Here’s my guide to buying an looking after your Swiss Ball.
Buying your Swiss Ball
Thera-Band Anti-Burst Swiss Balls From Amazon
Swiss balls can be bought for less than $10 and as much as $50. I bought mine from Amazon, they’re cheap and have a great selection. I chose this one (mainly because of its anti-burst quality, making it safe to use with weights), but you don’t have to choose the same one. Don’t be tempted to just buy the cheapest one though. Ideally you want a ball that is durable and can cope with both your body weight and your weight if you’re holding dumbbells.
Choosing the right size
Here’s a handy table to help you to choose the correct size of Swiss ball for your body.
| Height | Ball diameter |
|---|---|
| Less than 5′ | 45 cms |
| 5′ to 5’7″ | 55cms |
| 5’7″ to 6’2″ | 65cms |
| 6’2″ to 6’8″ | 75cms |
You might yourself right on the border between one size or another. If that’s the case, see if you can try a friend’s ball and see how it fits before you order one.
To check the size, sit with your bottom in the middle of the Swiss ball. With your feet on the floor in front of you and your legs bent at 90, your thighs should be parallel to he floor. If your knees seem to high, then the ball is too small if your thighs are sloping down to your knees, then the ball is too large.
Inflating your Swiss Ball to the correct pressure
Many Swiss balls come with a tape which you wrap around the ball as you inflate it. When the ball reaches the correct pressure, the tape becomes tight. If your ball doesn’t come with a tape, don’t worry you can make your own with paper or string.
I had to dig deep into my distant memory to remember my high school maths for this:
To find the circumference of the ball, you use the equation: diameter x pi (3.14)
To make life easy for you:
- 55cms ball has a circumference of 172.7 cms (just round up 173)
- 60cms ball has a circumference of 188.4 cms (just round down to 188)
- 65cms ball has a circumference of 204.1 cms (just round down to 204)
- 75cms ball has a circumference of 235.5cms (round either way)
So to measure, tape a piece of paper or string of the appropriate length to the ball and then inflate. When the string / paper becomes tight, your ball is at the correct pressure. Whew, my brain hurts now!
Looking after your Swiss Ball
To be honest, they don’t take much looking after.
- Keep it clean by wiping with a clean, damp cloth.
- Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
- Don’t let the kids or pets play with it.
- Keep the piece of string / paper that you used to make sure you pumped it to the right pressure. Swiss balls often lose a little pressure over time and will require topping up every now an again.
That’s it! You’re ready to roll. Grab your Swiss Ball and let’s get fit!
