Pilates balls

Benefits of using a Pilates ball

There are many good reasons to make a Pilates ball a regular part of your workout routine or everyday life at the office. A Pilates ball is an incredibly versatile piece of exercise equipment that lets you activate and strengthen your whole body gently and effectively. Your abdominal and back muscles – known as your core muscles – work particularly hard, as you constantly need to use your deep muscles to maintain your balance.

Our range includes robust, durable exercise balls that are perfect for classic Pilates, rehabilitation, stretching, yoga and strength training. Our Pilates balls are made from durable PVC with no harmful phthalates and can support a maximum load of up to 200 kg. All our Pilates balls also feature a clever Anti Burst System. This means that if your Pilates ball is accidentally punctured, it will not burst underneath you – instead, the air escapes slowly and gradually.

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Which Pilates ball should I choose?

When choosing the right Pilates ball, it is important to base your choice on your height so you get the correct size. If your Pilates ball is too large or too small, you will not get the most out of your exercises, and your posture on the ball will be incorrect.

You can use this simple guide when choosing between our balls:

• Pilates ball Ø 65 cm: This model is suitable for people up to 170 cm tall.
• Pilates ball Ø 75 cm: This model is the ideal choice for people over 170 cm tall.

If you want to use your Pilates ball as a replacement for your office chair, pay particular attention to the seat height. When sitting upright on your Pilates ball with both feet flat on the floor, the angle between your thighs and abdomen should be around 90 degrees.

Your Pilates ball is easy to inflate when it arrives. You can use a standard ball pump with a thin inflation needle. If you prefer a bicycle pump or foot pump with a slightly larger nozzle, simply remove the white plastic valve carefully from your Pilates ball, pump in the air and quickly replace the plug.

3 different exercises with a Pilates ball

Whether you want to focus on your abdomen, back, glutes or balance, there are plenty of possibilities. Here are some good, simple Pilates ball exercises you can easily do in your living room:

1. Sit-ups on a Pilates ball: Lie with your lower back on your Pilates ball, place your feet flat on the floor with your knees bent and position your hands behind your neck. Perform classic sit-ups, using the curve of the ball to give you a greater range of movement and better muscle activation.
2. Wall squats: Place your Pilates ball behind your back, holding it between your lower back and a smooth wall. Bend your knees and lower yourself into a deep squat while your Pilates ball rolls smoothly up and down the wall. This strengthens your thighs and glutes while providing good support for your back.
3. Hip raises with your feet on the ball: Lie on your back on an exercise mat with your feet on top of your Pilates ball. Lift your hips and glutes towards the ceiling so your body forms a straight line. This builds strong hamstrings and firm glutes.

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Frequently asked questions about Pilates balls

What size should a Pilates ball be?

The size of your Pilates ball depends primarily on your height. If you are up to 170 cm tall, choose a Pilates ball with a diameter of 65 cm. If you are over 170 cm tall, a 75 cm Pilates ball is recommended. When you sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor, your thighs should form an angle of approximately 90 degrees with your upper body.

Which Pilates ball is best?

The best Pilates ball is made from durable, chemical-free materials such as phthalate-free PVC and has a high maximum load capacity of 200 kg. It is also essential to choose Pilates balls with a built-in Anti Burst System, so the air only escapes slowly if the ball is punctured.

Can you use a Pilates ball as an office chair?

Yes, replacing your office chair with a Pilates ball for periods during the working day is a good idea. When you sit on a Pilates ball, your deep back and abdominal muscles are automatically activated to maintain your balance, improving posture and preventing back pain.

How do you inflate a Pilates ball?

You can easily inflate your Pilates ball with a standard ball pump with a thin needle. If you use a bicycle pump or foot pump with a larger nozzle, carefully remove the white plastic valve from your Pilates ball, pump in the air and quickly replace the valve once the ball is inflated.

What is the difference between a Pilates ball and a fitness ball?

In practice, there is no difference between a Pilates ball, a fitness ball, a rehabilitation ball and a yoga ball. These are simply different names for the same versatile, air-filled exercise ball used for everything from Pilates and core training to rehabilitation and ergonomic sitting.