The yoga ball, or Pilates ball, or just the exercise ball is one of the most fun and loved pieces of exercise equipment. The numerous names imply that you can use it for all kinds of workouts, and it’s especially beneficial for beginners and people with joint problems.
Yoga balls are also used frequently in gyms and training sessions and may be called other names such as stability balls, swiss balls, fitness balls, and exercise balls. These giant balls are constructed of soft elastic, have a diameter of approximately 35 to 85 centimeters (14 to 34 inches) and are filled with air.
In yoga, the exercise ball is a great way to expand on your standard routine. It offers your body more support, and it’s immensely helpful for your flexibility and balance. It’s just a matter of finding the best yoga ball for you. In this article, we’ll review five amazing yoga balls.
Top Yoga Ball Reviews
DynaPro Exercise Ball
What are the essential properties of a quality yoga ball? It’s that it’s not going to deflate easily or burst underneath you. Either could cause you to get get injured. These are serious concerns for everyone, but even more so for people with disabilities or seniors.
Yoga is a cross-generational activity, and DynaPro understands it. This ball has an anti-burst rating and it was built to last a long time.
DynaPro exercise ball can withstand up to 2,000 pounds of weight without deflating. Another fantastic thing about it is that its production process is sustainable. It’s made from recycled materials, which means that not only is it thick and strong, but it’s also better for the environment. That’s the kind of ball you’d find in professional gyms that care about the quality of the equipment they use.
When it comes to using this exercise ball for yoga, there is a lot of things you can do. Trying to perfect your downward poses will become much easier because you’ll feel stable and won’t have to fear you’ll slide down unexpectedly. Apart from yoga, you can use this ball for Pilates, push-ups, or a wide range of stretching or other workout routines.
And it’s a great choice if you want to turn it into an office chair. That way, you can sneak in some yoga on a lunch break. You can get this yoga ball in seven different colors and four sizes – 45cm, 55cm, 65cm, and 75cm.
This yoga ball will help you work on your core and your lower body strength. You can also use it to relax your muscles and just sit on it. In the end, you can just have fun with it and throw it around because it’s very durable.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Durable
- Anti-bursting rating
Cons
- May take up to 24 hour to expand fully
- BUILT TO LAST: Get a quick start on optimizing your health. Every box we ship contains an Exercise Ball that inflates using the hand pump that goes with it. Within minutes, you can use it as a stability ball in any kind of fitness training such as yoga or Pilates, or as a desk chair to correct your posture and support your back when you work.
- MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED MATERIAL: Our stability balls have a superior anti-burst material with a thickness of 2275 micrometers which delivers a greater degree of resistance to sharp objects on the floor or on your clothing that may come in contact with the ball.
- HEAVY DUTY ANTI-BURST RATING CAN MATCH ANY HEAVYWEIGHT: Our Exercise Ball is manufactured using gym quality standards. When used properly, it can carry the stress of heavy loads up to 2200 lbs without popping to prevent you from being injured. Excess loads above this weight will cause the ball to deflate slowly to ensure your safety.
- NON-SLIP RIBBED BODY STAYS PUT WITH SKIN CONTACT: The PVC body has a matte surface with horizontal ribs contoured all around it -- making it easy to hold without slipping while tossing, bouncing or squeezing the ball even with profuse sweat.
- FOUR SIZE OPTIONS FOR YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY: 45cm, 55cm, 65cm, 75cm Not sure which is the right size for you? Our size guide helps you determine which size Exercise Ball best matches your intended use based on your body height if used for exercise, and the desk height if used as a chair.
Yogu Stability Exercise Ball
One of the things that make the yoga ball a fantastic choice for home or gym exercise is that it’s easy to set upend use. The Yogu Stability Exercise Ball will help improve your balance and flexibility.
And, just like the practice of yoga, it aims to work on your core strength as well. It is very sturdy and can withstand up to 2,000 pounds. That means there is nothing you can do to damage it because it has anti-burst properties.
This Yogu exercise ball comes in four beautiful colors, and with an air pump. That means you can start with your workout as soon as you inflate it. It also has an extra air plug, which is very practical.
This yoga ball is great for doing yoga movements like seated spinal rotation, where you sit on the ball that is against the wall and you rotate your torso for extra stretching.
This ball will remain stable, and you won’t have to worry about slipping and losing balance. The yoga ball comes in 65cm diameter size, which is the standard for grown-ups. You can use it instead of the chair or a tool that will help you with your sciatica and lumbar pain. All you need is a bit of imagination, and the Yogu Stability ball will provide the rest.
Pros
- Comes with an air pump
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Affordable
Cons
- Available in only one size
- - STURDY AND DURABLE: Push yourself to the limit with or extra-heavy duty exercise ball. It can handle as much as 2,000 pounds, making it perfect for tough workouts. With an anti-burst quality, your mind is at ease whenever you use this ball, as compared to other exercise stability balls.
- - VERSATILE AND MULTI-PURPOSE: Do you need an exercise tool for your home workouts? Or perhaps, you want to boost your balance and improve your core muscles for Pilates? No matter what kind of workout you have in mind, this core balance ball works perfectly well. It can even help improve your posture when you use it as a desk chair.
- - EASY TO USE: Getting started with this fitness stability ball is a breeze. It comes with an extra air plug, as well as an air pump, so inflating is fast and simple. You can also find the perfect size for you as our therapeutic exercise ball is available in diameters 65 cm to match your unique needs.
- - MULTIPLE WORKOUTS: Want to strengthen your abs? Do you think your legs need some firming up? Use this body exercise ball for different types of workouts such as chest presses, crunches, pikes, planks, and squats, to name a few. You can also use the core workout ball to improve your flexibility
- - 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We love it when our customers are thrilled. That’s why we’ve backed our men’s and women’s exercise ball with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to us in case of any issues and we’ll do all we can to make you smile. Click ‘Add to Cart’ now for a stability ball designed to last for years!
Is yoga good for seniors? We have the whole scoop!
ProBody Pilates & Yoga Ball
ProBody Pilates is a company that makes products specifically for Pilates and yoga enthusiasts, and professionals. Everything they make, like their Pilates ball, is designed to provide the best exercise experience possible. This ball is a professional-grade tool, and it’s a smart choice for people who don’t want to waste too much time searching and shopping around.
The manufacturer uses a very low-odor non-rubber PVC that’s free from phthalates. The ball is sturdy and able to withstand 600 pounds.
Many physical therapists and fitness instructors recommend Pilates and Yoga balls. They are an excellent tool for building better balance, building core strength and can engage all the muscle groups as part of a workout routine.
And you can rely on the superior quality of ProBody Pilates ball to help you execute movements like hip stretches, as well as seated stork pose in yoga. You can get this pro yoga and Pilates ball in seven different colors, and an air pump is included.
This ball comes in four sizes. That means that you can use the largest one as an office chair and bring the mini one with you on trips, so you don’t ever miss a workout. The size of your yoga ball will be one of the factors that will make it the best yoga ball for you, and this ball comes in the widest range of sizes.
If you’re not sure what to do with your newly purchased yoga ball, ProBody Pilates includes access to videos you can watch and get exercise ideas. Also, this is a great yoga ball if you need to rest your pelvic floor if you are pregnant.
Pros
- Professional grade
- Low-odor properties
- No phthalates
Cons
- Only 600 pounds resistance
- - STURDY AND DURABLE: Push yourself to the limit with or extra-heavy duty exercise ball. It can handle as much as 2,000 pounds, making it perfect for tough workouts. With an anti-burst quality, your mind is at ease whenever you use this ball, as compared to other exercise stability balls.
- - VERSATILE AND MULTI-PURPOSE: Do you need an exercise tool for your home workouts? Or perhaps, you want to boost your balance and improve your core muscles for Pilates? No matter what kind of workout you have in mind, this core balance ball works perfectly well. It can even help improve your posture when you use it as a desk chair.
- - EASY TO USE: Getting started with this fitness stability ball is a breeze. It comes with an extra air plug, as well as an air pump, so inflating is fast and simple. You can also find the perfect size for you as our therapeutic exercise ball is available in diameters 65 cm to match your unique needs.
- - MULTIPLE WORKOUTS: Want to strengthen your abs? Do you think your legs need some firming up? Use this body exercise ball for different types of workouts such as chest presses, crunches, pikes, planks, and squats, to name a few. You can also use the core workout ball to improve your flexibility
- - 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We love it when our customers are thrilled. That’s why we’ve backed our men’s and women’s exercise ball with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to us in case of any issues and we’ll do all we can to make you smile. Click ‘Add to Cart’ now for a stability ball designed to last for years!
Trideer Exercise Ball
If you want to buy a yoga ball that has everything you need in the package, then the Trideer Exercise ball is probably something that you’d like. Not only can you get it in a variety of lovely colors, but you also get a foot pump, so that you can inflate the ball easily.
You also get two air-stoppers, in case you misplace or lose one. This yoga ball is one of the thickest you can find on the market. It has impressive anti-burst properties and can withstand up to 2,200 pounds. And this feature makes it the best yoga ball for people who need to feel extra safe and stable.
And unlike many other exercise balls, you can get it in five different sizes that range from M to XXL. That means that it’s incredibly versatile, and you can use it for a wide range of activities. You can work on your plank, or do a bridge, or make chest lifts easier without losing efficiency.
Once a Trideer exercise ball is in your home, there won’t be any shortage of creative ways to use it. And the durability coupled with high-quality materials it’s made from will encourage you to use it as often as possible.
The same goes for the gym applications. It will take up to 24 hours to inflate completely, but once it does, you won’t have to worry about it losing air while you exercise.
Pros
- Extra thick and durable
- Anti-slip surface
- Five sizes
Cons
- Complicated inflating process – may take up to 24 hours until fully inflated
- EXTRA THICK AND ANTI-BURST: one of the highest density exercise balls in the market. 2000 micrometers in thickness and can resist up to 2200 lbs.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL AND ANTI-SLIP: Professional quality with non-toxic PVC material, free of BPA & heavy metals
- EASY TO INFLATE AND PERFECT PACKAGE: Save time and energy with the quick inflation foot pump included in the convenient box. Also comes with 2 more air stoppers and instructions
- VERSATILE USE: Not only great for pilates, yoga, back and abdominal training and pregnancy gymnastics or the hundreds of low impact exercises, but also can be used as office ball chair to improve your posture & relieve back pain. Available in 5 sizes.
- 30-DAY NO HASSLE RETURNS & 12 MONTHS WARRANTY & LIFETIME CUSTOMER SERVICE
SmarterLife Products Exercise Ball for Yoga
It’s hard to find an exercise tool that is as versatile as a yoga ball. Children and seniors, and pretty much anyone in between, can use it. And people of different levels of physical ability can benefit from a yoga ball. SmarterLife Products has created the exercise ball for anyone who wants to feel comfortable and stable while working on their core strength.
The four sizes and 10 colors to choose from will allow you to find the perfect option for your own body and exercise routine. This ball features eco-friendly materials, and the manufacturer avoids latex and other kinds of environmentally damaging chemicals, which is a massive plus.
The anti-bursting rating is amazing and stands around 2,000 pounds. And on top of that, you can’t puncture this exercise ball very easily, which means it’s safer around kids and pets.
And if you’re hesitant about trying it out because you think you will slip, rest assured that this yoga ball has excellent anti-slip properties. You can practice any yoga or Pilates pose or movement with a peace of mind. You will get a hand pump with this yoga ball, as well as extra plugs and a plug remover, so you’re completely covered.
And if you need workout ideas, this ball comes with an e-book “The 7 Secrets to Your Ideal Body” that you’ll get via email once you buy the ball. You also get an exercise guide curated by fitness professionals so you can get the best out of your SmarterLife Products Yoga ball and make it the best yoga ball for your needs.
Pros
- Exercise guide + eBook
- Great durability
- Anti-slip properties
Cons
- Sizing might be off
- BUILT TOUGH: Our premium quality exercise ball was carefully designed with durability and your safety in mind. Whether you want to use our yoga ball at the office or at your home gym, you can count on getting outstanding workouts day in and day out. It's time to drip!
- WON'T BURST: Our exercise balls feature an extraordinarily high anti-burst rating thanks to their thick 2.5mm material. Supporting up to 2,000 PSI, our large exercise ball won't explode if punctured, so you can exercise with confidence. You're sure to love our exercise balls for working out!
- NON-SLIP DESIGN: A terrific yoga ball for pregnancy, workouts, or just plain fun, our yoga balls were thoughtfully created to be easy to grip, safe to use on virtually any surface, and made to resist slipping and sliding. Plus, our work out balls won't stick to your skin, your clothing, the floors, or collect dust!
- MADE SAFE: Free of latex, toxins, heavy metals, and unpleasant odors, our workout ball is safe for those with sensitive skin. Whether you're doing yoga, Pilates, or CrossFit, our fitness ball empowers you to work out the way you want to.
- HOME GYM EQUIPMENT: Making a fantastic addition to your existing collection of at home workout equipment, our work out ball is ideal for stretching, correcting posture while sitting at a desk, or exercising.
Best Yoga Balls Buying Guide
Like we said before, there’s a wide range of yoga balls out there, and each claim to offer something different.
To make your choice easier, we’ve picked out the most important things you should consider when evaluating a yoga ball to purchase:
Material
The material of your ball should be durable and strong.
Many use anti-burst PVC material which is favored for its pliability; this gives the ball that soft, bouncy feel while the non-slip surface grips onto your skin for added traction.
PVC
In the past PVC has been controversial because of its high chlorine content, which often means you are also exposed to phthalates, which can have knock-on health effects.
However, you can also get non-toxic PVC which is free from the six common harmful phthalates: DEHP DBP BBP DINP DIDP and DNOP, as seen in the Pro body- Professional Grade Exercise Ball.
Anti-burst technology
Most yoga balls on the market claim to be anti-burst. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will never burst, but rather means that if something sharp punctures the surface of the ball, it will deflate slowly, rather than suddenly, which can result in injury.
Some balls will have a specific figure as their anti-burst rating, most of these can withstand up to 2200 lbs in weight. Anti-burst is important for most exercises you’ll be using the ball for, but especially if you’re using it as an alternative chair, or if you’re pregnant.
As we said, it is mostly the norm for manufacturers to feature this in their design, but if you intend to use the ball a lot, or for frequent, heavy exercise, the higher the anti-burst rating the better.
Size
Most yoga balls come in different sizes, and it’s important you purchase the right one for your height, otherwise, you could end up with a ball that is too small or too large – and both will make it difficult to balance upon and work with. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines before you buy, as a ‘small’ ball in one brand could be a ‘medium’ in another, and so forth.
Here are some rough guidelines for diameter size, but still check the measurements specific to your chosen company before clicking buy…
If you’re 5’ tall, you need a 45cm diameter ball.
If you’re 5’ 1″ – 5’4″ tall, you need a 55cm diameter ball.
If you’re 5’ 5″ – 5’ 11″ tall, you need a 65cm diameter ball.
Cost
It can be difficult to know how much to spend on a yoga ball, as they mainly claim to offer the same features, and sometimes the cheaper ones can be just as good – if not better – than the more expensive ones.
We recommend spending between $10 and $30. While the cheaper ones may offer the same anti-burst qualities as the more expensive alternatives, the more expensive ones may offer a better warranty, which could save you money in the long run if you do have to replace your ball earlier than you’d like. It all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend, and how often you plan on using the ball.
How to Inflate your Ball
Most balls come with a pump included which is specially designed to inflate your specific ball, while others don’t include the pump – so make sure you read the product description carefully. It’s best to consult the instructions that come with your yoga ball, but most are inflated in the same way.
Here are some steps for getting your ball inflated to its optimal size:
Check Before Inflating
Give the ball a once-over before inflating it. Check the surface for any tears or damage.
Your ball will come deflated and folded, so folds on the surface are pretty normal.
Let The Ball Get to Room Temperature
It can be tempting to get stuck in and inflate your ball straight away, but the best thing you can do is leave the ball overnight or for a few hours, so it can reach room temperature.
Otherwise, the flexibility of rubber can be affected by both hot and cold temperatures.
Lookup Its Final Diameter
Before you start pumping your ball up, check the manufacturer guidelines so you know the final diameter your ball should reach.
You can put a mark on the wall or use a measuring tape to gauge the size.
Start Inflating
You can now start inflating your ball with the hand-held pump it comes with – or your own if you just ordered a ball by itself.
Don’t over pump the ball – only inflate it to 80% at first, you can then insert the plug once you’ve pumped it to the desired size.
The 24-Hour Rule
You might read posts online where people complain about their yoga balls being smaller than stated. Actually, this may be down to how they inflated the ball:
At first, only inflate it to 80% – this allows the rubber material to respond correctly and will help your ball maintain its size and shape. Let your ball rest for 24 hours before inflating it to 100%. It might also be beneficial to let the ball rest before you use it.
Final Check
Measure your ball and check it is fully inflated. You can then adjust according to your findings until you reach the desired size.
You don’t want the ball underinflated – as it’ll be too soft – nor overinflated – as it runs the risk of bursting.
Using your ball
Once you’ve inflated your ball and you’ve let it rest, you can then start using it.
There is a range of activities you can use the ball for, and not all of them are yoga-related. Here are a few of our favorites:
Building Better Balance
The round nature of the ball makes your body stabilize itself so it doesn’t fall.
This makes it great for balance exercises that engage your core muscles to prevent the ball from rolling out from underneath you.
Practice your poses
A yoga ball can help you improve your yoga poses, as it can act as an aid which enhances your flexibility and makes certain poses easier.
Not only will the ball support your body, but it will tone it too!
An alternative chair
Whether you’re watching TV or working at your desk, a yoga ball can make a great alternative chair, and can also improve your posture.
It forces your body to adjust itself so it can balance better, and will strengthen your core simply by sitting down, as well as reduce your risk of back injuries.
Keep fit while you’re pregnant
A yoga ball is a great aid for women who are pregnant and want to strengthen their abdominal muscles before labor.
Just sitting on the ball will strengthen your core muscles!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you exercise with a ball?
There are tonnes of exercises out there to choose from, ranging from those that are as simple as just sitting on the ball, to harder exercises such as the plank.
Ball marches, back lift, and butt extension are all great for engaging the core and toning muscles.
What is the best exercise ball?
This is a difficult question to answer, mainly because a lot of yoga balls fit into the same category and differ only slightly.
It also depends on your budget: we love the Trideer Exercise Ball for its quality, durability, and affordability.
What if my exercise ball bursts?
Most balls feature an anti-burst technology, so even if they do get punctured, they should deflate slowly rather than all at once.
The best thing to do is to take precautions: inspect your ball after every use and put it in a safe place where it won’t get damaged.
Summary
Exercise balls are a great way to improve your posture, sculpt your muscles, and engage your core. They can be used as an aid in Yoga or pilates, but can also be used by pregnant women or those with injuries, to help them keep active and strong.
They’re relatively cheap too and are a good way of making yoga accessible to all ages and abilities. The key thing to look out for when buying a yoga ball is a durable material that is free from harmful phthalates and has a high anti-burst rating.
It’s also important that you get the right size – and correctly inflate your ball – while also using it in a safe environment.
Staying Fit with a Yoga Ball
What features does the best yoga ball have? It needs to be anti-slip, anti-burst, made from quality materials, and offer plenty of color and size options. Most yoga balls we’ve reviewed in this article have all of that, and more. For those committed to sustainable purchasing, DynaPro and SmarterLife Products models are great options.
And for those who want professional design and longevity, Trideer and ProBody might be top choices. Whichever one you go for will give you the support and stability your body needs while doing yoga or Pilates, or just sitting behind your desk working.
