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16 of the best exercise balls for a rock solid core
Boost your core strength, balance and spine health in the comfort of your living room
If you've ever set foot in a gym, yoga studio or birthing centre, chances are you'll have spotted an exercise ball on your travels. Originally intended as a gymnastics aid, exercise balls have been on the fitness scene since the sixties, so they're nothing new. But have you ever used one to support your training, and do you know the real benefits of these clever inflatable spheres?
Also known as stability or Swiss balls, it's a little known fact that the humble exercise ball is a powerhouse for home fitness, and can support everything from balance to core strength and even spine health. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about exercise balls including the ideal size, how to make the most of them in your training and the best ones to buy.
The best exercise balls to shop in 2024
In a hurry? Here are the best exercise balls at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
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What is an exercise ball?
Typically made from PVC, an exercise ball looks like an oversized football and comes in a range of sizes to suit your height and specific needs.
'An exercise ball is mostly used for physical therapy, athletic training and exercise,' says Tim Kayode, sports and performance therapist and Founder of Myoset.
They can be used to support your bodyweight workouts, improve posture and can even help with labour pains.
What are the benefits of using an exercise ball?
Exercise balls come with a number of benefits. 'It can be used for a plethora of things such as exercises, rehab drills and stretches,' explains Kayode. But the benefits don't just extend to fitness.
- Home gym: Don't have space for a gym in your basement? Exercise balls are portable, lightweight and easy to inflate, so you can transform your front room into a gym at a fraction of the cost.
- Core strength: Using an exercise ball activates and engages your stabiliser muscles, which can 'challenge stability and core strength,' says Kayode.
- Budget: Gym membership can get pricey. Exercise balls are an inexpensive way to mix up your fitness routine at home.
- Travel: Globetrotters will be pleased to hear that exercise balls are super easy to inflate and deflate, so they're ideal for holidays or fitness on the move.
- Injury recovery: When used correctly under supervision from a physiotherapist or PT, exercise balls can help you recover quicker from injury.
- Mix it up: A well-chosen exercise ball can be incorporated into a number of fitness routines including yoga, Pilates, resistance training and gym work.
- Pregnancy and labour: Using an exercise ball throughout the trimesters can help to alleviate pregnancy aches and pains and can even ease discomfort during labour.
Which type of exercise ball is best?
Exercise balls vary in size, weight and density, so do your research before you start shopping to ensure you choose the right type. They typically come in a range of sizes including 45cm, 55cm, 65cm and 75cm in diameter.
'Firstly make sure the ball is the correct size,' says Kayode. 'I would recommend relating it to your height.' The following guidelines should help you choose the right size ball:
- 4"8 – small ball (45cm)
- 4"8 - 5'3 – medium ball (55cm)
- 5"4 - 5"10 – large ball (65cm)
- 5"11 - 6"4 – extra large ball (75cm)
How to use an exercise ball
How you use it depends on the type of activity you choose but, if you are new to exercise balls, there are a few points worth considering. 'The more firm the ball the more challenging the exercises will be, so for a beginner it's advisable to slightly deflate the ball,' says Kayode.
Alignment is also important. 'Always make sure when you are sitting on the ball to start out with, that your feet are flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle,' explains Kayode. 'Also, when using your Swiss ball make sure it's being done in an open area to avoid hitting or breaking anything.'
Fitness-wise there's not much you can't incorporate an exercise ball into. They offer a greater range of motion for loads of bodyweight moves, allowing you to get deeper into exercises and engage muscles you didn't know you had! Get started with these tips:
- Core strength exercises: Core moves from crunches to planks can all be kicked up a notch with an exercise ball. When sitting on the ball, keep your knees at a right angle and feet flat on the floor. Pop your forearms on the ball during planks, or put it between your ankles as you lie on your back to perform ball lifts.
- Feet elevation: Place your feet on your ball to perform moves like push-ups, commando planks or even glute bridges.
- Spot guide: If weighted squats are a regular part of your routine, use an exercise ball as a guide to ensure you're not squatting too low, or not low enough! Just place underneath where your bum lands.
- Desk chair: Upgrade your workstation with an exercise ball in place of a chair to help improve posture, balance and core strength.
16 best exercise balls to shop now
From peanut-shaped to half balance and classic Swiss balls, we've rounded up our pick of the best exercise balls, available to shop now.
This no-nonsense PVC exercise ball from adidas comes with a dual-texture surface, so half of it is extra grippy to keep you stable during certain moves, while the other half is smooth-textured for balancing.
Plus, it's made using anti-burst technology so there will be no nasty surprises if your cat attacks it.
Colours: Grey
Extras: Also available in 55 cm and 75 cm, purchase includes a hand pump.
This classic exercise ball is available in a range of sizes (and funky colours) to suit your height and taste. Plus it comes with a pump and a tape measure to help you inflate it to the right capacity.
And best of all this one has anti-slip lines to keep you stable during your workouts. It doubles up as a makeshift office chair too, so you can work on your core stability throughout the day.
Colours: Available in black, grey, pink or teal
Extras: Choose from sizes 55cm, 65cm 75cm or 85 cm, purchase includes a pump.
This exercise ball from Amazon's fitness brand Umi can be used on pretty much any surface thanks to the non-slip ring design. It's available in six colours — but we personally love the sage green pictured — and if it does happen to get a puncture it will deflate slowly, so no unceremonious plonking onto the floor.
Colours: Deep purple, blue, light blue, light green, magenta purple and pink
Extras: Available in 55cm, 65cm or 75cm, purchase includes a hand pump.
The last thing you want is an exercise ball bursting beneath you mid-crunch. This durable number is as reliable as it is grippy (read: very), with a non-slip coating and anti-burst guarantee.
Made from sturdy PVC, it comes with a pump to blow it up and is available in five sizes — the large size (58-65cm) is currently 38% off, while all other sizes are also discounted. Run, don't walk.
Colours: Black or turquoise
Extras: Pump included, comes in S (38-45cm), M (48-55cm), L (58-65cm), XL (68-75cm) and XXL (78-85cm).
Save 15% on this no frills exercise ball — just tick the 'Apply 15% voucher' box. Made from flexible PVC it makes for a super comfortable seat while toning the heck out of your core (yes please), and the textured ridges stop it slipping, even on smooth floors.
Colours: Black, lavender, pine green, pale green, baby blue or grey
Extras: Also available in 65cm, 75cm and 85cm, purchase includes a pump, plugs, plug remover and measuring tape.
Another great cost-effective option for home fitness, this 65cm classic exercise ball is made from 100% polyvinyl chloride which is slightly thicker and more durable than some materials.
It comes with non-slip lines to keep you stable and we love the muted blue and pink shades.
Colours: Petrol blue and damson pink/purple
Extras: Also available in 55 cm and 75 cm. You will need to buy a pump separately.
You know you're getting quality when you shop with John Lewis and this 65cm exercise ball is no exception to that rule.
Made from PVC with a slip-resistant surface, it's strong, sturdy and quick to inflate thanks to the included pump. We love the teal colour too.
Colours: Teal
Extras: Purchase includes a pump.
If space is tight and you're hoping to get more from your home gym equipment, this half balance ball holds the secret to a full body workout.
It comes with anti-slide floor pads and a textured standing surface for stability and core work, while bonus resistance bands will train your whole body including arms, shoulders, abs, and back.
Colours: Available in classic blue, lake blue, purple, black and mint green
Extras: Available in 47cm and 60cm, includes a pump.
LifeSpan Fitness Yoga Ball Office Chair
You won't go back to your squeaky spinning chair after a day sat at your desk on this. The 65cm ball itself is PVC but it's wrapped in a comfortable charcoal felt, which helps prevent slipping as well as looking and feeling great.
Plus there's a useful handle so you can move it around the office hassle-free. Say hello to better posture.
Colours: Charcoal
Extras: Purchase includes a foot pump.
Peanut balls differ from classic exercise balls because they're easier to slot between your legs, so they're great for physical therapy and certain core stability moves, plus birthing women swear by them for help during labour.
Colours: Available in blue and red
Extras: Available in sizes 100 x 50 cm or 90 x 45 cm, purchase includes a pump.
Our fave super-fit TV presenter Davina McCall swears by using an exercise ball to work her core, and she's even launched her own range. We have serious ab-envy.
This classic ball is anti-burst so it will go the distance, plus it's signed by Davina. And best of all, we love the acid bright colours that will surely encourage you to get your sweat on.
Colours: Turquoise (75cm) or coral (65cm)
Extras: Purchase includes a pump.
RDX 75cm Exercise Ball Chair with Resistance Bands
WFH workout warriors, this exercise ball was made for you. The stable base effectively turns it into a core-engaging chair, and the attached resistance bands on the sides mean you can easily work on your arms while scanning emails — genius.
Colours: Available in blue, purple, pink and red
Extras: Purchase includes a foot pump.
New to using an exercise ball or looking for a pregnancy aid? This simple but effective 65cm purple option is great for beginners hoping to improve balance and co-ordination, and at £11 it's also a total steal.
Colours: Also available in 55 cm in silver and 75 cm in blue
Extras: Purchase includes a pump.
If you just don't have the floor space for a giant exercise ball or you're hoping to focus on key areas, this 22cm PVC ball might be small but it still packs quite a punch.
Use it between your legs to aid alignment or as part of a Pilates class to boost flexibility and improve balance. Plus, it's super cheap, even when not on sale.
Colours: Available in turquoise
Extras: Comes with two inflating straws.
There's more than meets the eye with this 55cm exercise ball from home gym specialists Technogym. It's designed to perform as a comfortable chair that manages to also keep you active, engaging abs, supporting your lumbar and stabilising your spine.
It won't roll, is anti-slip and comes with a QR code you can scan to access exercise videos. Consider it an investment in your posture.
Colour: Black
Extras: Exercise videos, carry handle, removable cover is washable.
Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over fifteen years’ online and print publishing experience.
Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness.
Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health.
Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene.
Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Hattie Parish is the Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
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