How to choose a fitball - consider height, weight and safety

A fitball is a large elastic ball that is used in sports and recreational training. It will be especially useful when doing exercises for the abs, back and buttocks. Its advantage is that it allows you to diversify home exercises, removing unnecessary stress from the spine. Having gained an idea of how to choose a fitball, you will greatly increase the effectiveness of your exercises. After all, it will be tailored to your individual wishes, taking into account factors such as weight and height.

Tear resistance and ball types

The first thing to consider when choosing a home exercise machine is its safety. A high-quality fitball should have a built-in anti-burst system. If damaged, such a ball will not burst, but will gradually begin to deflate. This system is designated ABS, anti-explosion or BRQ (technologies for the manufacture of projectiles with increased safety).

Beginners should pay attention to the presence of holders - horns, handles and staples. They are also relevant for children and pregnant women, as they simplify the training process and reduce the risk of injury. There are also fitballs with a stand in the form of legs. They help maintain balance.

The fitball can have a smooth or massage surface.

The smooth ball is suitable for sports and fitness training, fitness for pregnant women and exercise for babies.
A massage ball dotted with special tubercles is intended for relaxation and exercise therapy. If you choose and use it correctly, it will be an ideal way to relax after a working day and will serve as a preventive measure for various spinal diseases. Keep in mind that it is not suitable for fitness, as it is difficult to move across the floor.

Classification of fitballs - what will we do?

Depending on the type of activity (home workouts, Pilates, relaxation and relaxation), different balls are needed. Which fitness ball is better, what each type is needed for, let’s figure it out right now.

Timeless classic (smooth fitball)

Excellent for practicing at home and in Pilates and aerobics sections (active types). Often used in fitness groups for pregnant women. Small sizes are suitable for little ones to have fun.

There are quite a lot of sets of exercises, they are very interesting. You won't be bored while doing them. There are versions of workouts for men for the abs and other muscles.

The smooth surface allows you to perform a wide range of exercises and quickly change body position on the fitball.

Sharp as a hedgehog (with thorns)

With this ball you can do everything the same as with the previous one, plus do relaxation and relaxation exercises. In this case, the spikes will “accelerate” the blood very well and massage the internal organs.

These balls are used very well in rehabilitation groups for different patients, as well as during physical therapy exercises.

After a hard day of work or intense physical training, it is very pleasant to lie down and relax on it. Muscle tone rises, the desire to act actively awakens.

Horned representatives (with arms and legs)

These balls are very funny and are most often intended for children and those who have never used them. These balls can be safely bounced around and used in a variety of ways for fun and entertainment.

Thanks to the comfortable handles, the child can hold onto them well. There will be no injuries, and you can have a lot of fun, especially if you organize group entertainment of several people.

There are also large fitballs with handles for adults, but not all exercises are suitable for performing on them (the handles get in the way).

Such activities will be very useful for children. A child cannot live without movement, and balls on which you can jump are an excellent outlet for children’s energy, and as a result, a quick fall asleep.

If the child is old enough (from 6 to 10 years), then you can choose a fitball of the smallest diameter and, under the supervision of an adult, monitor the progress of the novice athlete.

Children's balls to help mothers

There are also balls for the little ones on sale. Bright, colorful, with different characters, they are sure to bring pleasure to any child, because... there is nothing more fun than jumping, tumbling and having fun.

Young mothers sometimes face the question: which fitness ball to choose for her baby. Neurologists often recommend doing gymnastics for infants with them. It is useful in the following cases:

Develops coordination well;
Helps the child relax and prepare for sleep;
Develops physically and emotionally;
Properly selected exercises remove accumulated gases formed during feeding.

In order for a child to grow up harmoniously developed, such a simulator will be very useful, especially in the first 12 months of the baby’s life. This will allow him to quickly “understand” his body, master the surrounding space, develop and even learn to walk.

Other types of fitness balls

Methballs are another type of fitness ball. It is made of artificial or genuine leather. Such a projectile is filled with rubber granules or other filler to add weight.

Used for the rehabilitation of athletes from various types of injuries. It is heavy (depending on the required load) and can reach 27 kg.

Fitballs with handles (bosu) - this exercise machine cannot be fully called a ball. This is a hemisphere equipped with expanders, and the inside is filled with air. It is used for strength training; with the right selection of exercises, you can work up to 500 muscles.

Exercise programs using Bosu are becoming very popular. This machine is not a rare guest in any fitness club.

Read more about this in the article: Bosu fitness - what is it?

Suitable size

Now it’s time to decide on the main parameters of the fitball and choose the size that suits you. The diameter of a standard fitball ranges from 45 to 90 cm and is selected according to height. It is important that the angle between the shins and thighs of the person sitting on the ball is 90°. This way the body weight is distributed correctly and the joints are not overloaded.

For a child 5–10 years old, a diameter of 55 cm is recommended.
For adults with a height of 150–170 cm, the diameter should be 65 cm.
With a height of 170–190 cm – 75 cm.
For taller people, it is correct to purchase a larger size - 85 cm.

There is another technique that allows you to choose the correct diameter of a football. It is based on the size of the hand, starting from the shoulder joint to the tips of the outstretched fingers.

If the arm length is less than 55 cm, a diameter of 45 cm is required.
If the measurement falls in the range of 56–65 cm, buy a fitball with a diameter of 55 cm.
At 66–75 cm, a 65 cm ball is suitable.
When the length is more than 75 cm, a larger size fitball is selected (from 75 to 90 cm).

Does a person's weight influence the choice of fitball?

The ball can withstand a load of 300 kg, so the maximum permissible weight of the trainee, taking into account his active movements, is 130 kg. If your weight exceeds this mark, training with the ball on your own may not be safe. In this case, it is correct to use the services of a trainer. A ball that can support more weight can be ordered online or found at a large store. Its diameter is also selected according to the rules described above.

If you have any doubts when choosing a piece of equipment, contact a consultant and try out the fitball you like. Pay attention to whether you can sit on it with a straight back. Beginners should choose a smaller size, as it is easier to perform exercises on.

First, consider the weight.

Experts advise choosing a ball taking into account your own weight. The main thing is not to buy a cheap accessory, which not only is of poor quality, but also, most likely, will not be very convenient to use. It is important that the fitball is elastic and durable - in this case it will be able to support your weight.

And if you do strength training, you need a durable and reliable gymnastic ball. How to choose a size? Remember that high-quality models can withstand loads weighing more than 300 kg. Small balls with a diameter of up to 65 cm are quite suitable for children; they have a sufficient margin of safety and are therefore absolutely safe.

Selecting the color

If you plan to store the ball inflated, be sure to pay attention to its color. The exercise machine can either fit into the color scheme of your interior or act as a bright accent.

If a fitball is purchased for relaxation and yoga, choose the color according to your emotional state:

red increases energy levels and strengthens the immune system;
orange eliminates internal discomfort and charges with positivity;
blue gives a feeling of calm;
brown helps to find harmony.

Second - material

A good fitball should be made of durable materials that have a good electrostatic effect. If the surface of the product is porous, it will absorb dust and sweat. Therefore, it is important to check the smoothness of the material and its elasticity - there should be no wrinkles on the ball. Otherwise, know that this is a low-quality product that will not help you in your sports activities.

How to choose the right gymnastic ball? Please ensure that the surface is clean, smooth, without protruding seams or protrusions. The best materials are PVC and latex.

Quality control

How to make sure that the selected fitball is of high quality?

The seams of the ball are invisible when inflated and do not cause discomfort when in contact with the exercise machine.
The ball inflates evenly and when finished corresponds to the stated size.
The material contains an antistatic agent and dust does not stick to its surface.
Good material is warm to the touch.
The nipple covering the inflation hole is completely pressed into the surface and cannot be felt.

How much does a fitball cost? The price is affected by its diameter, configuration and color. A ball for home training can be purchased for an average of 600–1200 rubles.

Which fitball to choose for a baby: diameter, characteristics, nuances

For infants, choosing the size of the exercise machine is also easy. Additional important factors:

What size fitball for infants is best to buy? With a diameter of 60-75 cm. Mom and dad can use it. It is convenient to both study and just sit on it;
Elasticity. When pressing on the fitball, it should push the hand away, but not bend;
Plasticity, thickness. Pinch the product. If there are no folds or wrinkles left on it, everything is in order;
Strength. The balls are made of durable rubber, with a maximum weight capacity of 300 kg;
Invisibility of seams. They should not be visible in any area of the simulator;
Nipple. It is soldered inside the ball, which prevents it from clinging to carpets, clothes, and nearby objects;
Antistatic material. Debris from the floor should not stick to the rubber of the fitball;
Hypoallergenic. The composition should not contain impurities or any substances that can cause an allergic reaction;
Porosity, warmth. This is how the surface should be. But, not sticky;
Appearance. The colors should be cheerful and translucent. In fakes they are more “acidic”.

For newborns, the size of the ball plays an important role. But, you need to remember the factors above.

How to inflate and store

Before first use, the fitball must be inflated. To do this, you can use a regular hand pump, which is included in the kit. Keep in mind that the inflation process will be quite long.

If necessary, the fitball can be inflated with your mouth like a balloon or an inflatable toy, but it is better to use a bicycle pump. With it you will inflate the fitball in a few minutes. This method has another advantage - it greatly simplifies the storage of the simulator. You can simply deflate it after class and put it away in the box.

For those who prefer to store the ball inflated, it is recommended to put it in a closet or on a rack away from radiators and direct sunlight. It is also not recommended to store the fitball on a darkened balcony. A sharp drop in temperature at night can affect the condition of the tires.

If the ball is still damaged, use rubber glue. If possible, it is better to purchase special glue produced by the manufacturer of your fitball. After repair and pumping, you can use it again for sports activities.

Use the ball on a smooth surface. If you are not sure that the floor will not be damaged by the projectile, use a yoga mat. Fitball is designed not only for training and massage. You can replace your chair with it and use it when watching TV or working at the computer.

In winter, transport the ball in the passenger compartment of the car, not in the trunk. Otherwise, it may freeze and subsequently be damaged.

The right fitball will make your workouts effective and increase the number of exercises available. When purchasing, you need to take into account a number of factors, but the main thing is to choose the right ball according to your height.

Other properties

There are many manufacturing companies, but the most professional among them are the following:

Gymnic (Italy)
Ledragomma (Italy)
Torneo (Italy)
Togu (Germany)
Spokey (Poland)
Alex (Taiwan)
Azuni (Taiwan)

These manufacturers make excellent balls. Of course, Italian and German ones are the most expensive, Polish ones are in the middle price category, the cheapest ones are from Taiwan, but they are also quite good, made by professionals.

Fitballs sometimes have an anti-burst ABS system, which helps to avoid explosion when the shell ruptures; the ball will slowly deflate. Of course, such equipment costs a little more, but it is much better, because if you need safe exercises for pregnant women, those who are overweight, or those who have limited movements, this property is a must.

This simple rubber ball is better than other exercises - it uses all muscles, makes a person more flexible, improves posture, helps to relax and even relieve stress. It also helps in the recovery of various human organs - hips, back, legs. Fitness, aerobics, and strength sports cannot be practiced by everyone, but exercises with fitball are available to almost everyone.

Are all balls different?

We told you how to choose a gymnastic ball according to your height. But it is also important to take into account some external selection parameters:

Balls can be with handles or in the form of “horns” - most often such models are chosen for children.
Products with spikes over the entire surface are covered with small balls that have a certain massage effect. It is advisable to use such balls in the treatment of certain diseases, as well as for children's massage. To make the fitball stable, it can have legs at the bottom that support the position.

Caring for a rhythmic gymnastics ball

· It is recommended to inflate the ball only with a special branded pump. First you need to moisten the needle with glycerin or a special lubricant for the nipple.

ball pump

· The ball should be washed in warm water and soap to remove any remaining dust and sweat;

· The ball must be stored and carried in a special case to prevent damage and to protect against temperature changes.

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A little history

The first such projectile was patented in the 50s of the last century by the Swiss physician Susan Klein-Vogelbach. She used the large ball to treat patients suffering from certain forms of cerebral palsy. It was in her honor that another name was assigned to this projectile - “Swiss ball”.

What is another name for large fitness balls? In the West, the term “exercise ball” is often used; in our country, you can sometimes hear fitball called resistance ball or medicine ball, although the older generation knows the latter name as a heavy small ball used in physical education classes.

When it turned out that fitball is capable of developing and improving such qualities as coordination of movements, flexibility, mobility , the invention began to spread first in purely medical institutions, and then in health centers. Being made of a material that can bend at the point of contact with the human body, this ball turned out to be an ideal tool for those who do aerobics and migrated to fitness centers. So if you are asked what the name of a fitness ball is, you can confidently answer – fitball. Such a ball will fit well into the context of a sports gift for the other half.

Exposing the privateers and deceivers

There are several ways to expose a scammer.

They sell a forecast or strategy for, say, 500 rubles. You can ask them: “why do you need this?” You are trying to leak valuable information for five hundred rubles, although you can save up the required amount or borrow from relatives and raise the money yourself. Most often they have nothing to answer, they just want to take your money.
Collect information specifically about a person on the Internet. Positive and negative reviews, just do not use the data posted on the official website of the privateer, there are mostly fake reviews and inflated ratings.

It is not profitable for bookmakers to have someone win bets. If someone wants to open their own office, even a professional bookmaker will not guarantee profit. They will warn that if one of the clients wins a large amount, the owner of the office will pay compensation from his own pocket. Therefore, sports betting scammers use various scams to make a profit. In addition to this type of scam, there are also so-called mummer millionaires, scammers, about whom I wrote in detail.

All the best and don’t fall for these scammers.

A few final rules

How to choose a gymnastic ball for fitness? To begin with, let’s tell you that training with this sports equipment became popular not so long ago. It was invented by the famous physiotherapist Joseph Pilates, and the fitball differs from a regular ball only in size. All models are used when performing exercises in gymnastics and aerobics. Today, fitness balls are widely used in the prevention of many diseases of the legs, back, and hips. They are especially effective in recovering from injuries. Despite the external simplicity of the accessory, it is universal, as it allows you to use almost all muscle groups during exercise, develops a sense of balance, flexibility, helps improve posture and relieve fatigue.

When choosing, many are guided by the color of the gymnastic ball. This is where psychologists get involved in the work, since each color affects our nervous system differently. Thus, blue and green produce a calming effect and reduce blood pressure, yellow helps improve mood and raise energy levels, and orange can relieve depression. If you have a weak immune system, then choose a red gymnastic ball.

Cost factor

If we have figured out the question of how to choose the size of a fitball, it makes sense to dwell on the discussion of the cost factor. For many, price is the decisive argument when choosing a particular model. As practice has shown, cheap fitness balls are not always of low quality, but preference should still be given to well-known manufacturers, with whom we will introduce you:

Polish balls from Spokey are highly durable and cost between 1150-1600 rubles, depending on the size and the presence of an anti-burst function.
The German company Togu offers a wide range of fitballs of all possible sizes in the price range of 1000-2200 rubles.
The Italian manufacturer Ledragomma is considered a pioneer in this field and produces projectiles whose material is protected by a patent. The cost of these simulators is in the range of 900-1500 rubles.
The Taiwanese company Alex is distinguished by products with an excellent quality-to-price ratio, ranging from 800-1200 rubles.
Since 1963, the Italian company Gymnic , whose price range is approximately 800-1000 rubles.
Another young company from the Apennines, Torneo , has managed to establish itself as a manufacturer of high-quality fitballs costing about 700-1000 rubles.
Bright, colorful balls are produced by the Taiwanese manufacturer Azuni, offering products in the price range of 600-1000 rubles.