Do Yoga Balls Have Sand?

A yoga ball, also called a stability ball, therapy ball, sports ball, Pilate's ball, gym ball and gymnastic ball, is often confused with the sand-filled medicine ball. These casually-used names are sometimes the source of confusion for yoga beginners and others new to the fitness arena. This is why it is important to know what a yoga ball is and what it is made of. You don't want to start a new yoga class holding a sand-filled ball while your classmates are posing on a purposeful yoga ball.

What Are Yoga Balls

Yoga balls are popular fitness balls used for a variety of fitness programs and activities. You might find yoga balls used in Pilate's, aerobics, fusion exercise programs and circuit training classes. Some people trade their office chairs in for yoga balls. In fact, a peer review published in the May 2007 edition of "The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association" suggests that yoga balls relieve back pain relief when used in place of chairs because yoga balls support spinal stabilization. Because yoga balls are nimble and unfixed, users can manipulate the ball, which promotes spinal stability.

What Are Yoga Balls Made Of

Yoga balls hold air and are made from durable elastic and PVC. Typically, yoga balls can withstand 400 to 600 pounds of pressure, which primarily depends on the size of the ball and its use or misuse, according to Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud, authors of "Working on the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness." The user of air-filled yoga balls must rely on using core muscles for stabilizing a position the ball.

Identification

Yoga balls are larger and more lightweight than sand-filled medicine balls. Most medicine balls weigh from 2 to 25 pounds, which provides resistance for strength training exercises. Like yoga balls, medicines balls help strengthen the core muscles, but also help strengthen other muscles, such as the arms, legs, shoulders and back. It is also possible to use both balls simultaneously. A user might sit on a yoga ball and use the medicine balls to do arm curls.

Size

You need to purchase a yoga ball appropriate for your height. According to the American Council on Exercise, the recommended buying guidelines for yoga balls are as follows: 30 cm ball for those under 4'6"; 45 cm ball for those 4'6" to 5'0"; 55 cm ball for those 5'1" to 5'7"; 65 cm ball for those between 5'8" to 6'2"; and 75 cm ball for anyone over 6'2" tall. Some people might desire a smaller or larger ball then what's recommended. This might depend on personal comfort, which commonly stems from the longer or shorter length of a user's arms, legs, or trunk, which could make the recommended sized-ball for the user's height seem unfitting or otherwise feel awkward.