Best Exercise Balls

Highly versatile, exercise balls can be used to strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility. They are suitable for low-impact workouts and can even be used for pregnancy gymnastics. The unstable surface of an exercise ball is also great for increasing coordination and balance. Take a look at our list of the best exercise balls, and take stability to a whole new level.

Benefits of Using an Exercise Ball

An exercise ball works by forcing your body to remain balanced, engaging your core muscles. Here are just a few benefits of using a stability ball during exercise or instead of an office chair.

• Spine Health and Posture

  Swiss ball exercises can increase your core strength, including the abdominal and lower back muscles which stabilize the spine, pelvis, and hips. This can reduce back pain, especially in sedentary individuals.

• Weight Loss

  Incorporating a stability ball into your workouts can add an extra level of difficulty to standard exercise routines. The more difficult the workout, the more effort you need to put in, and the more weight you lose. Even sitting on an exercise ball while you work can burn extra calories.

• Balance

  Sitting on a ball engages your abdominal and back muscles, both of which are responsible for your balance and coordination. Strong core muscles also improve your proprioception or spatial body awareness. This can improve your sports performance and protect you from injury.

• Flexibility

  Using a balance ball as a part of your workout routine can improve flexibility and prevent injury. Exercise balls are also a great prop for pre-exercise warm-ups. Use it to stretch your muscles before getting into more strenuous exercise. An exercise ball can also add a bit of fun to your yoga or pilates routine.

Five Exercise Ball Workouts

Try these workouts to engage core muscles while sitting.

• One Leg Balance

  Start by standing on your right leg with the left leg slightly behind you with the toes on the floor. Hold the ball overhead with your arms outstretched. Tip forward from the hips, as you lift your left leg in the air behind you and lower the ball until it is parallel to the floor. Hold this position for five seconds before repeating on the other side.

• Push-Ups

  Lie face down on the exercise ball, ensuring that your stomach is resting on the ball and your palms are flat on the floor. Pull yourself with your hands until you are in the plank position, and the ball is underneath your lower hips or thighs. Lower yourself towards the floor by bending your elbows, keeping your abdominal muscles engaged. To make the exercise more challenging, move the ball closer to your ankles. Hold for five seconds before repeating.

• Back Stretch

  Stand with your feet apart and the ball in front of you. Place your right hand on the ball and rotate it until your thumb is pointing up. Roll the ball to the left with your hand until you feel a stretch in your arm and back. Make sure that you keep your hips square throughout this exercise. Hold for five seconds before repeating on the other side.

• Chest Stretch

  Begin by sitting on the ball. Slowly walk your feet out until you find yourself lying on the ball. Your back should feel fully supported. Tilt your head back and let your arms fall to the floor on either side of the ball. Do this exercise near a wall, if you feel that you need to hold onto something for balance. Hold for five seconds.

• Wall Squats

  Stand with the ball between your lower back and a wall. Your feet should be hip-width apart and your hands should be on your hips. Bend at your knees and hips until you are in a sitting position while keeping the ball in contact with your back. Hold for five seconds before returning to the standing position. To make this exercise more challenging, lift one foot an inch or two off of the floor.

Weighing All the Factors

Whether you use it during exercise or as an office chair, exercise balls are a great investment. All things considered, URBNFit’s exercise ball for fitness takes our title of the best exercise ball due to its sturdy construction and non-slip surface. Trideer’s extra thick yoga ball and Black Mountain’s exercise stability ball are also two worthwhile options to consider before making your final purchase.