How do I Choose the Best Small Exercise Ball?

A small exercise ball has become a staple piece of equipment at gyms and fitness centers, and they are just as easy to use at home as well. Sometimes called a stability ball, a small exercise ball is a rubber ball that allows you to perform a variety of exercises while improving core strength and balance. Choosing the best small exercise ball is simple: choose one that fits your body size, your exercise needs, and your budget. Stability balls come in several sizes, so choosing one that is best for you should not prove to be too much of a challenge.

More than one type of exercise ball exists. The most common is the stability ball, which is a ball that you can sit on to perform exercises. To size yourself to a stability ball, sit on the ball and place your feet flat on the ground in front of you. Your body weight will compress the ball beneath you, and when it settles, your legs should be bent at a 90 degree angle at the knees. If you sag further than that, the ball may be too small for you. If your knees do not bend far enough, the ball is too big.

The other types of small exercise ball include medicine balls and BOSU® balls. To choose the correct medicine ball, you must first determine what kind of exercise you would like to do. Medicine balls are useful in plyometric workouts, so you should choose a ball that is not too heavy to start. Medicine balls are a small exercise ball, meaning it is feasible to own and store more than one. This is useful because as your workout progresses, you will want a heavier medicine ball than the one you start with. A variety of medicine balls will be the most versatile option for a workout.

A BOSU® ball is made of the same material as a stability ball, but it is not a full ball. It is instead a half-dome shaped piece of rubber mounted to a hard plastic base. This type of exercise ball is extremely useful in developing good balance. Choose one with a sturdy stand and high grade rubber comprising the half dome. This type of ball will be used with either of the two sides facing up, so make sure both sides are made from sturdy, high grade materials that will be durable enough for long periods of use.