The best exercise balls in the UK 2023

The exercise ball is used in fitness, yoga or during rehabilitation phases after an accident or injury. To maximize the benefits of this accessory, relying on design and price is not enough. Gym ball, Swiss ball, Pilates ball, Medicine ball... if you are looking for the right exercise ball for your needs, our comparative guide of the best models will be of great help.

Black mountain 65 cm 1
8/10

Best value for money

Black mountain 65 cm

The best exercise ball in 2021

You won't find a sturdier exercise ball than this BMP exercise ball for exercising or correcting back pain. Versatile and very soft, it comes with a pump and a user manual.

See the price

The Black Mountain Products has a diameter of 65 cm. This Swiss ball for gym and fitness supports a maximum weight of 900 kg! Anti-explosion and provided with a pump, this model will make the happiness of the pregnant women. Apart from that, seniors and great sportsmen will also find their account there.

The BMP 65 cm is unrivalled in relieving back pain and improving balance. It is also the ideal equipment for those who want to tone their body. The material is soft, yet thick and durable. And the ball does not deflate, even after several months of use. Moreover, this product is guaranteed for life.

Gym ball Viavito 2
7/10

Best value for money

Gym ball Viavito

The best entry-level exercise ball

The Viavito supports up to 500 kg! This gym ball is suitable for weight training, yoga, pregnancy or sports, but not only, since it can replace an office chair.

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The Viavito is an excellent gym ball. Certified anti-burst, it supports up to 500 kg and has even been tested with a 750 kg test load. Its 55 cm diameter makes it an excellent ball for people under 1.68 m tall. The PVC used is very robust and free of phthalates.

This ball is particularly suitable for core strengthening, stability exercises, yoga, Pilates or sports. Pregnant women can also use it as a pregnancy ball. Among the accessories provided, we note especially the tape measure and the manual pump. Despite its average quality, the latter will be useful.

Ballon d'exercice Gonex 3
9/10

Best value for money

Ballon d'exercice Gonex

The best high-end exercise ball

The Gonex is a multi-purpose exercise ball. Available in three sizes, it is particularly suitable for pregnancy, physiotherapy sessions, sports or yoga and Pilate. A good investment for complete exercises!

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The Gonex exercise ball is suitable for sports, rehabilitation, gym, fitness, yoga and many other disciplines. Made of PVC, it has an anti-burst system to avoid unexpected explosions. Its maximum load capacity of 900 kg allows it to adapt to any kind of pressure without collapsing.

The manufacturer offers three different size options, 55 cm, 65 cm and 75 cm, so there is something for everyone. Its non-slip surface provides increased safety and more comfortable exercises. Very versatile, this ball offers various options of use such as abdominal exercises, buttocks, rehabilitation in physio, correction of back pain, etc.

Bodymate 65 cm 4
7/10

A great choice

Bodymate 65 cm

A versatile, all-around ball

At this price, you shouldn't even hesitate. The BODYMATE 65 cm will please sports enthusiasts and those who suffer from muscle pain. You will need a real pump though.

See price

This is an excellent choice of exercise ball. The BODYMATE 65 cm is available in 9 colors. If the diameter proposed here does not suit you, you have the choice between 3 other sizes: 55 cm, 75 cm and 85 cm. The material used for the manufacture is non-toxic, non-polluting and hypoallergenic. We appreciate the slightly abrasive surface, which prevents slipping or sliding while making it more resistant.

You can do crunches and other exercises with this Swiss gym ball. Those who suffer from muscle pain will also get their money's worth. You can sit on it and relieve sacroiliac pain. It is also possible to work the muscles of the spine, especially in case of ankylosing spondylitis. As with the other balls, the quality of the pump leaves something to be desired.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best exercise ball

Any specific needs?

The best exercise ball in 2021

The best entry-level exercise ball

The best high-end exercise ball

A versatile, all-around ball

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best exercise balls

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Black mountain 65 cm 5
8/10
Gym ball Viavito 6
7/10
Ballon d'exercice Gonex 7
9/10
Bodymate 65 cm 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Black mountain 65 cm
Gym ball Viavito
Ballon d'exercice Gonex
Bodymate 65 cm
You won't find a sturdier exercise ball than this BMP exercise ball for exercising or correcting back pain. Versatile and very soft, it comes with a pump and a user manual.
The Viavito supports up to 500 kg! This gym ball is suitable for weight training, yoga, pregnancy or sports, but not only, since it can replace an office chair.
The Gonex is a multi-purpose exercise ball. Available in three sizes, it is particularly suitable for pregnancy, physiotherapy sessions, sports or yoga and Pilate. A good investment for complete exercises!
At this price, you shouldn't even hesitate. The BODYMATE 65 cm will please sports enthusiasts and those who suffer from muscle pain. You will need a real pump though.
Professional quality
Superb balloon, odorless and hypoallergenic
Offers three different sizes
Non-polluting and hypoallergenic
Supports up to 900 kg with anti-shattering feature
Anti-shattering
Slip-resistant, anti-splintering surface
Anti-splintering surface
Lifetime warranty
Supports up to 500 kg
Very versatile ball

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Buying guide - exercise ball

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How to choose your exercise ball

It is essential to choose the right exercise ball if you want to obtain satisfactory results. Not only must it be adapted to your habits, but also to your practices. But the most important thing is to make sure that it fits your body type. The following criteria will help you to find the right ball for you.

#1 - The morphology

This is an important criterion in choosing your exercise ball because it helps you exercise better and optimizes your efforts. You may also experience back pain if the size of the ball does not match your height. For example, if you are under 5'5", choose a ball with a diameter of 55 cm (S). For those who are between 1.70 cm and 1.85 cm, a 65 cm (M) balloon would be best, and those who are over 1.85 cm can opt for a size L, i.e. 75 cm. If you are pregnant, it would be best to get a product that is slightly larger than your size.

#2 - The materials

Prefer exercise balls that are designed with quality materials and that do not burst when in contact with heat or the outside elements. PVC, for example, is very durable and has a long life span. In addition, it is non-toxic, as it does not contain phthalate.

#3 - The resistance

An exercise ball will inevitably be subjected to various pressures, including that of the body. It must therefore be robust and can withstand all the movements you will perform on it. Anti-burst balls are highly recommended so that you can use it longer.

#4 - The use

The

choice of this equipment also depends on how you will use it, the frequency of training and your goal. Inflatable balls are the most recommended because of their ease and maximum load capacity. They are also versatile and can be stored almost anywhere in the house.

#5 - Accessories

If you choose an inflatable balloon, it should come with a pump for inflation and deflation. You can also benefit from a gym mat if you opt for high-end balls. In any case, you should be as equipped as possible to avoid accidents during your usual practices.

What is the purpose of an exercise ball?

Far from being a banal accessory, an exercise ball has several roles and contributes to the well-being of the user. First of all, it works the whole body, especially the muscles. By training with a fit ball or a swiss ball, you will notice a clear improvement of your physical capacity and you can work on different exercises to tone up your abdominals, lumbar, shoulders, glutes, etc.

But it is especially useful for pregnant women to help them reduce the pain during childbirth. It is also essential to regain a beautiful silhouette after pregnancy. In fact, many medical specialists recommend the use of a ball during the pre- and post-natal period.

Many companies have also replaced their office chairs with an exercise ball. Very comfortable and light, it corrects back pain and strengthens deep muscles. But it is also a good way to relax during work and exercise a little during break times.

The different types of exercise balls

Long used in the field of medicine, especially to treat back pain, the exercise ball has quickly been adopted by many gyms and fitness centers. And its use in every household is now more and more widespread. Apart from the basic criteria established to choose it, it is also necessary to know the different types of exercise ball to have a good result, but also to avoid any accident.

Gymnastics ball

This type of ball can be used for all kinds of purposes. It is used in the field of sports to train athletes in search of a good performance or for weight training. But it can also be used as a rehabilitation and therapy accessory in the medical field.

The price is the main advantage, without neglecting the quality. It is also a very versatile ball, as it adapts to all morphologies and is multi-use.

However, the exercises that can be performed with this ball are rather limited.

The gym ball is intended for those who seek to keep fit. It is also a practical accessory for professional athletes. Moreover, in medicine, it is used to correct lower back pain in the elderly.

Physio roll

It

is an exercise ball used exclusively in the medical field. It helps to improve stability and perform concentration exercises. It works by soliciting balance on a surface that can be described as dangerous. The principle is simple, it is necessary to align two oval balls to give the patient the possibility of having a stable space on which to stand or lean. It also allows to work on mobility and coordination.

It is very effective in case of accident or fracture, and is suitable for children.

However, it is not recommended for sports exercises.

The physio roll can be used by those who have balance problems. It is also a very popular accessory in the field of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of children or the elderly.

Pilates ball

It is

a small-sized ball that is used to strengthen physical and mental capacity, combining several disciplines such as yoga, gymnastics and many others. It is essential to control the body: strength, breathing, concentration, relaxation.

It offers many possibilities of exercise and training. It is also a strong and light ball.

The only drawback is that it is not suitable for novices.

The Pilates ball offers many advantages and benefits to those who are rehabilitating after an accident or for pregnant women. It also helps in the physical development and mental strengthening of athletes.

Medicine ball or Swiss ball ?

Medicine ball

Medicine balls are about the size of a football or basketball. They are usually made of soft materials such as leather and rubber and contain plastic granules or sand. They can replace dumbbells to strengthen muscles and are easier to handle. Therefore, your workout will be smoother and more comfortable.

However, it requires a minimum of know-how to use and the materials used in the design can stick to the skin when you sweat. It is also more fragile than other types of balls.

Swiss ball

The swiss ball is a large rubber ball. The advantage is that it is inflatable and can be used for all kinds of exercises. It also has a large surface on which you can sit and perform various movements. And you can work on your physique in a precise way in order to gain, for example, muscle or abdominal muscles. Moreover, you can use it to replace an office chair.

Like any sports equipment, the use of swiss ball must be preceded by a medical opinion. And sometimes, certain balls of high quality can be expensive.

Verdict

An exercise ball, whatever the model, is just as effective as a weight bench or a complete apparatus provided you know how to use it well. Swiss ball or Medicine ball? The main thing is that you feel comfortable and safe during your training sessions. For the practical side and versatility, we advise you the swiss ball, but for more intensive exercises, the medicine ball makes it possible to obtain a fast result.

Why buy an exercise ball?

To improve posture

If you're used to standing up straight wherever you are, it's time to change that by using an exercise ball. Its unstable property forces you to follow the position of the ball without losing your balance. This will improve your gait and prevent a lot of back pain.

To have more balance

Also used in yoga classes, the exercise ball can improve both mental and physical balance. No matter what moves you make with the ball, you should first keep your balance before you can enjoy its benefits. At the same time, you will develop your ability to concentrate.

To sculpt a dream figure

If you like to work out at your regular gym, you'll enjoy the company of an exercise ball even more. Indeed, it helps you to have abs worthy of a bodybuilder since the sitting position that you will adopt forces the muscles at the level of the abdominal muscles to contract and refines your silhouette. It is also very effective in getting a flat stomach.

To tone the body

When you exercise on an exercise ball, you are pushing your body to its limits. Thus, the movements you make appeal to each of your muscles and without you knowing it, they will be strengthened. By multiplying the sessions, you tone your body.

To stay healthy

All the movements you do on an exercise ball help you stay healthy by improving blood circulation and strengthening your ability to fight various diseases. Basically, an exercise ball is your best ally if you want to be healthy.

Tips

Maintenance of an exercise ball

Even though it is an indoor accessory, the balloon can still get covered in dust. Just scrub it with a sponge soaked in soapy water, rinse with cold water and finally dry it with a piece of cloth for cleaning.

Working your body with an exercise ball

Using an exercise ball helps to tone the body, and gain muscle mass. But the most common movements on this type of product are abs and hips. For the work of the abdominal muscles, you just have to lie down on the ball, soles of the feet touching the ground and try to raise the body by maintaining the balance (to be done 10 times minimum/trench spaced of a pause). Nothing easier for the hips, you just have to sit on the ball and make circular movements, just with the lower body.

Always consult a doctor if in doubt

If

you are just starting out or have any doubts about using an exercise ball, it is imperative that you consult a doctor. This is also the case if you have had surgery or have lower back pain. Exercising is very beneficial to your body, but you should be careful about your health.

Check that the tank corresponds to your needs

An

exercise ball is very versatile. But in order to get good results, it is advisable if your body type matches the ball you choose, or vice versa. Otherwise, you risk injury or fruitless exercise.

Check the inflation of the exercise ball

To

check that the ball is properly inflated, simply sit on it. If the ball can support your weight without collapsing, it has enough air in it and is safe to use.

FAQ

What is the best exercise ball?

The best exercise ball depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

Can an exercise ball help me lose weight?

Yes, an exercise ball, like any fitness accessory, can help with weight loss. Its use exempts you from going back and forth to a gym. It only takes a few sessions to have a convincing result. That's why women who want to keep their figure after giving birth love exercise balls.

Who can use an exercise ball?

Long used to correct back pain in the elderly, the exercise ball can be used by anyone who wants to slim down their figure without going through intensive gym sessions. It is also used by professional athletes to increase their performance.

When to use an exercise ball?

It is the indoor accessory that allows you to tone your body, especially your muscles and your ability to endure different exercises. It is also suitable for people with back problems or for rehabilitation of people who have just undergone surgery. But the exercise ball can also replace an office chair.

What exercises should I do with this type of ball?

An exercise ball is a versatile training tool. Therefore, you can perform all kinds of movements from a simple balance exercise to more complex ones such as abs, glutes, legs, pecs, biceps, etc.; as long as you adopt the right gestures.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  9. , lapadd.com
  10. , amazon.co.uk
  11. , helisports.fr
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , decathlon.fr
  14. , decathlon.fr
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  16. , conseilsport.decathlon.fr
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  18. , amelioretasante.com
  19. , lapadd.com
  20. , orthocanada.com
  21. , natureetdecouvertes.com
  22. , santevertebrale.ca
  23. , lecoinforme.com
  24. , amazon.ca
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  29. , protrainer.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Black mountain 65 cm 9
Black mountain 65 cm
Gym ball Viavito 10
Gym ball Viavito
Ballon d'exercice Gonex 11
Ballon d'exercice Gonex
Bodymate 65 cm 12
Bodymate 65 cm

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