The Best Exercise Balls of 2024

Exercise balls offer many benefits, such as strengthening your core and improving your balance. These are the best exercise balls to add to your home gym setup.

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You’ve probably seen an exercise ball in your gym, Pilates or yoga studio, or even on the shelves at your local retail store. These popular fitness accessories are not only a fun and colorful addition to any workout space, but they can be used for floor- and wall-based exercises that can strengthen your core, improve your stability and boost your flexibility. Sometimes known as a Swiss ball or stability ball, an exercise ball is an excellent addition to any home gym and can surprisingly provide a full-body workout for your arms, core, legs, back and glutes. The key, however, is knowing which exercises are possible and how to do them correctly.

Our comprehensive guide to the best exercise balls of 2024 will not only help you learn various exercise ball workouts, but how to use an exercise ball safely and how to determine the best exercise ball size for your fitness needs. We’ll also share our favorite items on the market this year and what makes them worthy of a spot on our best exercise balls list. If you’re looking to kick off 2024 by adding a fitness ball to your home gym, read on for our top product picks.

Our Picks for the Best Exercise Ball:

• Best Half Ball: REP Fitness Balance Ball Trainer
• Best Medicine Ball: REP Fitness Medicine Balls
• Best Exercise Ball for Desk: Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair
• Best Exercise Ball for Muscular Endurance: Fringe Sport Immortal Wall Ball
• Best Exercise Ball for Core Training: TRX Stability Ball
• Best Exercise Ball Set: Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set
• Best Exercise Ball for Pilates: Bala Pilates Ball
• Best Exercise Ball for Pregnancy: URBNFit Exercise Ball

Best Half Ball: REP Fitness Balance Ball Trainer

REP Fitness

Specs:

• Price: $59.99
• Specs: 24 inches x 24 inches x four inches
• Weight: 12 pounds
• Ball height range: N/A
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Color options: Blue
• Accessories included: Foot pump and resistance band

A half ball is similar to a full-sized exercise ball, except this home workout equipment comes in a half-moon shape and lays flat on the ground, making it perfect to stand on for stability and balance workouts. Our top pick for the best half ball available this year is the REP Fitness Balance Ball Trainer, which promises to help users improve their coordination and core strength. This half ball serves as an excellent choice for beginners who haven’t used fully-rounded fitness balls and are just now learning ball workout routines; you don’t have to worry about it potentially slipping out from underneath you and rolling around your home gym, which can happen as you learn how to use these balls (but, be sure to look for an anti-slip ball to avoid this issue).

In addition to being beginner-friendly, a semi-sphere ball can be used for strength training and conditioning; you can also add a pair of dumbbells to your balance exercises to make these workouts even more challenging. Studies show that half balls like REP Fitness Balance Ball Trainer can actually increase muscle activity in your abs and glutes, thanks to their unstable surface that activates these areas of your body as you try to balance on it. Half balls can also offer a modified twist on traditional exercise ball workouts that can be used for physical therapy or fall prevention training, which may not be possible for some people on a rounded fitness ball.

Related Post: The Best Bosu Balls 

Still, REP Fitness Balance Ball Trainer isn’t just for beginners or modified workouts. Our favorite high-quality half ball includes a foot pump that can help you inflate or deflate your exercise ball to different resistance levels, making it easier or more difficult to balance on. That feature makes it suitable for even the most advanced exercisers. It also comes with a resistance band that you can attach or remove to add more range of motion and variability to your exercises. This half ball’s versatility, accessories and sturdy design are why we’ve chosen it for our best exercise balls of 2024 list.

Pros:

• Includes a resistance band for additional range of motion
• Good for beginners and rehabilitation needs
• Can be inflated or deflated for different resistance levels

Cons:

• Only comes in one color
• Higher price point
• Half ball offers less exercise options than rounded ball

Best Medicine Ball: REP Fitness Medicine Balls

REP Fitness

Specs:

• Price: $42.99 to $85.99
• Specs: 14 inches
• Weight: Four to 30 pounds
• Ball height range: N/A
• Weight capacity: N/A
• Color options: Each ball size has different color with 10 options total
• Accessories included: None

Medicine balls are much smaller than traditional exercise balls, but don’t be put off by their size; these mini balls are surprisingly heavy-duty and can weigh as much as 30 pounds or more. These small yet effective exercise balls work similarly to kettlebells and can be used for strength training exercises like squats, crunches and overhead presses. You can also use these mini exercise balls for throws, wall ball shots and a much tougher version of catch. Just be sure not to slam them against the floor, since slam balls are designed differently than medicine balls, and you could risk damaging your medicine ball or floor.

Our pick for the best medicine ball is REP Fitness Medicine Balls, which come in ten sizes that range from four to 30 pounds. Each ball is color-coded by its weight so if you have multiple of these medicine balls at home, you’ll be able to easily differentiate between them. We’ve chosen these products for our list because of their durable design that includes double-stitching with extra thick threading to guarantee these medicine balls are built to last. They’re also made out of synthetic leather textured surface (which offers non-slip gripping) and have a stitched REP logo and weight markings that won’t wear off with use. In addition, REP Fitness Medicine Balls are hand-stuffed for even distribution of weight.

Whether your goal is to use a medicine ball for core exercises, cardio or glute workouts, this medicine ball line offers nearly one dozen different sizes that can suit a range of fitness levels from beginner to heavy lifter. While it’s not the most budget-friendly buy (especially if you plan on buying multiple ball sizes, which can easily cost you a few hundred dollars), these medicine balls’ high-quality construction make them the best products in this exercise ball category.

Pros:

• 10 ball sizes to choose from
• Double-stitching for enhanced durability
• Color-coded for easy identification

Cons:

• Can be expensive if you buy multiple balls
• Some users complain the balls have too much bounce
• Using medicine balls incorrectly can lead to injury

Best Exercise Ball for Desk: Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair

GAIAM

Specs:

• Price: $99.98
• Specs: 23 inches x 30 inches x 23 inches
• Weight: 18.67 pounds
• Ball height range: Five feet to five feet, 11 inches
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Color options: Black
• Accessories included: None

Having a desk-based job can make it easy to sit for hours at a time, and therefore, prevent you from moving, but exercise equipment and accessories designed specifically for the office can help you increase your physical activity levels as you work. While under-desk treadmills are a common choice, exercise balls can also be added to your desk setup. Our favorite exercise ball for your desk is the Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair, which lets you work on both your job and your core muscles at the same time (while taking multitasking to the next level). This balance ball chair operates similarly to a traditional office chair, but instead you’ll sit on a balance ball and your body will be forced to engage its core muscles to keep you balanced.

Designed with ergonomic features to support your lower back, this unique desk chair promises to align your spine (or improve your posture) while also increasing your energy; you can remove the 52-centimeter ball from the chair frame to take a break from work and do traditional inflated ball exercises in your home or onsite office. Still, you don’t have to worry about toppling over on this exercise ball chair. And, you should never use a standalone exercise ball without a chair base in lieu of a regular office chair, since this can cause low back pain and even injury.

Here’s why you can feel safe using this exercise ball chair: to help prevent these risks, Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair is designed with a five-wheeled base that creates a sturdy and stable foundation made out of nylon and steel. It also has easy-glide wheels that can quickly switch between locked and movable positions. The exercise ball itself is burst-resistant and comes with an air pump so you can inflate or deflate the ball as needed. Plus, if you’re unsure how to use this exercise ball chair to its max potential, Gaiam also includes an exercise guide with every purchase that teaches users how to do different stretching and strength moves.

Pros:

• Helps increase physical activity while working a desk job
• Neutral design can match most office spaces
• Exercise ball can be removed for floor or wall workouts

Cons:

• Exercise ball chairs can be squeaky, which can distract from work
• Some users complain that the ball doesn’t stay in the base
• Shorter customers say the chair is too tall for them

Best Exercise Ball for Muscular Endurance: Fringe Sport Immortal Wall Ball

Fringe Sport

Specs:

• Price: $92 to $218
• Specs: 14 inches
• Weight: 10 to 30 pounds
• Ball height range: N/A
• Weight capacity: N/A
• Color options: Black with color coding by weight
• Accessories included: None

There’s a reason our best exercise ball for muscular endurance has “immortal” in its name. Fringe Sport Immortal Wall Ball was designed with the idea that wall balls, or medicine balls, can break far too easily. Sometimes, they become egg-shaped, or even rip open at their seams. Instead, this medicine ball—which comes in five sizes with different weights—offers a lifetime warranty and is made out of virgin rubber, which tends to be more durable than recycled rubber. The lightest medicine ball begins at 10 pounds, while the heaviest ball weighs 30 pounds.

So, what makes this wall ball line our favorite for muscular endurance? Since this exercise ball is designed to be damage-proof, you can steadily up the number of reps you do with wall-based workouts (like wall ball shots) without worrying about your favorite medicine ball taking a hit. Studies show that 12 weeks of medicine ball training has the power to boost your overall muscular endurance, and participants of this particular study made significant increases in their parallel squat and bench press ability. They also showed improvements in torso rotation and hip-torso-arm rotational strength, making medicine balls highly effective for building endurance.

While you can do a variety of exercises with medicine balls, Fringe Sport Immortal Wall Balls are designed to work best with wall-based workouts. They’re also geared for more advanced exercisers. The nice thing about wall ball workouts, however, is that you don’t need a personal trainer to spot you. Instead, the wall will work as a sort of “bounce board” that will send the ball right back to you. You can also use a wall as support for a squat or wall ball chest press.

Pros:

• Designed with virgin rubber, which tends to be more durable than recycled rubber
• Five color-coded ball sizes
• Comes with lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Lightest ball of 10 pounds may be too heavy for some
• Runs on the expensive side
• Not the best option for beginners

Best Exercise Ball for Core Training: TRX Stability Ball

TRX

Specs:

• Price: $27.95 to $31.95
• Specs: 55 or 65 centimeters
• Weight: Two pounds
• Ball height range: 55 centimeter ball is good for heights five feet one inch to five feet eight inches; 65 centimeter ball is good for heights 5 feet eight inches to six feet one inch
• Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Color options: Gray
• Accessories included: None

Exercise balls have proven benefits for the core, including strengthening, and our top pick for a core training exercise ball is the TRX Stability Ball. As one of the leading home gym resistance training brands, TRX is known for their famous suspension trainers, but the fitness company also makes a mean stability and yoga ball that can seriously activate your core muscles. This exercise ball comes in two sizes of 55 and 65 centimeters that are each designed for different height groups. You can feel confident using it for stability workouts and core training thanks to its durable, anti-slip vinyl that prevents the ball from sliding out from underneath you. It’s also made with anti-burst technology, so these balls can withstand up to 1,000 pounds of body weight.

With its slip-resistant construction and professional grade technology, TRX Stability Ball is built for those core training workouts that require you to keep your body steady and balanced. While this product arrives deflated in a box and includes a plastic plug to keep the air in it after it's inflated, it doesn’t come with an air pump, so you’ll want to use one that you already have at home or purchase an air pump separately. For the ultra-low price tag of this exercise stability ball, however, it doesn’t tack on a major expense. In addition to being our best exercise ball for core training, TRX Stability Ball also doubles as one of our best budget buys in this fitness category.

Pros:

• Comes in two ball sizes for different heights
• Designed with anti-burst technology
• Offers free shipping and free returns within 30 days

Cons:

• Doesn’t include air or hand pump (needs to be bought separately)
• Not suitable for very short or very tall users
• Customers report some issues with shipping

Best Exercise Ball Set: Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set

Lululemon

Specs:

• Price: $28
• Specs: N/A
• Weight: N/A
• Ball height range: N/A
• Weight capacity: N/A
• Color options: White with black
• Accessories included: Drawstring carrying bag

Exercise balls aren’t always just for exercising. Instead, some exercise balls are designed to assist with post-workout recovery. Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set is one example of post-workout recovery exercise balls and ranks as our favorite exercise ball set in this category. This portable set includes the three exercise balls in different sizes that can be molded and shaped to target different muscle groups. The largest ball, for example, can be used on larger muscle groups like glutes and quads, while the smallest ball can be used on palms and feet.

The goal? To use these balls to relieve tension, massage muscles and get rid of knots. All three lightweight massage balls are made out of a durable yet pliable dense foam and rubber blend, which includes a textured outer layer that targets knots in your muscles. You can roll them, release them and melt them into any shape and size you want, and when you’re done, they’ll naturally go back to their original shape (so you don’t have to worry about damage). You can use these massage balls like a foam roller, or place them against a wall to massage your back.

Since it’s likely you’ll be using these massage balls after a sweaty workout, you also don’t have to worry about them getting dirty over time. These massage balls can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and a little water won’t hurt them if you need to give them a more serious washing. Still, keep in mind that some people find fitness recovery equipment (like foam rollers or recovery balls) painful, so not everyone will enjoy using these types of products after a workout.

Pros:

• Great for massaging muscles and relieving knots
• Comes with carrying bag for easy transportation
• Three moldable ball sizes for different muscle groups

Cons:

• May be painful for some people to use
• Ball doesn’t always keep form when molded
• Designed for recovery, not exercising

Best Exercise Ball for Pilates: Bala Pilates Ball

Bala

Specs:

• Price: $29
• Specs: Eight inches
• Weight: One pound
• Ball height range: N/A
• Weight capacity: N/A
• Color options: Three different colors (charcoal, blush and sand)
• Accessories included: Mini air pump

Exercise balls are a common find in many Pilates workouts, including ab curls, hip lifts and ball bridges. If you’re a Pilates fan and love doing Pilates at home, you’ll probably want to invest in a high-quality Pilates ball to increase the variety of exercises you’re able to do. Our top pick for the best exercise ball for Pilates is the Bala Pilates Ball, which comes in three ultra-matte colors of charcoal, blush and sand. This non-weighted Pilates ball is made with extra-thick PVC material that promises to be burst-resistant and keep your ball inflated through the toughest workouts. All purchases also include a custom Bala mini pump designed specifically for these Pilates balls.

While this Pilates ball is slightly smaller than traditional mini Pilates balls, which tend to hover around nine inches, many customers say it’s the perfect fit for their workouts. Plus, if the ball is still too small or feels too plush, you can over-inflate it (without fear of bursting) for extra support, or under-inflate it to a half-fill to activate different muscle groups. This feature is one of the top reasons we love this exercise ball for Pilates, and if you’re not sure exactly which exercises might benefit from over-inflating or under-inflating, the Bala Pilates Ball buying page includes a handy workout guide with videos demonstrating how to do exercises at different inflation levels.

Users praise this Pilates ball for its smooth feel and comfortable grip, although some customers claim that the colors are slightly off from what’s advertised (however, not drastically). In addition to being a great fit for Pilates workouts, some buyers also use this exercise ball for physical therapy or rehabilitation needs, such as reducing knee pain by squeezing it between the knees.

Pros:

• Can be over-inflated for more support during Pilates workouts
• Thick texture that helps promote longevity and durability
• Buying page includes exercise guide with how-to videos

Cons:

• Slightly smaller than most Pilates balls
• Users report colors are not as advertised
• Customers say pump is difficult to use

Best Exercise Ball for Pregnancy: URBNFit Exercise Ball

Amazon

Specs:

• Price: $13.99 to $44
• Specs: 18 to 34 inches
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Ball height range: Less than four feet, eight inches to more than six feet, four inches
• Weight capacity: 600 pounds
• Color options: 10 different colors (black, blue, green, pink, purple, red, gray, teal, white and yellow)
• Accessories included: Air pump and two plugs

Using an exercise ball during pregnancy can provide tremendous support for both mom and baby, including reducing low back pain and shortening labor time, but it’s important to always check with your OBGYN before trying a stability ball while pregnant. Our favorite exercise ball for pregnancy is the URBNFit Exercise Ball, which is designed to be used by pregnant women, but can also double as a traditional yoga or stability ball for all users. This birthing ball is coated in a non-slip gaze that helps provide moms-to-be with a safe and secure grip, which is one of several reasons why we’ve chosen this product as our top pick in this category.

In addition, the URBNFit Exercise Ball is designed with anti-burst technology and built with sturdy PVC material, meaning it can support up to 600 pounds of weight without losing shape. It can also be used beyond pregnancy and in the early months of a baby’s life to rock or bounce a newborn to sleep. If you’re not sure exactly how this exercise ball works, its Amazon page includes an exercise ball workout guide with various exercises that can easily be done at home.

The URBNFit Exercise Ball comes in 10 fun colors that we love, like bright pink and aqua, and also includes an air pump so you can quickly inflate and deflate the ball at home. It also comes in five different sizes per color that range from 18 to 34 inches, which can help you feel confident in purchasing a ball that suits your height and/or stage of pregnancy. In addition to its benefits for pregnancy, safe design, and various color and size options, we’ve also selected this birthing ball for its budget-friendly price point, which ranges from about $14 to $44 depending on the color and size that you choose.

Pros:

• Five ball sizes for different heights and needs
• Includes air pump and two plugs
• Anti-slip coating for extra safety

Cons:

• Some users report ball sizing is off
• Pumping air can be time-consuming
• Customers say air pump can be difficult to use

How To Use an Exercise Ball

An exercise ball can be used in numerous ways. Some people use exercise balls for balance or stability (i.e., sitting on the ball or standing on a half ball), while others use them for strength and conditioning. Workouts can include pressing the ball above your head, using it as a prop for your body while you lift certain body parts (like your legs or arms), or pushing it up against a wall for wall-based workouts. Smaller exercise balls, like medicine balls or slam balls, can be thrown, while some exercise balls are designed specifically to be used for post-workout recovery, rather than exercise. Larger exercise balls will typically need to be inflated and often include a pump.

Exercise ball workouts

There’s really no limit as to what kind of workouts you can do with an exercise ball. An exercise ball can provide a full-body workout that targets your arms, back, abs, glutes and legs. The trick, however, is knowing how to do those exercises correctly. Here are some of the most common exercise ball workouts and how to do them, yet you can also get creative and make your own.

Hamstring curls

You can give your legs a serious workout with a stability ball. To do a hamstring curl, lie on your back on a mat or floor and place the backs of your lower legs and heels on the top of an exercise ball with your feet hip-width apart. Keep your arms extended out to the sides. Then, contract your core muscles while pressing your hips up off of the floor into an extension, rolling the ball inwards towards you with your feet. Lastly, slowly lower your body, roll the exercise ball back to its starting position and repeat for the desired amount of reps and sets.

Push-ups

There are several ways to do a stability ball push-up, but the most common way is to start in a high plank position and press your hands into the ball slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Then, lower your chest to the exercise ball as you would with a traditional push-up, pushing back into the ball to go back to a high plank. The trick is to gently touch your chest to the ball without laying or resting on the exercise ball to achieve maximum impact and burn.

Wall squats

Wall squats are a common workout that larger exercise balls are perfect for. To do a wall squat, place the ball behind your back and up against a wall, leaning against it so it doesn’t fall. Keep your feet in front of you at shoulder-width apart, and slowly lower your body into a 90-degree angle squat position, gently rolling the ball down the wall with you. Then, push your knees back up to return to your starting position and repeat for the desired amount of reps and sets.

Russian twists

Russian twists are a great core workout that can be done with a yoga ball, medicine ball or combination of both. For a seated Russian twist, lay on a mat or on the floor in a seated position and hold a medicine or smaller exercise ball (like a pilates ball) between your hands. Keep your knees elevated and bent and raise your upper body to a 45-degree angle. Slowly twist the ball from right to left to work your obliques, bringing the ball to each side of your hip. If keeping your knees elevated is too hard, you can modify the exercise by bringing your feet to the floor and using your upper body only. Be sure to keep your legs still as you rotate from your obliques.

Half moons

Not only are exercise balls great for workouts themselves, they can also be used for a number of stretching exercises. You can easily do a half moon stretch by sitting on a stability ball with your legs slightly more than shoulder-width apart and feet pointed outwards. Raise your arms upwards to the sky and slowly tilt your body to the right to stretch your obliques. Then, return to center and tilt to the left to repeat the stretching exercise on the other side of your body.

Glute bridges

Any full-sized exercise ball can help you achieve a glute bridge. Lay on a floor or mat with your feet on the upper portion of a stability ball. Keep your arms flat at your side with your palms facing down. Press your feet into the exercise ball to raise your body into a bridge position, lifting your glutes off of the floor and contracting them as you elevate yourself. Then, slowly lower your glutes and spine back to the floor and repeat for the desired amount of reps.

Different Types of Exercise Balls

There are numerous types of exercise balls that each serve a different purpose. Some are designed for strength and conditioning, while others are made specifically for recovery. These are the most common types of exercise balls that you’ll find for sale online or in retail stores.

Slam balls

A slam ball is a weighted ball typically filled with sand that can be used for throwing exercises, or exercises where you “slam” the exercise ball into the floor. These balls are often made out of a thick rubber and designed for high-impact exercises, so they can withstand a lot of force. Slam balls are generally used for conditioning exercises that strengthen and define your muscles.

Medicine balls

Medicine balls are mini exercise balls that are much heavier than your standard stability ball. They range in weight from anywhere from five pounds to 30 pounds or more, and are designed for strength and conditioning exercises like squats, overhead presses and crunches. While medicine ball materials can vary, they’re often made out of leather, vinyl, rubber or plastic, such as a textured PVC material (or polyvinyl chloride) shell that improves grip and stability. Unlike slam balls, which are constructed to withstand force, these balls should never be slammed.

Wall balls

Medicine balls can sometimes be used as wall balls, but specialized wall balls are a slightly different (but similar) category of exercise balls that are designed to work best with wall use. These balls are usually larger than medicine balls (i.e., the size of a beach ball) and have a softer, bouncier exterior that allows it to absorb impact and easily bounce off of walls.

Half balls

Half balls, or semi-sphere balls, are essentially exercise balls that look like they’re cut in half and include a base in which the half ball sits. These balls are designed to be used for balance and stability and deliver a serious core workout, while also improving flexibility and coordination. Half balls are also used in fall prevention training and by physical therapists for rehabilitation, making them an excellent choice for those with injuries, illness or mobility concerns.

Recovery balls

Unlike the exercise balls above, recovery balls are designed specifically for post-workout recovery. These nifty balls can typically be molded, folded and stretched into different shapes to massage various muscle groups with, which can help relieve tension, sore muscles and knots. Some recovery balls, however, come in a hard shell casing to offer more intense pressure for troubled areas. Almost all recovery balls are textured to really dig deep into knots and tension. These balls are sold individually or in sets that come with different sized balls for different areas (i.e., smaller balls for your palms and feet, or larger balls to use on your glutes and hamstrings).

Exercise ball chairs

Exercise ball chairs are essentially a traditional office chair that has an exercise ball to sit on instead of a seat. The goal of these chairs is to get you moving while you’re working, especially if you have a desk job that requires sitting for hours at a time. Sitting on one of these chairs also forces you to balance, which helps activate your core as you’re working or writing at your desk. Some exercise ball chairs also allow you to remove the exercise ball for floor or wall workouts.

Exercise Ball Care and Maintenance

Exercise balls are relatively low-maintenance fitness equipment to have on deck; you’ll just want to be careful in how you handle and store them. With any inflatable exercise ball, you’ll want to be sure to keep it away from sharp and pointy objects, including nails and jewelry. If one of these exercise balls gets even a tiny hole, it won’t stay inflated and you’ll need to replace it, which can be costly depending on which brand of exercise ball you have. You’ll also want to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from any flammables and explosives, like heaters.

For medicine balls and other heavier exercise balls, consider storing these balls in a covered area or under a cloth or towel to prevent them from collecting dust and being exposed to heat or cold. Bigger exercise balls can be tough to store, but you can consider setting up a net in your home gym to keep your exercise ball in place, or keeping it in a closet when it’s not in use.

Like any other fitness equipment, exercise balls should be sanitized and are easy to forget about or overlook. You can wipe down exercise balls with a wet cloth or gym equipment wipes, but try not to spray anything directly on the balls, which could impact their longevity over time.

Inflation tips

No matter what, exercise ball inflation can be a time-intensive activity. An electric air pump will fill your exercise ball quickly, but these tend to be expensive and aren’t the most cost-effective way to keep your exercise ball inflated. Most people use a hand, non-electric air or foot pump to fill their exercise balls. The trick is to fill the ball until it’s firm, but not all the way. The ball should have a little give when you sit on it to provide you with the right amount of support and stability.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Ball

We chose the best exercise balls on our list based on a number of factors. We considered price, exercise ball construction and materials, user reviews, weight capacity, workout capabilities and how well they suited various fitness and health needs, such as pregnancy or injuries. These factors combined helped us determine which exercise balls were worthy of a spot on the list.

What to Look for in an Exercise Ball

Before buying an exercise ball, carefully consider these factors.

Height and weight

Your height and weight may determine which type of exercise ball may be right for you, especially if you’re looking to buy an inflatable ball. While height and weight shouldn’t impact smaller buys, like medicine balls or pilates balls, inflatable exercise balls often come in different sizes that suit different users (i.e., a smaller-sized ball for shorter users). Many exercise balls come with height charts that can help you determine which size is best for your height group, while specs contain details about weight capacity and how much pressure a ball can withstand.

Fitness and health needs

Maybe you have a knee injury, or perhaps you have low back pain. Or, you could be working on increasing muscle mass or building muscular endurance. Whatever your fitness or health needs may be, it’s important to seek out a ball that fits your physical demands and goals. Those who are seeking out muscular benefits may want to gravitate towards a heavier medicine or slam ball, while people aiming to alleviate a stiff back could benefit from a traditional stability ball. If you’re pregnant, you may want to look for a birthing ball, while those with mobility concerns may want to buy a half exercise ball. Be sure to consider these needs before making a purchase.

Budget

Budget plays a major role in arguably all buying decisions, including purchases for your home gym or workout space. While most exercise balls run on the more affordable side, some balls are higher in price, and if you plan on buying a set of medicine balls at various weights, you could easily shell out a few hundred dollars for a high-quality collection. Before shopping around, consider your budget and how much you’re willing and able to spend on your exercise ball(s), and be sure to factor in how many balls you’ll need if you’re buying weighted products. For better deals, consider shopping on Amazon or Walmart, which tend to offer more budget buys.

Exercise Ball FAQs

Here’s everything else you should know about exercise balls.

How tight should an exercise ball be?

A rule of thumb is that an exercise ball should be firm, but not too tight to the point where you can’t use it; the ball should give slightly when you sit on it. An exercise ball that isn’t inflated correctly may not offer enough support and stability for your workouts. Be sure to avoid inflating a fitness ball all the way the first time you use it, since exercise balls need time to form shape.

Are exercise balls a good workout?

Exercise balls are proven to provide an excellent workout. They can strengthen your core, improve your stability and boost your flexibility, among other benefits. Fitness balls also offer a full-body workout that allows you to target your arms, core, legs, back and glutes with a wide range of exercises that you can easily do on your floor and/or with the help of a wall.

How long do exercise balls last?

Exercise balls typically last one or two years, but it depends how often you use them. A ball used more frequently may only last one year, while a ball used less can offer a longer lifespan. If you notice that you’re sinking into your ball or it no longer holds air, it’s probably time to replace it. Medicine balls can last a lifetime if cared for properly, and some include a lifetime warranty.

Are exercise balls good for your back?

Exercise balls offer numerous back benefits, including improved flexibility and stability of the spine. These balls are an excellent choice for people with low back pain or back injuries and can even be used to stretch out your back (similar to a foam roller). They’re also a safe and effective choice for pregnant women and can be used to reduce back pain caused by pregnancy.

Is it better to sit on an exercise ball or a chair?

Experts recommend avoiding using an exercise ball as a chair, since this can cause low back pain and even injury. However, exercise ball chairs (which include a base that supports the exercise ball) are a safer option that many people use in their home or onsite offices. Still, if you’re choosing between a standalone exercise ball or a chair, it’s always best to pick a chair.

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise as to why exercise balls are some of the most popular additions to home gyms. Not only are these balls truly fun to use and exercise with, they offer numerous health benefits including improved stability and stronger cores. They can also do wonders for your spine, especially if you have a stiff back or are experiencing back pain from pregnancy. Whether you’re seeking out a traditional exercise ball, a medicine ball or an exercise ball chair, our list of the best exercise balls of 2024 covers all needs and product types. Be sure to consult our guide before making a purchase and do your research to find an exercise ball that’s right for you.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.