You can purchase exercise balls to improve your strength, stability and flexibility, but keep in mind that not all balls were created equal. As recently as 2009, millions of exercise balls were recalled because they burst while under pressure and in use, leading to both minor and serious injuries. When you purchase a ball, check its designated weight limit and whether it has anti-burst technology to help prevent potential injuries.
Significance
The weight limit of a ball tells you how much the manufacturer guarantees that it can hold. If you place too much weight on the ball, the ball could burst or deflate. Individuals who weigh more than 200 lbs. or who plan on lifting significant amounts of weight while on the ball should pay special attention to the weight limit of the ball to make sure that they don't exceed the amount. Find the weight limit of the ball by checking the packaging or the ball itself. Weight limits should be printed on the ball near the logo or around the inflation point. If the limit has worn off with use, check the manufacturer's website for this information.
Types
A ball has several different potential weight limits. The static weight limit indicates the amount of weight that the ball can hold while still. For instance, if you were simply sitting on the ball, the ball could hold up to a certain amount of weight. These weight limits vary widely based on the type of ball being used, as well as what manufacturer produces the ball. Weights may vary from roughly 300 to 2,500 lbs. If you want a ball that holds more, look for commercially-rated fitness balls.
Dynamic weight limits indicate the amount of weight a ball can hold while you're performing a moving exercise. For instance, if you're using the ball to perform a dumbbell chest press, as you lift and lower the weight, your body will place greater pressure on the ball, increasing the amount of weight the ball has to sustain. The dynamic weight limits will also vary by manufacturer and materials used to produce the ball. For a "best guess" on dynamic weight limits, take the static weight limit and divide it by five. So, if the static weight limit is 1,500 lbs., the dynamic weight limit would be roughly 300 lbs. When in doubt, contact the ball's manufacturer or ask the gym manager to find out the information for you.
Benefits
Many commercially-rated fitness balls have dynamic weight limits ranging from 300 to 500 lbs. Even if you're a big guy who plans to lift heavy weights while using the ball, you can feel confident that a ball with a 500-lb. dynamic weight limit will support you and keep you safe.
Knowing the weight limits also will help you choose a ball that will meet your needs. If you plan to use an exercise ball in place of your office chair, you probably won't need to spend the money purchasing a ball with a high dynamic weight limit.
Considerations
Even exercise balls with the highest dynamic weight limits can occasionally have imperfections that could lead to accidents. Always inspect your ball to make sure that it shows no signs of rips, tears or weak spots. Store it away from direct sunlight, as the sun could weaken the ball's material. The American College of Sports Medicine also suggests only using the ball on surfaces clear of debris and cleaning the ball with soap and water, avoiding chemicals that could damage or weaken the ball's surface.
Warning
The balls recalled in 2009 by EB Brands were not removed from the shelves of stores and can still be sold. The bursts reported in these incidences appear to have occurred due to over-inflation, effectively decreasing the ball's weight limit. Make sure you check your ball and read the manufacturer's directions for safe use to make sure you don't over-inflate the ball.
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