Exercise Balls

Exercise balls can be used for a wide variety of activities, including balance training, core strengthening, stretching, mobility exercises and rehabilitation. Their rounded surface introduces an element of instability, encouraging the body to engage muscles to maintain control and positioning.

Depending on the size and style, exercise balls can be incorporated into seated, standing or floor-based exercises.

The best size depends on your height and how you intend to use the ball. Larger exercise balls are commonly used for seated exercises, balance work and full-body movements, while smaller therapy balls may be better suited to targeted strengthening, stretching and rehabilitation exercises.

Check the sizing information for the individual exercise ball before ordering, particularly if you need it for a specific physiotherapy programme.

Yes. Because an exercise ball can move beneath you, maintaining a controlled position requires continual small adjustments from the body. This makes exercise balls useful for balance, stability and coordination exercises.

The difficulty can often be varied by changing your position or the exercise being performed. Anyone with significantly impaired balance should have appropriate support or professional guidance when first using an exercise ball.

Exercise balls are commonly incorporated into physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes. They can be used for controlled movements designed to improve strength, flexibility, coordination and range of motion.

Smaller therapy balls can also be useful for more focused exercises where a full-size gym ball isn't required. If you're recovering from an injury or surgery, follow the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist or healthcare professional.

Full-size gym or exercise balls are large enough to sit on and are commonly used for core, balance and whole-body exercises. Their size allows them to support a variety of seated and floor-based movements.

Smaller therapy balls are easier to position between or underneath different parts of the body. This can make them useful for targeted strengthening, mobility and rehabilitation exercises.

Yes. Core exercises are one of the most common uses for larger exercise balls. The moving surface requires the abdominal, back and other stabilising muscles to work to help maintain balance and control.

An exercise ball can be incorporated into exercises of varying difficulty, allowing a routine to be adapted according to the user's strength and ability.

An exercise ball should be inflated according to the instructions supplied with the individual product rather than simply made as firm as possible. Correct inflation helps the ball maintain its intended size, shape and performance during exercise.

Avoid exceeding the recommended diameter or pressure. Before each session, it is also sensible to check the ball for visible damage and make sure the surrounding floor is clear of sharp objects or other hazards.