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Best Stability / Physio / Balance / Swiss Ball Review

last updated: Feb 11, 2020

When you have a swiss ball in your home gym, you have access to one of the finest tools to make your body more flexible and strong. In addition, you have access to the great stability and balance tool, as well as a very effective physiotherapy worker. But not all stability balls are good for this range of uses. In this article, we identify the 10 best stability balls for physio, balance, and stability.

This is the best product on our list currently in stock:

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Tone Fitness Swiss Ball
95.2/100 our score
Use
94
Effectiveness
96
Size
95
Durability
95
Features
96
Tone Fitness Swiss Ball
Why is it better?

Strong, Burst Resistant Shell

Latex-free

Pump Included

Exercise Chart & DVD

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Rating
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#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.2
Use
98 %
Effectiveness
97 %
Size
97 %
Durability
98 %
Features
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Use
94 %
Effectiveness
96 %
Size
95 %
Durability
95 %
Features
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.2
Use
93 %
Effectiveness
94 %
Size
93 %
Durability
94 %
Features
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$39.98
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Use
88 %
Effectiveness
87 %
Size
87 %
Durability
88 %
Features
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.4
Use
87 %
Effectiveness
86 %
Size
87 %
Durability
85 %
Features
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$34.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.2
Use
85 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Size
86 %
Durability
86 %
Features
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$19.98
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Use
83 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Size
83 %
Durability
84 %
Features
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$16.95
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80.2
Use
80 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Size
81 %
Durability
81 %
Features
79 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$25.35
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
78.2
Use
79 %
Effectiveness
79 %
Size
77 %
Durability
78 %
Features
78 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link

10 Best Stability Balls for Physio, Balance, and Stability

1. SPRI Ultra Stability Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.2
SPRI Ultra Stability Ball
Amazon Link
Use
98
Effectiveness
97
Size
97
Durability
98
Features
96
best offer for today
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Pros:

Heavy Duty Drywall Shell

Very Grippy Surface

Slow Deflate

Dimpled Pattern

Cons:

No Counterweight At Base

The SPRI Ultra swiss ball is made from heavy-duty dura-wall materials. This provides a very thick outer to ensure that it doesn’t rip or tear. It is fitted with slow deflate technology, giving you the peace of mind that you need to get an effective workout. The SPRI stability swiss ball has a dimpled surface that provides a 360-degree body traction effect.

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The SPRI Ultra swiss ball is completely free of any harmful phthalates. It is guaranteed to retain its shape and it features a very good gripping surface. It comes with a very good instruction sheet along with an inflation pump. With this product, you also get a 100% money back guarantee

2. Tone Fitness Swiss Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Tone Fitness Swiss Ball
Amazon Link
Use
94
Effectiveness
96
Size
95
Durability
95
Features
96
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Strong, Burst Resistant Shell

Latex-free

Pump Included

Exercise Chart & DVD

Cons:

Has Phthalates

The Tone Fitness Swiss Ball features a hardy, burst resistant outer rubber material. It has a series of ridges that encircle it to help you to get a better grip on the ball. This swiss ball is made by the CAP Barbell company, who is a respected name in the fitness industry.

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You can have confidence that your Tone Fitness swiss ball will last for months without needing re-pumping. The Tone Fitness exercise ball is available in a range of sizes to suit your height. This stabilizer ball is an ideal choice for yoga, pilates, physio, and general balance-ball training. It is completely latex free and will not emit the strong odor that often comes with other swiss balls.

3. Trideer Ball Chair

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.2
Trideer Ball Chair
Amazon Link
Use
93
Effectiveness
94
Size
93
Durability
94
Features
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$39.98
Pros:

Resistance Bands

Over 100 exercises

Eco-Friendly

Anti-Burst

Anti-Static

Cons:

Flimsy Pump

The Trideer Ball Chair with Resistance Bands provides you with a 65cm swiss ball or a 75 cm ball that sits inside of a plastic ring. Attached to the ring are two resistance bands. This set-up provides you with everything you need for a combination of resistance/balance stability workout. The quality ball is anti-burst and antistatic, so it won’t attract hair or stick to your body. Interested in more choices? Read our buying guide and find the best balance ball chair.

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The inflated stability ring ensures safety and rigidity as you perform your resistance band exercises. The resistance bands provide you with the resistance of 60 pounds of weight. They are also upgradeable to 120 pounds. Cushioned handles with metal hooks provide comfort and strength. You can do more than 100 exercises with this unit. The material this ball is made out of is eco-friendly and hypo-allergenic.

4. PharMeDoc Stability Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
PharMeDoc Stability Ball
Amazon Link
Use
88
Effectiveness
87
Size
87
Durability
88
Features
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

2000 Pounds Rating

Impact-Free Design

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Vinyl Anti-Burst

Cons:

Low-Quality Pump

The PharMeDoc Stability Ball is a heavy duty physio and recovery ball that will give you a very high-quality training tool. It has a max weight rating of 2000 pounds. It has also been tested on a range of different body types and body shapes. This exercise ball features an ergonomically ideal impact on free design.

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The swiss ball comes in three colors and sizes – 55cm, 65cm, and 75cm diameters. The material from which the PharMeDoc swiss ball is made is very rugged. This prevents it from becoming saggy over time or of losing its shape. The surface of the ball is very easy on the skin, and will not snag on your clothing or shoes. Your product comes with a 100% money back guarantee.

5. Timberbrother Exercise Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.4
Timberbrother Exercise Ball
Amazon Link
Use
87
Effectiveness
86
Size
87
Durability
85
Features
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$34.99
Pros:

High Grade And Durable

Free Workout Poster

Resistance Bands And Base

Flexible PVC Shell

Cons:

Leaks Air After Some Time

This 65 cm swiss ball is made out of non-toxic PVC that is anti-slip, and it can withstand up to 2000 pounds. It has been tested for its anti-burst properties, so there's no need to worry about the ball exploding underneath you. A free poster showcasing the best workouts you can do on this ball is included, laminated for extra durability.

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This swiss ball can easily replace the chair in your office to give you a healthier environment to work in, thanks to the sturdy base the ball can be placed on. This ensures that the ball doesn't roll way if you lose your balance! There are resistance bands included here as well, and you can wrap them around the base to build muscle as you balance yourself on the ball. A free pump is included as well, so you can start using the ball right away.

6. Gaiam Total Body Balance Kit

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.2
Gaiam Total Body Balance Kit
Amazon Link
Use
85
Effectiveness
85
Size
86
Durability
86
Features
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.98
Pros:

Burst Resistant

Top Quality DVD

Free Pump

Color Coded

Cons:

Chemical Smell

The Gaiam brand of the physio exercise ball is a high-quality swiss ball with a thick outer wall and a large band of dotted projectiles. While the 65cm ball is the most popular, it is also available as a 55cm and 75cm option. The Gaiam stability ball is burst resistant and able to withstand minor obstructions such as a table corner or a staple on the floor.

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Gaiam Total Body Balance Kit includes a DVD workout program and a top quality air pump. The Gaiam 65cm exercise ball has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The DVD that you get here is top notch, being presented by fitness personality Tanja Djelevic. You actually get three separate twenty-minute workouts to cater to all needs.

7. Firm Slim Physio Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Firm Slim Physio Ball
Amazon Link
Use
83
Effectiveness
84
Size
83
Durability
84
Features
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$16.95
Pros:

Burst Resistant

Slow Deflation Technology

30-Minute DVD

Tear Resistant

Cons:

Strong Rubber smell

The Firm Slim and Sculpt stability ball is constructed out of the firm, tough, burst resistant plastic. This physio ball is specifically designed for women, being a comparatively small Swiss ball (55cm). However, you can also get balls with 65 and 75 cm diameters.

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It is available in an attractive pink color. It is tear resistant. If it does happen to get a hole in it, the ball will slowly deflate, keeping you safe at all times.

With your purchase comes a 30-minute workout video, which is of very good quality. You also get an air pump which works surprisingly well. The Firm stability ball will hold it’s air for months at a time before you need to re-pump it.

8. Reehut Anti Burst Core Ball

Reehut Anti Burst Core Ball
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Ridged Surface

Tested To 2,200 Pounds

Money-Back Guarantee

Matte Surface

Cons:

Loses Air When Not Used

The Reehut Anti Burst Core exercise ball is a ridged exercise ball that is easy to grip and maintain control of. It features anti-burst technology and has been tested to 2,200 pounds without bursting. You get a choice of colors and five different sizes, ranging from 45cm to 85cm. You also get a free exercise pump with your purchase. It is made from PVC material and is completely latex free.

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The Reehut physio/balance ball is compact and portable enough for you to be able to use it anywhere. It will retain it’s air, even if you haven’t used it for a while. This ball inflates quickly, making it an effective rehabilitative tool that can be taken with you. Your purchase carries a 100% money back guarantee.​

9. Theraband Physio/Balance Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80.2
Theraband Physio/Balance Ball
Amazon Link
Use
80
Effectiveness
80
Size
81
Durability
81
Features
79
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$25.35
Pros:

Thick, Imported Rubber

Easy-Grip Edges

Full-Color Poster

Bright, Vivid Colors

Cons:

No Pump

The Theraband physio/balance ball is made from a thick imported rubber material. It features a series of ridges to make it easier to grip the ball. If the ball is punctured, it will deflate slowly, protecting the user from any potential harm. This 65cm diameter exercise and fitness ball is designed for people who are between 5’7” and 6’1”.

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The swiss ball comes in a deflated state, along with two plugs and an inflation adaptor. Along with your Theraband ball, you also get a comprehensive full-color exercise guide poster, featuring 24 different moves that you can do with your new ball. You do not, however, get a complimentary pump when you buy the Theraband physio ball.

10. PROMIC Exercise Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
78.2
PROMIC Exercise Ball
Amazon Link
Use
79
Effectiveness
79
Size
77
Durability
78
Features
78
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Professional Grade Rubber

Free Of Heavy Metals

Matte Textured Finish

Foot Pump and Back-up Plugs

Cons:

Wrong Sizes Arrive

The PROMIC exercise ball comes in a huge variety of sizes, ranging from 45 to 85 cm, accommodating every height and weight. The sizes are color-coded, and you will always know just what size you've chosen. The balls are made out of professional-grade rubber, free of BPA and toxic heavy metals.

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The swiss ball can take 1100 pounds easily, giving you the chance to work with weights without worrying. The ball surface is matte, textured to make it grippy and slip-proof. A quick foot pump comes with the ball. Back-up plugs and even plug removers are included in the package, and you can fix the ball quickly to get back to your routine.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Use

Using a stability ball is actually quite simple, once you learn the basics. Stability balls are actually a great tool for treating lower back pain, and even sciatica, because the ball will strengthen your core and the muscles surrounding your spine for better support and less pain. Yet, many people struggle with starting to use the ball. We will describe the basics of using these balls, and once you master those basics, more sophisticated movements will become as easy as the basic movements are.

First, you must master sitting on the stability ball. We know this sounds silly, but this starting movement is essential if you don't want to fall off the ball and hurt yourself. This super simple exercise still requires the use of your core muscles, because they need to keep you upright and well-balanced. If you struggle with sitting on the ball, try letting some air out so the ball becomes softer. This will make the ball stabler, and you won't need to struggle so much to just sit on it.

There's a proper form you should obtain here, just like with every other form of exercising. You must make sure to sit at the center of the ball, with both of your feet placed flat and firm on the floor. Keep your knees at a 90-degree angle, and keep them in line with your ankles. Do not hunch forward or sit with your body leaning backward!

Remember to keep your neck and head straight too! Once you know how to do this, you can then start to try working from these balls as chairs. Some people like to sit on them to watch their TV, read books, or do anything that requires you to sit down since it's a much healthier alternative to a regular chair or couch. Once you feel comfortable with sitting on this ball, without losing balance or falling down at all, it's time to start learning some exercises you can do on them!

The best way to start using the ball is simply bouncing on it. Don't let the simplicity of this exercise deceive you! First, try to bounce just a little bit, about an inch or so. Engage your abdominal muscles by tucking in your belly when you bounce! Once you know how to bounce properly, you can try engaging your arms, and you can even add some free weights or resistance bands to keep things interesting!

Effectiveness

How effective can sitting and bouncing slightly on a ball really be? This one silly exercise actually has many benefits for you! First things first, an exercise ball is great for your spine, as it will support it as you stretch out and workout. This is exactly why these balls are used as part of physio and rehabilitation programs. Many people experience back pain and cramps simply because of their job and everyday lives, and the ball is an excellent way to relive that pressure - all you have to do is simply lay across it and stretch out to feel the benefits!

The swiss ball also keeps your core stable and strong. this is vital because you basically use your core every day - when you run, when you walk when you lift heavy objects when you throw stuff around, and everything else in between, and a weak core won't be able to support all of that. A strong and powerful core will fix your posture and give you a better sense of balance. The pelvic floor muscles also develop when you use an exercise ball. All you have to do is just bring your feet closer to each other when sitting on the ball to engage these muscles.

An exercise ball will keep the development of your muscles balanced. Muscle imbalance is a big problem nowadays because people tend to favor one side of their body to do simple tasks. Also, the muscles sitting on the front of your body tend to be more developed than the muscles of the back of your body. The ball will work mostly on your back muscles and supporting muscles, so when you're done using it you will exit as a well-balanced machine!

Size

The size of the ball you choose is arguably one of the most important factors. This is because taller people need bigger balls, while shorter people would do better with a smaller one. If you get a ball that is not suited for you, you won't be able to do any of the exercises correctly, which can result in falling over, aching joints and much more. And what's even worse, you won't even feel any of the benefits associated with using exercise balls!

If you are not taller than five feet, you would do best with a ball that is extra small, up to 45 cm when fully inflated. This size also works well for children, so if you have a child that wants to give exercise balls a try, you can go for little exercise balls.

If you are between 5'1" and 5'8" tall, a small ball is what you're going to be looking for. You must keep your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and a bigger ball will not allow you to do this. If you are up to 6'2" tall, a medium ball is what you should aim for. If your legs are longer than what is standard for your height, or if you have some additional back problems, you might need a bigger ball. If you plan to use it as a seat, for yoga or pilates, a bigger ball is something you should again go for. If your height ranges from 6'3 to 6'7", go for a large ball that has a 75 cm diameter. And if you are very tall, use a super large ball that has an 85 cm diameter!

Durability

The exercise ball you're going to be buying needs to be able to withstand a lot of squeezing and pressure! The durability of your ball will be affected by many things, but it will be affected by the material it is made out of and your weight the most.

Make sure to go for a ball that is made out of anti-burst materials. This material makes sure that your ball slowly deflates instead of bursting if it accidentally gets punctured or torn. This is important because if it just pops like a balloon it might cause a fall and injury. The anti-burst rating of the ball should also tell you how much weight can it withstand.

If you want to use weights while working out with the ball, go for a high rating, over 1000 pounds or so. Some balls will have a static or dynamic weight rating. The static weight rating tells you how much weight the ball can take if you're only sitting on it, and nothing more. The dynamic weight rating shows you how much the ball can take if you're bouncing, using weights, or just moving before it bursts. You must maintain the ball and use it properly because even the highest-rated balls can burst if you fail to do so!

Features

How many features can a simple ball have? It's just ball, there's nothing much to say about it, right? Well, your simple exercise ball can actually come equipped with a lot of features that make it even better!

The first feature to look out for is the texture of the ball. Some exercise balls are smooth, others are dimpled, with a matte surface and so on and so forth. The smoother the ball is, the easier it will be for it to slide around when you use it! You must remember that combining a smooth ball with sweat is a recipe for an early fall, so make sure to wipe the sweat away if you choose a slick ball.

Yoga balls are usually textured to keep you from slipping. The texture of the floor combined with the texture of the ball is also something to consider. You don't want your exercise ball to fly around as you use it, but you don't want it to be stuck to the floor either! Some balls come with rings that act as a seat to place the ball on, to keep it from rolling away. This is useful if you plan on working from the ball, or if you just want to sit on it.

Resistance bands sometimes come together with the exercise balls and rings, and you can attach them to the ring to work on your other muscles while you balance yourself on the ball. If you feel lost and don't know which exercise to do first, don't worry, since most exercise balls come with instructional posters and DVD guides!

The last thing to look out for when buying your exercise ball is whether it comes with a free pump or not. Every producer will ship the ball to you deflated, and you will have to inflate it by yourself. If they include an air pump with your purchase that makes setting it up much easier, and you don't have to make an unwanted trip to the hardware store to get a pump!

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Safety Hazards

Stability balls can actually be quite dangerous if you don't know how to use them properly. First make sure not to inflate the ball too much, or make sure that the ball is inflated enough. Both of these conditions can make the ball less safe to use. Try to avoid using heavy weights when sitting on your swiss ball. A lot of weight concentrated on just one pressure point on the ball can spell trouble for it, since it's likely to burst, no matter the rating! Sharp objects near the ball can damage it, the Sun can damage it, and even your pets can hurt the ball! Make sure that your swiss ball is intact before you decide to workout with it.

Brief History

Of course, Swiss balls were first used for therapy. They were invented by an Italian plastic manufacturer called Aquilino Cosani. Swiss balls were first known as Pezzi balls and were actually used to rehabilitate small babies and infants. Later, one doctor in Switzerland started using these exercise balls as a tool for physical therapy for neuro-development. This is where the name swiss ball comes from! Once people realized that they are a fun tool to exercise with, their popularity rose and soon enough every gym had at least two pairs of them!

Other Factors to Consider

Portability

If you ever saw one of these balls in real life, you will now that they are really not that small. Even the smallest 35 cm ball can be a hassle if you do not have enough room to store it away! So, they are not so portable, and you can't exactly take them with you wherever you go. They are squishy, but you can't really squeeze them so much unless you want them to burst. A deflated ball is super small though, and you can fit it literally wherever you want - it folds just like clothes do, and you can put it away safely. So make sure that you actually have enough room to house one of these balls before you buy it!

Bottom Line

The best swiss ball for physio, balance, and stability is the SPRI Ultra ball, which gives you a very hard wearing outer, is anti-burst and has an excellent feel to it. Our second to the top ball is the Tone Fitness model, which is solid enough to retain its shape month after month, is latex free and comes with a quality pump.

Rounding out our top 3 fitness balance balls is the Superior Fitness Stability Ball with resistance bands. With this model, you get a complete workout by way of resistance bands and a durable 65cm ball. We hope our guide has helped you find just the right ball you were looking for!

Frequently Asked Questions

q: How big should my swiss ball be?

a:

There are many sizes of swiss ball to choose from, and it's easy to get confused if you don't know what you're looking for. Actually, the size of the ball you're going to get will depend on how tall you are! A short person should go for extra small or small balls, and the taller you are, the bigger your ball needs to be. This is because you won't be able to maintain proper form if the swiss ball is too big or too small for you. Make sure to buy the proper swiss ball size for you if you do not want to hurt yourself!

q: How do I care for my swiss ball?

a:

You will be sweating when you use this swiss ball, and it's important that you keep it clean and bacteria-free. You can just wipe it down with anti-bacterial soap and water, and then make sure it's completely dry so you don't slip off of it. You also must make sure that your exercise ball doesn't get punctured on anything around it. Make sure that your floor is clean, and that there are no sharp objects around it if it flies off somewhere. Every time before you decide to sit on it, inspect it for any small puncture holes, cuts and abrasions. Do not use it outside! And remember to keep it away from heat.

q: Is there a correct way to inflate the swiss ball?

a:

Almost every swiss ball manufacturer will include an air pump with your order. Believe it or not, there actually is a way to correctly inflate your swiss ball. First things first, in case you didn't get an air pump with your order, you can just use any air pump you have, it doesn't matter which kind you use. Make sure to not inflate the ball in a cold room. If the temps are below 20 degrees Celsius, warm the room up beforehand! when you inflate the ball, do not inflate it more than 80% of its diameter. Wait 24 hours before you inflate it to the recommended size - do not go over this number, or your ball may burst, or it may be too hard for you to use.

q: Should I buy an exercise ball with an anti-burst rating?

a:

An anti-burst rating of the swiss ball is probably one of the most important things to look out for when buying your ball. Would you rather have your swiss ball slowly deflate underneath you or just explode rapidly? A high anti-burst rating is absolutely necessary if you want a safe experience when using these balls. This rating tells you how much weight can the ball support before it deflates, and the higher this rate is, the better the ball!

q: Is there a right way to sit on the swiss ball?

a:

Yes, actually there is a right way to do sit on a swiss ball. First, you must sit right on the center of the ball. Believe it or not, this can be quite hard, especially if your balance is poor! Then, remember to sit straight, but not too straight, and do not lean too forward or backward. Keep your neck and head in line with your back. Your knees should sit at a 90-degree angle. If they cannot, you need to change the size of your swiss ball ASAP! Keep them straight, and keep your ankles in line with your knees - do not place your feet far too forward, and do not tuck them underneath the ball!

Sources

  1. Michelle Powell-smith, www.livestrong.com, What Size Stability Ball Should I Buy?,
  2. www.balancetrainingforum.com, Complete Guide to Stability balls, everything you need to know, from how to buy, set up and use them.,
  3. Kyle Schurman, www.businessinsider.com, The best exercise balls you can buy,
  4. Category, www.dummies.com, Reaping the Benefits of Using an Exercise Ball,