The 5 Best Exercise Balls for Home Workouts
The exercise balls on this list are spot-on options for working out. They are highly portable – I pack flat balls in my suitcase and pump them up at my new destination.
Exercise balls are perfect for coaxing lazy, sleepy muscles back into action. These brightly colored spheres also work as a kinesthetic cue to help draw and maintain focus on specific muscle groups.
From Tosca
I encourage anyone to incorporate an exercise ball into their daily routine
For me, sitting on my exercise ball is grounding. My feet are flat on the floor, and my body is fully engaged rather than taking the shape of whatever chair I’m sitting in.
Sitting on an exercise, or physio ball rather than an office chair demands core engagement as you seek to remain upright on the ball.
Enjoy this list of great exercise balls, my beautiful friends. I hope you find it helpful.
Exercise Balls
Exercise balls are one of the most versatile pieces of wellness equipment—they help build strength and stability no matter your fitness level.
Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit
$20
Pros
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Latex-free
- Includes workout program
Cons
- The air pump is tiring
Gaiam’s Total Body Balance Ball Kit includes a ball, a hand pump, and a 105-minute workout DVD or digital download. The anti-burst ball is made of latex-free PVC for grip and strength. This balance ball can support up to 880 pounds.
Trideer Ball Chair
$40
Pros
- Free stabilizer
- Free resistance bands
- Latex-free
Cons
- May require occasional re-inflation
- Cannot support as much weight as other options
Trideer Ball Chair with Resistance Bands
$43
Pros
- The Trideer Ball Chair, but with handles for incorporating arm and stabilizing motions
Cons
This version of the Trideer Ball Chair is nearly identical to the other model above. This one adds resistance for arm and core workouts.
ProBody Pilates Exercise Ball
$33
Pros
- Available in several colors
- Non-toxic materials
Cons
- Lower weight capacity than other options
The ProBody ball is a good option if you don’t intend to use your exercise ball with high-impact exercises, or with heavy weights. Available in five sizes and twelve colors, with a weight capacity of 330 lbs.
GoFit ProBall
$30
Pros
- Includes two types of exercise instruction
- Foot pump may be more ergonomic
- Partially-textured surface for grip
Cons
- Contains latex
The GoFit ProBall is a simple but effective exercise ball option. It comes with a foot pump, a workout DVD, and diagrams printed on the side of the ball. This rubber exercise ball comes in 3 different sizes.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Buying an Exercise Ball
Most exercise balls look relatively similar, but don’t be fooled—they’re not all created equal. Size, material, and anti-burst qualities are important factors when looking for an exercise ball.
Size
When you sit on your exercise ball, your feet should be flat on the floor, and your knees should be at roughly a 90-degree angle.
If you’re between 5’0” and 5’6”, you should go for a 22” ball. If you’re between 5’7” and 5’11”, you’ll need a 26” ball. If you’re 6’ or taller, get a 30” ball.
Material
While most exercise balls are made of PVC, some are made of rubber which contains latex—an allergen. Latex allergies aren’t particularly common, but they’re more likely to develop with increased exposure. The more often you come into contact with latex, the more likely you are to develop an allergy.
Anti-Burst Properties
Safety is an important factor with any kind of fitness equipment. If your exercise ball popped suddenly, you could hurt yourself.
A good exercise ball will have some kind of anti-burst properties. If an anti-burst exercise ball gets punctured, it will slowly deflate rather than suddenly disappear beneath you. This safety feature could save you from serious injury.
Travel Friendly
Travel is no excuse to opt out of your fitness training. I’m known to pack uninflated physio balls in my suitcase. Once at my destination I pump it up and am ready to do an in-room workout at a moment’s notice.