Yoga balls are a fantastic way to build and strengthen your smaller, stabilizing muscles to improve your overall balance, core strength, and stability.
They are frequently a part of yoga, CrossFit, and Pilates workouts. In fact, many people replace their standard desk chair with a yoga ball, so that they are improving their balance and core strength even while they work at their desks.
But not all yoga balls have the durability to stand up to regular, daily use, or even tough workouts. They can distort, deflate, or even burst, spilling you to the ground and risking potential injury.
Today we are looking at yoga, exercise and stability balls, to help you find the best yoga ball for your needs.
Quick Answer:
For a quick peek into our top recommendations, here are the top three yoga balls we love:
The DYNAPRO Exercise Stability Ball has an extremely thick construction. This makes it puncture-resistant, burst-resistant, and gives it a high maximum weight rating. It’s a good choice for high-intensity workouts.
The URBNFit Exercise Stability Ball also has a high weight rating and anti-burst technology. It also comes with additional air valves and a dual-action quick-inflation pump, making it a good choice for people who travel with their yoga ball.
The Live Infinitely Exercise Stability Ball has our highest weight rating, at 2,200 pounds, and also has anti-burst technology. It is also free of latex, BPA, and heavy metals, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Editor Pick Best Yoga Balls
Detailed Buying Guide
Here are some of the key things to know when shopping for a yoga ball:
How are Yoga Balls(Exercise Balls) Measured?
Most yoga balls are measured by diameter, or the total distance from where the ball touches the floor to its highest point on top. Knowing how balls are measured is key for choosing the right size yoga ball for your body.
How to Choose the Right Size Yoga Ball for You
What size yoga ball should you get? Most yoga ball size recommendations are based on a function of your height. As a general rule, if you are:
- Below 4 feet, 6 inches tall: 35 cm ball
- 4 foot 6 inches to 5 feet tall: 45 cm ball
- 5 feet to 5 feet 6 inches tall: 55 cm ball
- 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall: 65 cm ball
- Over 6 feet: 75 cm ball
While this way of measuring is a useful general guideline, it isn’t always the most accurate, because it doesn’t account for different body proportions.
The best way to measure is to lean into a squat against a wall, with your legs at a 90 degree angle. Measure the distance between your hips and the floor to determine the best size ball for you.
This measurement is more accurate, as it captures the length of your lower leg and ideal seated height, rather than our overall height. You should be able to sit on the ball with your legs at a 90 degree angle.
However, there is yet another measurement to consider. The diameter listed for a ball when you buy it is the maximum diameter the ball can safely be inflated to. The reality is that you probably won’t (and shouldn’t) inflate a ball all the way to its utter limits.
Beginners should actually slightly under-inflate a yoga ball, to have more surface area and stability to prevent them from slipping off the ball.
In other words, the best practice is to buy a ball slightly larger than you think you need, and inflate it to the correct height for your body proportions.
For use as a chair, it is even more important that your knees never be bent beyond 90 degrees. Most manufacturers recommend that you go up a size if you plan to use a yoga ball as a desk chair.
Therefore, it is almost always better to choose a ball that is slightly larger than you think you need, and inflate it to the correct height, than to choose a ball that is exactly the correct size, and inflate it to its capacity.
Other Features to Look for in a Yoga Ball
1. Look for a ball that is rated for your weight
You will not only want the ball to comfortably support your weight, but you may also be moving or bouncing on the ball, or, depending on your workout, using it with hand weights or resistance bands. Choose a ball sturdy enough for all those activities.
2. Look for anti-burst technology
Anti-burst technology is exactly what it sounds like. When the ball’s limits are exceeded and it pops, these technologies force it to deflate slowly rather than explode. The slow deflation reduces the risk of you falling to the ground and injuring yourself should the ball burst.
3. Look for high-quality manufacturing and a guarantee
Low-quality yoga balls will be made quickly and inconsistently, which makes the ball an uneven thickness. This unevenness may cause the ball to not be round, and to have weak areas that bulge or may burst. Companies that care about their products offer a guarantee for precisely that instance.
8 Best Yoga Ball Reviews
1. DYNAPRO Exercise Stability Ball
The DYNAPRO Exercise Ball comes in four sizes for a variety of needs, and also in four colors, including black, blue, pink, or silver. These exercise balls are manufactured to gym standards, and can hold up to 2,000 pounds without bursting.
When loads are exceeded, safety technology deflates the ball slowly to prevent injury. The PVC casing is a thick 1,877 micrometers, for extra resistance to punctures from sharp objects. It has a ribbed body with a matte surface, for a secure, non-slip grip against your skin, even when sweating. It inflates quickly with the included pump.
Every purchase includes access to the DYNAPRO VIP club, with a private online community, blog, and massive source of free workouts. DYNAPRO is based in the USA and has 24/7 personalized customer support.
PROS:
- The ball is high-quality and durable, withstanding weight and sustained use
- Matte surface and ribbing provide secure grip against your body
- Comes with DYNAPRO VIP access for additional workouts and an online community
CONS:
- The pump isn't great quality
Best For:
The DYNAPRO exercise ball is the toughest on our list, and also includes access to the DYNAPRO workout community online. It's a great choice for those who want to step up their workout game, and need or want extra support, workouts, or motivation from other users.
2. URBNFit Exercise Stability Ball
The URBNFit Exercise Ball comes in five different sizes, and a choice of eight colors, including black, blue, green, pink, purple, red, silver, or white. It is a gym-grade exercise ball, able to hold up to 2,000 pounds.
The anti-burst coating withstands up to 600 pounds without bursting. It has a non-slip non-skid PVC surface, and it comes with an included dual action quick-inflation pump, to inflate or deflate the ball quickly and with minimal effort. Every ball comes with a detailed exercise ball workout guide pdf, and 2 air stoppers. These balls are backed by a 100% money back guarantee.
PROS:
- Large range of size and color options
- Easy to inflate
- Has a 100% money-back guarantee
CONS:
- Sizing may be inconsistent
Best For:
The dual action pump makes this ball fast and easy to inflate and deflate, making it a great choice for those who want or need to frequently travel with their yoga ball.
3. Live Infinitely Exercise Stability Ball
The Live Infinitely Exercise Ball comes in a choice of five sizes, and in a range of six colors, including blue, green, grey, pink, purple, and silver. It is strong and durable, capable of holding up to 2,200 pounds. The professional-grade PVC material is .7 mm thick, and can withstand up to a 2 cm cut or 600 pound weight without explosive deflation.
It has anti-slip ridges for a secure grip. It comes with a hand pump, two air plugs, and a valve remover tool for quick and reliable inflation and deflation, along with free online workout guides. This ball is 100% latex, heavy metal, and BPA free. It has a 1-year unlimited warranty, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
PROS:
- Large range of size options
- BPA, latex, and heavy metal free
- Backed by a money-back guarantee and one-year warranty
CONS:
- Some of these balls have inconsistent sizing and roundness
Best For:
The Live Infinitely Exercise Ball is a great choice for those with latex or BPA sensitivity, who need to be careful about the materials used in their exercise balls.
4. Exercise Ball for Yoga, Balance, Stability from SmarterLife
This Exercise Ball for Yoga, Balance, Stability from SmarterLife comes in a choice of four sizes and has five color options, including black, blue, purple, red, or silver. It has an anti-burst rating of 2,000 pounds, so it slowly deflates when punctured instead of popping and risking injury.
The casing is .2 cm PVC with an even, all-around thickness to prevent popping or shape distortion over time. It has an anti-slip matte surface for a secure grip, with tactile lines to prevent slipping or skidding. It is hypoallergenic. It comes with a high-quality hand pump, ball plugs, a plug removal tool, and a measuring tape to ensure that your ball is inflated to the correct size. It also comes with an exercise guide and a bonus eBook called “The 7 Secrets To Your Ideal Body.”
PROS:
- PVC is a uniform thickness, preventing bursting or uneven roundness
- Comes with a measuring tape to help you inflate your ball to the desired size
- Hypoallergenic surface
CONS:
- Not as many size options as other exercise balls
Best For:
The SmarterLife exercise ball is great for uses where precision matters. The uniform thickness of the PVC walls, and included measuring tape to inflate to the desired size is helpful for exercise routines or body shapes where it is important that a ball be the exact size and roundness you need.
5. Mini Exercise Ball
The Mini Exercise Ball from ProBody Pilates is 9 inches in diameter, and comes in a choice of six colors, including aqua, black, silver, blue, and yellow. It is sized for use as a yoga and Pilates ball, and comes with a mini exercise ball workout chart. It has a soft, PVC construction and anti-burst technology.
It is low-odor, and free of the most common phthalates, including DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP. It inflates by blowing through the included straw, and is backed by a better-than-money-back guarantee. If the ball bursts within 90 days, ProBody Pilates will refund your money and replace the ball as well.
PROS:
- Made of low-odor PVC that is free of common phthalates
- Perfect size for many yoga and Pilates exercises
- Better-than-money-back guarantee
CONS:
- Needs to be inflated by blowing into it, and may be a challenge for some people to inflate to desired firmness
- Should not be stored on or near wooden finished furniture
Best For:
This ball is ideal for those who need a mini exercise ball for specific back and floor exercises.
6. Trideer Exercise Ball
The Trideer Exercise Ball comes in five different sizes, and a great range of 17 colors, including black, dark blue, fuchsia, green, indigo blue, light blue, lime, mint green, pink, purple, red, silver, turquoise, bright silver, cyan, rose and white, and royal blue. It is a professional-quality exercise ball, 2,000 micrometers in thickness, able to resist up to 2,200 pounds.
It is made of non-toxic PVC that is free of heavy metals and BPA, with a slip-resistant surface. It comes with an easy-to-use foot pump for simple inflation, and additional air stoppers and a plug removal tool. It also comes with a measuring tape for accurate inflation. It has a 12-month warranty and a 30-day no-hassle return policy.
PROS:
- Excellent range of vibrant colors
- Free of heavy metals and BPA
- Has a foot pump for easy inflation
- Comes with a 12 month warranty
CONS:
- Inflation instructions can be difficult to follow
Best For:
The Trideer Exercise Ball has the widest color range on our list, which is a great feature in gyms and yoga sessions where you may want a unique ball color to help keep track of your own exercise ball. It also comes in a small size that is smaller than many on our list, which is helpful for those who are petite.
7. Exercise Ball Chair
The Exercise Ball Chair from Mantra Sports is a complete exercise ball workout and chair kit, that comes with the ball, stand, and adjustable resistance bands for a variety of uses. The heavy-duty PVC ball is tested to bear loads of up to 750 pounds, and is anti-burst and anti-slip. It comes in two sizes, and is available in six colors.
The system allows you to attach the included resistance bands to the stability base, to enable a wide range of resistance exercises. It comes with a gym quality exercise poster illustrating different exercises using the ball, a foot pump for fast inflation, and a tape measure to help inflate the ball to the correct size. It has a twelve month warranty.
PROS:
- Comes with a stability base and resistance bands, so there is no need to purchase them separately
- Ready for different yoga, Pilates, and CrossFit resistance workouts right out of the box
- Also includes a poster to demonstrate a range of possible exercises using the ball
CONS:
- Only available in two ball sizes
Best For:
The Mantra Sports Exercise Ball Chair is perfect for those who want an exercise ball with resistance bands and a stability base in order to do specific exercises and specific workouts. Instead of purchasing the items separately and hoping they work together properly, this all-inclusive system saves time and effort.
8. ProBody Pilates Exercise Ball
The ProBody Pilates Exercise Ball comes in four sizes and six different colors, including blue, aqua, pink, purple, silver, and black. It is also available with or without a pump, in case you already have a pump and don’t need to purchase a new one. It is made of a superior, low-odor, non-rubber PVC, without common phthalates like DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP.
The high-quality material is anti-burst up to 600 pounds. It is backed by a better-than-money-back guarantee. If the ball bursts within 90 days, ProBody Pilates will refund your money and replace the ball as well.
PROS:
- Available without pump if you don't need one
- Made of low-odor PVC that is free of common phthalates
- Better-than-money-back guarantee
CONS:
- Smaller than expected
Best For:
The ProBody Pilates Exercise Ball is great if you already have one or more exercise balls and pumps, and simply need to add new sizes and colors to your collection. The ability to purchase the ball alone, with no pump or extras, is a great way to save a little money on high-quality exercise balls.
FAQs:
How do you correctly inflate an exercise ball?
Inflating an exercise ball takes time, and is key to the longevity of the ball and your safety and comfort while using it. It’s important to inflate your ball correctly, so follow these steps:
- When you first receive your ball, remove it from the packaging and shake it out. Allow it to rest for several hours and reach room temperature, which will soften the material of the ball.
- After several hours, inflate the ball to about 80-90%, just to the point at which the surface is taut without much stretching. Let the ball rest overnight without using or sitting on it.
- Sit in a squat against the wall with your legs at a 90 degree angle. Measure the distance from the floor to your hips to determine the ideal yoga ball height for you. Make a reference mark on the wall (or some other surface) to visually measure the ball against.
- After letting the ball rest overnight, inflate it all the way to your reference mark. Sit comfortably on the ball with your feet flat on the floor. Make sure your knees are at a 90 degree angle, or slightly higher, if that is more comfortable. Inflate or deflate the ball to the optimal height for your legs.
- Use the ball for a day or two. The surface will further relax and stretch with use, so adjust the inflation again to the optimal height.
Depending on your use, you may need to add a little air to “top up” the ball every week or two and keep it at the optimal height.
Conclusion
Our overall top pick for the best yoga ball is the Live Infinitely Exercise Ball. It has a thick wall that can withstand cuts and punctures, and has the highest weight rating of our favorite yoga balls. The durable PVC case is anti-burst, but also free of latex, BPA, and heavy metals, making it safer for you, your household, and the environment. It’s backed by an excellent guarantee, and comes in a good range of sizes and colors. It’s a great overall choice, and our top pick.
For those readers who are petite, consider the Trideer Exercise Ball. It is a great choice in a yoga ball, and also comes in a small size below 45 cm, unlike most of our selects. The included foot pump and broad color range make it simple to use, easy to pick out in a crowd, and sized for smaller yogis.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
