Yoga balls go by numerous names and have multiple usages. They are made from elastic and plastic vinyl blends enriched with burst-resistance properties and filled with air.
Exercise balls can be used in all kinds of practices for different reasons. One unified reason is that a yoga ball will exercise the core strength of the body during practice due to the ball’s instability. This requires extra balance, the exercise of the muscles, and core strength.
Choosing the right size of yoga ball for you is crucial if you want the most benefit from your practice, whether it’s fitness or yoga. So, if you’re asking yourself, “What size yoga ball do I need?” stay with us, as we will give you all the necessary info.
What’s the Yoga Ball?
A yoga ball is an exercise ball made from soft elastic and plastic vinyl blends. The yoga ball is filled with air and serves as additional equipment for numerous exercising practices.
The size of the yoga ball can vary and be anywhere from 14” (35 cm) to 34” (85 cm.)
The yoga ball is known under numerous names – birth ball, balance ball, exercise ball, fitness ball, physio ball, body ball, gym ball, stability ball, Swedish or swiss ball, pilates ball, Pezzi ball, or therapy ball. The numerous names of the ball come from its numerous usages.
The yoga ball is used in yoga practice, weight training, pilates training, physical therapy, athletic training, and numerous other exercise routines.
What Size Yoga Ball Do I Need?
The size of the yoga ball you need mostly depends on your height and on the usage of the ball itself.
- If you are 5 ft or shorter (150 cm), you will need a yoga ball with a diameter of 18” (45 cm.)
- If you are from 5 ft 1” to 5 ft 7” (155 cm to 170 cm), the yoga ball you’re looking for would be 22” (55cm.)
- If you have a height of 5 ft 8” to 6 ft 1”(173 cm to 185 cm), go for a ball that is 26” (65 cm.)
- If you are anything above 6 ft 2” (188 cm), you should be looking for a yoga ball of 30” (75 cm.)
Common Yoga Ball Sizes with a Chart
Industry standards for yoga or exercise balls come in three sizes.
| Ball size | Ball diameter in inches | Ball diameter in cm | Appropriate user height in inches | Appropriate user height in cm |
| Small yoga ball | 22” | 55 cm | 5’0” to 5’5” | 152 cm to 167 cm |
| Medium yoga ball | 26” | 65 cm | 5’6” to 5’ 9” | 167 cm to 179 cm |
| Large yoga ball | 30” | 75 cm | 6’0” to 6’3” | 182 cm to 192 cm |
It’s important to note that these measurements are just guidelines. Naturally, you might encounter yoga balls in different sizes that are not by industrial standards. Nonetheless, they might be harder to find.
It’s important to follow your own needs and determine the right size of yoga ball for you. You might find that you are more comfortable with a certain size, even though that size is smaller or bigger than what you would need based on your height.
How to Choose the Yoga Ball Based on Different Situations?
When you choose a yoga ball, you could be led by your height or by what you plan on using the ball for.
Based on your height
The easiest way to determine the right yoga ball size is to go by your height.
First, start by measuring your exact height. You can do so by standing barefoot next to a wall and marking the spot at the top of your head. Then, measure that height with the help of a tape measure.
Your height measurement will help you determine the size of the yoga ball that will be best for you.
- 18” (45 cm) ball – for people with 5 ft height or shorter (150 cm);
- 22” (55 cm) ball – for people between 5 ft 1” to 5 ft 7” (155 cm to 170 cm);
- 26” (65 cm) ball – for people 5 ft 8” to 6 ft 1”(173 cm to 185 cm);
- 30” (75 cm) ball – for people above 6 ft 2” (188 cm).
It’s always a good idea to try the ball size before buying it. This will ensure that the ball is comfortable for you, no matter if it’s bigger or smaller than the one suggested by your height.
If you have long legs or want to use the ball for excessive stretching, yoga poses, or back problems, go for a larger-sized ball.
Based on the usage
One significant usage of yoga balls is for chairs. Many people replaced their usual chairs with yoga ball chairs. If you plan on using your exercise ball as a chair, you need to buy a chair that is 4” (10 cm) higher than your current chair. When you sit on it, it will deflate by the pressure of your body, so make sure that your yoga ball chair is big enough for that.
Furthermore, you should ensure that your exercise ball chair is firm and pumped at its maximum since that will make it sturdy and comfortable to sit on.
Before buying your yoga ball, make sure that you try different sizes and see which one suits you best. One easy way to determine it is to sit on it and ensure that your knees and hips are bent at a right angle of 90 degrees.
What to Do With Your Yoga Exercise Ball?
Yoga exercise balls have numerous usages. First and foremost, using an exercise ball during practice engages your muscles more since the surface is unstable.
Next, a workout with an exercise ball will improve your flexibility, loosen up your hamstrings, and improve your lower back. It can also be suitable for stretching and performing a deep stretch.
Lastly, you can use your yoga exercise ball to improve spinal stability and flexibility.
Top 5 Best Yoga Balls – Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Here are the top 5 best yoga balls:
BalanceFrom Anti-Burst and Slip Resistant Exercise Ball Yoga Ball
Key Features:
- Comes in 5 sizes
- Slip-resistant
- Comes with a pump
- Multiple colors available
Pros:
- Highly versatile
- Different colors to choose from
- Affordable
- Comes with a warranty
Cons:
- The pump might not be durable
- It doesn’t have a great grip
- The actual size is smaller than advertised
GoFit ProBall Stability Ball
Key Features:
- Comes with instructions for usage
- Has 3 sizes to choose from
- Made from rubber
- Comes with training DVD, pump, ball plug, and measuring tape
Pros:
- Has usage instructions printed on the ball
- Comes with a lot of additional tools
- Contains a helpful guide for usage and a DVD with exercises
- Great grip
Cons:
- The colors of the yoga ball depend on the size you choose
- The pump might not last
- Can be a little bit elliptical
- Not very durable
THERABAND Exercise and Stability Ball
Key Features:
- Available in Pro and Standard
- Slow-deflate technology
- Comes with a pump, manual, and inflation adapter
- Great grip
Pros:
- Durable and versatile
- Used by professionals
- Great grip
- Durable and versatile
Cons:
- The colors depend on the size you choose
- Is a little pricey
- It can’t be inflated up to its maximum size
Wacces Professional Exercise, Stability and Yoga Ball for Fitness, Balance & Gym Workouts
Key Features:
- Made from rubber
- 2 sizes available
- Pump included
- Color Black
Pros:
- Eco-friendly rubber
- Has a hand pump included
- Has instructions manual
- Has a good grip
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Only two sizes are available
- It might get slippery when wet
- The actual size can be smaller than advertised
- Pump is not very durable
RGGD&RGGL Exercise Ball and Yoga Ball Chair
Key Features:
- Burst resistant
- Thicker than other brands
- Comes with adjustable resistance bands
- Has a stability ring for chair usage
- 6 colors available
- Comes with a foot pump
Pros:
- Perfect as an exercise ball chair
- Thick and durable
- Burst resistant features
- Offers support
- Has an included pump
Cons:
- Is pricey
- Not very flexible
- The pump is not very effective
What Should I Avoid with a Yoga Ball?
To correctly and safely use a yoga ball, you should avoid:
- Inflating the ball more than it says in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Inflate the ball gradually with pauses in between.
- Store your yoga ball at room temperature, away from heating appliances or direct sunlight.
- Keep your yoga ball away from sharp objects or other equipment.
- Don’t use the yoga ball close to sharp corners or other equipment to avoid injury in case you fall from it.
- Listen and understand instructions for using a yoga ball.
- Don’t perform complex poses with the help of a yoga ball if you are not experienced.
- Use the yoga ball on smooth surfaces to avoid damaging it.
- Don’t kick, hit, or throw the ball.
- Regularly inspect your ball for damage, marks, or scratches. If you find any, it’s better to just replace your yoga ball and not try to glue or tape it.
FAQs
How Much Do I Fill The Exercise Ball When I Inflate It?
You should never inflate an exercise ball more than it’s recommended in the instructions manual. First, inflate it to around 80% of its capacity and wait a while. Then, inflate the remaining 20%. Avoid using the ball right after it is inflated.
Is A Balance Ball The Same As A Stability Ball?
Stability balls are the same as balance balls, and they can be used at home, in the office, in guys, in physical therapy studios, yoga studios, or aerobic studios.
What Is The Weight Limit On The Balance Balls?
The standard yoga balance balls have a limit of 250 pounds (113 kilograms), but some balance balls can withstand a weight of around 300 pounds (136 kilograms.)
If you put more weight on a balance ball, you risk bursting the ball or injuring yourself.
What Is An Exercise Ball Made Of?
Exercise balls are made of PVC plastic and elastic blends, usually with anti-burst properties. This material blend ensures the ball is inflatable, resistant, and bouncy.
What size yoga ball do I need for labor?
Yoga balls made for labor are also called birthing balls. The best way to find the right birthing ball for you is to follow your height. The best birthing ball will bend your knees around 4” (10 cm) lower than your hips during sitting.
- If your height is up to 5ft 8” (173 cm), you should get a ball of 26” (65 cm.)
- If your height is more than 5ft 8” (173 cm), your ball should be 30” (75 cm.)
What size yoga ball do I need for a chair?
If you want to use your yoga ball as a chair, the diameter of the yoga ball should be 4” (10 cm) higher than your current chair. That way, when you sit on it, the yoga ball chair will actually have the same height as your current traditional chair.
- If you are under 5ft 3” (160 cm), use a 22” (55 cm) yoga ball.
- If you are between 5ft 3” and 6ft (160 and 182 cm), go or a 26” (65 cm) ball.
- If you are more than 6ft (182 cm) high, you need a 30” (75 cm) exercise ball.
Conclusion
Yoga balls go by many names and have many beneficial usages, including exercising, relaxing, stretching, sitting, and pregnancy contraction relief.
This article tells you everything you need to know about yoga balls and their usage. We also provided guidelines on choosing the right yoga ball for you, and we answered all the FAQs.
More about yoga mat vs exercise mat, go to read it.
