An exercise ball, also called a stability ball, is a large, rubber ball filled with air. Exercise balls are used in gyms and homes for strength, functional and balance training. After you purchase an exercise ball, inflate it to the proper size. If you ever deflate your ball, you can refill it as long as it isn't damaged.
Ball Sizes
Select an exercise ball size based on your height. SPRI, an exercise ball manufacturer, recommends a 55 cm ball if you are between 5 feet and 5 feet 7 inches tall. Use a 65 cm ball if you are between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 3 inches tall, and use a 75 cm ball if you are over 6 feet 3 inches.
Ball Inflation
Inflate your ball so the distance from the floor to the top of the ball is equal to the size of the ball. For example, the distance between the floor and the top of the ball for a 65 cm ball should be 65 cm. Over time, your ball may lose air. You can add air, if needed. Remove the valve plug and use a hand or electric air pump. Fill the ball back to the proper size.
Damaged Ball
One instance where you can't refill your ball is if it has been damaged. SPRI notes that it is not safe to repair a damaged exercise ball with a patch kit. If the patch doesn't hold, the ball could suddenly deflate, resulting in you falling and possibly injuring yourself. If your exercise ball has a hole or tear, do not attempt to refill the ball. Purchase a new one.
Considerations
You can add or remove air from your exercise ball to make exercises more or less difficult. A ball with less air is softer and flatter than a firmer ball. The flatness provides a more stable base, making exercises easier. A firmer ball provides a less stable base, making exercises more difficult. Do not add or remove huge amounts of air, but you can tweak the firmness of the ball a little.
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