An exercise ball can be a good addition to a fitness regimen. Exercise balls help you work the core muscles in your body, including your hard-to-tone abdominal muscles, and improve balance and flexibility. If you're considering using an exercise ball, choose one that's the right size for you.
The Facts
If you're shorter than 5 feet, 10 inches, look for an exercise ball that inflates to about 55 cm at its widest part, recommends Douglas Brooks, an exercise physiologist based in Mammoth Lakes, California, in "Fitness" magazine. If you're taller than 5 feet, 10 inches, you'll want a ball that's 65 cm at its widest part when it's inflated. If you're 6 feet, 2 inches or taller, look for an exercise ball that inflates to 75 cm.
Significance
When you're on a fitness ball, your knees should bend at right angles so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet rest comfortably. If your feet don't touch the floor, you may need a smaller ball so that you can balance comfortably. If your knees point up instead of straight ahead, you may need to upgrade to a bigger ball.
Considerations
Keep in mind that it's the firmness of your fitness ball, not its size, that determines the difficulty of your workout. The firmer your exercise ball is, the more challenging your workout will be. Find a ball that's the right size for your body, and inflate it more to increase your workout intensity rather than using a bigger ball. If you're having trouble with your workout, deflate your ball a little rather than opting for a ball that's too small for you.
Expert Insight
If you're having trouble finding an exercise ball that fits you comfortably, consider purchasing one that's slightly bigger than you need and inflating it a little less than completely, recommends Brooks. As a bonus, slightly under-inflated balls may be more stable and easier to use than fully inflated balls.
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