio or birthing centre, chances are you'll have spotted an exercise ball on your travels. Originally intended as a gymnastics aid, exercise balls have been on the fitness scene since the sixties, so they're nothing new. But have you ever used one to support your training, and do you know the real benefits of these clever inflatable spheres?
Also known as stability or Swiss balls, it's a little known fact that the humble exercise ball is a powerhouse for home fitness, and can support everything from balance to core strength and even spine health. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about exercise balls including the ideal size, how to make the most of them in your training and the best ones to buy.
In a hurry? Here are the best exercise balls at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
Typically made from PVC, an exercise ball looks like an oversized football and comes in a range of sizes to suit your height and specific needs.
'An exercise ball is mostly used for physical therapy, athletic training and exercise,' says Tim Kayode, sports and performance therapist and Founder of Myoset.
They can be used to support your bodyweight workouts, improve posture and can even help with labour pains.
Exercise balls come with a number of benefits. 'It can be used for a plethora of things such as exercises, rehab drills and stretches,' explains Kayode. But the benefits don't just extend to fitness.
Exercise balls vary in size, weight and density, so do your research before you start shopping to ensure you choose the right type. They typically come in a range of sizes including 45cm, 55cm, 65cm and 75cm in diameter.
'Firstly make sure the ball is the correct size,' says Kayode. 'I would recommend relating it to your height.' The following guidelines should help you choose the right size ball:
How you use it depends on the type of activity you choose but, if you are new to exercise balls, there are a few points worth considering. 'The more firm the ball the more challenging the exercises will be, so for a beginner it's advisable to slightly deflate the ball,' says Kayode.
Alignment is also important. 'Always make sure when you are sitting on the ball to start out with, that your feet are flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle,' explains Kayode. 'Also, when using your Swiss ball make sure it's being done in an open area to avoid hitting or breaking anything.'
Fitness-wise there's not much you can't incorporate an exercise ball into. They offer a greater range of motion for loads of bodyweight moves, allowing you to get deeper into exercises and engage muscles you didn't know you had! Get started with these tips:
From peanut-shaped to half balance and classic Swiss balls, we've rounded up our pick of the best exercise balls, available to shop now.
The last thing you want is an exercise ball bursting beneath you mid-crunch. This durable number is as reliable as it is grippy (read: very), with a non-slip coating and anti-burst guarantee.
Made from sturdy PVC, it comes with a pump to blow it up and is available in five sizes — the large size (58-65cm) is currently 38% off, while all other sizes are also discounted. Run, don't walk.
Colours: Black or turquoise Extras: Pump included, comes in S (38-45cm), M (48-55cm), L (58-65cm), XL (68-75cm) and XXL (78-85cm).
This exercise ball from Amazon's fitness brand Umi can be used on pretty much any surface thanks to the non-slip ring design. It's available in six colours — but we personally love the sage green pictured — and if it does happen to get a puncture it will deflate slowly, so no unceremonious plonking onto the floor.
Colours: Deep purple, blue, light blue, light green, magenta purple and pink Extras: Available in 55cm, 65cm or 75cm, purchase includes a hand pump.
This classic exercise ball is available in a range of sizes (and funky colours) to suit your height and taste. Plus it comes with a pump and a tape measure to help you inflate it to the right capacity.
And best of all this one has anti-slip lines to keep you stable during your workouts. It doubles up as a makeshift office chair too, so you can work on your core stability throughout the day.
Colours: Available in black, grey, pink or teal Extras: Choose from sizes 55cm, 65cm 75cm or 85 cm, purchase includes a pump.
This no-nonsense PVC exercise ball from adidas comes with a dual-texture surface, so half of it is extra grippy to keep you stable during certain moves, while the other half is smooth-textured for balancing.
Plus, it's made using anti-burst technology so there will be no nasty surprises if your cat attacks it.
Colours: Grey Extras: Also available in 55 cm and 75 cm, purchase includes a hand pump.
Another great cost-effective option for home fitness, this 65cm classic exercise ball is made from 100% polyvinyl chloride which is slightly thicker and more durable than some materials.
It comes with non-slip lines to keep you stable and we love the muted blue and pink shades.
Colours: Petrol blue and damson pink/purple Extras: Also available in 55 cm and 75 cm. You will need to buy a pump separately.
If space is tight and you're hoping to get more from your home gym equipment, this half balance ball holds the secret to a full body workout.
It comes with anti-slide floor pads and a textured standing surface for stability and core work, while bonus resistance bands will train your whole body including arms, shoulders, abs, and back.
Colours: Available in classic blue, lake blue, purple, black and mint green Extras: Available in 47cm and 60cm, includes a pump.
Save 15% on this no frills exercise ball — just tick the 'Apply 15% voucher' box. Made from flexible PVC it makes for a super comfortable seat while toning the heck out of your core (yes please), and the textured ridges stop it slipping, even on smooth floors.
Colours: Black, lavender, pine green, pale green, baby blue or grey Extras: Also available in 65cm, 75cm and 85cm, purchase includes a pump, plugs, plug remover and measuring tape.
You know you're getting quality when you shop with John Lewis and this 65cm exercise ball is no exception to that rule.
Made from PVC with a slip-resistant surface, it's strong, sturdy and quick to inflate thanks to the included pump. We love the teal colour too.
Colours: Teal Extras: Purchase includes a pump.
You won't go back to your squeaky spinning chair after a day sat at your desk on this. The 65cm ball itself is PVC but it's wrapped in a comfortable charcoal felt, which helps prevent slipping as well as looking and feeling great.
Plus there's a useful handle so you can move it around the office hassle-free. Say hello to better posture.
Colours: Charcoal Extras: Purchase includes a foot pump.
Peanut balls differ from classic exercise balls because they're easier to slot between your legs, so they're great for physical therapy and certain core stability moves, plus birthing women swear by them for help during labour.
Colours: Available in blue and red Extras: Available in sizes 100 x 50 cm or 90 x 45 cm, purchase includes a pump.
Our fave super-fit TV presenter Davina McCall swears by using an exercise ball to work her core, and she's even launched her own range. We have serious ab-envy.
This classic ball is anti-burst so it will go the distance, plus it's signed by Davina. And best of all, we love the acid bright colours that will surely encourage you to get your sweat on.
Colours: Turquoise (75cm) or coral (65cm) Extras: Purchase includes a pump.
WFH workout warriors, this exercise ball was made for you. The stable base effectively turns it into a core-engaging chair, and the attached resistance bands on the sides mean you can easily work on your arms while scanning emails — genius.
Colours: Available in blue, purple, pink and red Extras: Purchase includes a foot pump.
New to using an exercise ball or looking for a pregnancy aid? This simple but effective 65cm purple option is great for beginners hoping to improve balance and co-ordination, and at £11 it's also a total steal.
Colours: Also available in 55 cm in silver and 75 cm in blue Extras: Purchase includes a pump.
If you just don't have the floor space for a giant exercise ball or you're hoping to focus on key areas, this 22cm PVC ball might be small but it still packs quite a punch.
Use it between your legs to aid alignment or as part of a Pilates class to boost flexibility and improve balance. Plus, it's super cheap, even when not on sale.
Colours: Available in turquoise Extras: Comes with two inflating straws.
There's more than meets the eye with this 55cm exercise ball from home gym specialists Technogym. It's designed to perform as a comfortable chair that manages to also keep you active, engaging abs, supporting your lumbar and stabilising your spine.
It won't roll, is anti-slip and comes with a QR code you can scan to access exercise videos. Consider it an investment in your posture.
Colour: Black Extras: Exercise videos, carry handle, removable cover is washable.
Constantly tipping over during core work? No longer with this clever exercise ball from Reebok. The base is weighted to stop the ball rolling around (and gives a two-tone look we love), but is still unstable enough to give you a great workout.
Colours: Grey two-tone Extras: Purchase includes pump.
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