Not all stability balls are alike. Stability balls range in size from 30 cm for petite individuals or children to a generous 75 cm for much taller people. In order to use a stability ball safely and effectively, it must be the right size for your body.
What to look for in choosing a stabilty ball
Stability balls are available in a wide range of sizes – and you should first look at choosing a size based on your height. Balls are sized in centimeters, Fitness 4 Home Superstore carries a wide variety of stability balls from SPRI. SPRI’s stability balls are color coded by size – their smallest 45cm ball is green, and their largest ball is a 75cm ball in blue. When choosing a size, if you’re under 5 feet tall, a 45cm ball is your best bet. If you’re between 5 feet to 5 1/2 feet, choose a 55cm ball. 5 1/2 feet to 6 feet – go for a 65cm ball, and over 6 feet in height, get a 75cm ball. Choose a larger or smaller size if you’re near the top or bottom limit of those height range, as that may be more comfortable for you.
How to know if your ball “fits”
When sitting upright on an exercise ball, your feet should be flat on the floor, with your weight evenly distributed on the ball. Your knees should be level, or just slightly lower than your pelvis. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground. If your body weight-to-height is larger than average, you may sink down on the ball a bit – in this case you may want to try a larger size. And, if you find you sit too high on the ball, you can always let out a bit of air to get down to the right level.
Things to keep in mind with stability balls
The most important thing to keep in mind with stability balls is air pressure. Letting air out of a stability ball will lower it, flattening the ball – this creates a larger contact area with the ground, which can help stabilize the ball. And, your ball will loose air pressure over time as it ages. You may have to add some air from time to time. Just remember that when you do, you may find you have a little less stability, as adding pressure decreases the contact area with the ground, so you may have a little more difficulty balancing on the ball.
Things to worry about with a stability ball
Stability balls are great for toning and stretching. But, do you have to keep your balance when using one, and there’s always a chance you can fall. Talk to your doctor before adding a stability ball into your fitness routine, and once you do start using one, start with simple exercises, allowing you to get used to balancing on one before doing more complex and challenging routines.
Fitness 4 Home Superstore carries stability balls from the fitness industries top manufactures. Come try out the best stability ball for your fitness needs at any of our three Phoenix-area locations!
