A yoga ball is a flexible yet sturdy ball that offers balance and support for a variety of exercises. You can choose the best yoga ball by taking several factors into consideration, including size, texture, air pressure and your individual fitness level and goals.
Size
Yoga balls usually range in size from 55 to 75 cm in diameter. The taller you are, the larger size ball you will need. To test a yoga ball, sit on the ball with your knees bent and feet resting on the floor. Your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle if you are on the right size ball. If you're between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 7 inches tall, the Mayo Clinic recommends a 55-centimeter ball. If you're between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 1 inches tall, try a 65-centimeter ball. For people 6 feet 2 inches or taller, use a 75-centimeter ball.
Material
Yoga balls are made of synthetic materials that are durable and flexible. Common materials for yoga balls include polymers, vinyl, silicone and PVC. The balls made from heavier materials tend to stay in place better on hard or slick floors, while the more lightweight materials can be slippery on hard surfaces. Some balls have more of a textured surface than others, which can help prevent sliding.
Pressure
Air pressure varies in yoga balls, and the pressure you choose should complement your yoga program. If you are a beginning exerciser, senior or overweight, choose a softer ball. If you are more advanced at yoga or want a challenging workout, choose a firm yoga ball with more air pressure. If you have a firm ball and want to make your workout less challenging, let some of the air out of the ball to make it softer. As you become more advanced, you can pump more air back into your ball.
Considerations
Yoga balls are also often called stability balls, exercise balls, balance balls and Swiss balls. All of these balls are the same tool -- an inflatable ball that offers support and workout options for different poses and exercises. Some balls come already inflated and some are deflated and need to be pumped up. To inflate your ball to the correct size, make a light pencil mark on your wall to the show the height in centimeters of what the package says your ball should be. Inflate the ball until it reaches the pencil mark. Do not overinflate or your ball could burst.
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