Stability balls can help you improve your health, fitness and posture. You can use a stability ball for both exercise and while sitting at a desk. A good quality ball is made from PVC or vinyl, and the best balls are those that are advertised as anti-burst balls. The weight limit for anti-burst stability balls varies from 300 pounds to over 2,000 pounds depending on the brand and the material used to make the ball.
Considerations
Before buying a ball, check out different stability ball descriptions and specifications. Look for a ball that is advertised as being an anti-burst ball. Many companies will list the weight limit in the online description or on the packaging. Stability ball sizes are ergonomically designed for your comfort and height. The different sizes are specific to body height. Most stability balls are latex-free, but not all are environmentally friendly. If you're concerned about the harmful chemicals associated with PVC or vinyl, there are eco-friendly options free of toxic chemicals.
Anti-Burst
One of the features of the anti-burst stability ball is resistance to bursting if it is punctured. Balls that are not labeled as being anti-burst have a greater risk of popping like a balloon if you are sitting on it when it is punctured. If you have an anti-burst ball, it will deflate slowly. An anti-burst stability ball has at least a 300-pound weight limit, enabling it to deflate slowly if it is punctured. You can find balls with a higher weight limit, but those are usually more expensive.
Ball Size
Choose a ball size that fits your height. The weight limit of your stability ball is not dependent on the ball size. If you are between 5 feet and 5 feet 5 inches tall, the appropriate stability ball size is one with a 55-centemeter diameter. If you are between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall, choose a ball that has a 65-centemeter diameter. If you are over 6 feet tall, you will need a 75-centemeter ball.
Durability
Your stability ball will last a long time if you care for it properly. Keep your ball at peak performance by following the manufacturer’s directions for proper inflation. Clean your stability ball with water or mild soapy water. And, always use the ball on a smooth surface that is free of debris or any small objects that could puncture the ball.
References
Writer Bio
Kris Heeter is a research scientist specializing in basic cancer and disease research. Her work has appeared in several scholarly journals and online publications. Heeter has also been a wellness professional for more than 15 years, teaching healthy cooking courses and fitness classes. She holds a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology.