Yoga balls, also known as fitness balls, exercise balls, or stability balls, are lightweight for easy use. They are used for a variety of exercises and provide stability for light weight lifting. Some people even use yoga balls as chairs to burn calories while they work.
Weight and Size
Yoga balls come in a variety of sizes, most commonly 55 cm, 65 cm and 75 cm. Most yoga balls weigh approximately 5 pounds or less. A yoga ball can sometimes double as a 5-pound weight for exercising.
Weight and Height Limits
Most yoga balls have a weight limit of 250 pounds. Burst-resistant yoga balls can handle greater weights, sometimes up to 500 pounds. The larger the yoga ball, the greater weight it can handle. However, yoga ball size should also be chosen based on a person's height for greater stability. For example, a 55-cm ball is the right size for people of a height ranging from 5'0" to 5'5". A 65-cm ball is best for people from 5'6" to 6'1" height. And a 75-cm ball is best for people from 6'2" to 6'8" height. However, if you're using a yoga ball for the first time you might pick a larger-sized ball until you get used to using a ball as part of your workout routine.
Yoga Ball Exercises
Yoga balls are used for a variety of exercises and health purposes. A yoga ball can help improve balance, coordination and core strength because it is less stable than an weight bench. A yoga ball is often used for abdominal exercises because the abdominals and back muscles are worked simultaneously. A yoga ball can also be used for stretching exercises.
Types of Yoga Balls
A yoga ball is made of plastic vinyl. Some are created to be burst-resistant and are made of a tougher vinyl. Burst-resistant balls are not puncture-proof, however. When punctured, a burst-resistant ball will deflate much more slowly, providing more safety. A regular yoga ball is shiny and slick, while burst-resistant yoga balls are textured.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
With features published by media such as Business Week and Fox News, Stephanie Dube Dwilson is an accomplished writer with a law degree and a master's in science and technology journalism. She has written for law firms, public relations and marketing agencies, science and technology websites, and business magazines.