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by Emma Mattison – NASM, CPT, CNC and Functional Aging Specialist
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.
Yoga balls, Swiss balls, exercise balls, fitness balls, physio balls, stability balls, – they have many names! Universally, they are appreciated and used by physical therapists, fitness professionals, and avid exercisers alike.
Yoga balls are a wonderful way to perform exercises ranging from deep-core activation, to gentle stretches and balance training, to high intensity interval workouts.
I personally include exercises in my personal training programs that touch on all of those exercise types, and that incorporate movements that help correct your form. Click here for some sample yoga ball exercises!
The applications are nearly limitless. However, there are a few important traits of exercise balls that you need to consider before making your purchase. If you are unsure about sizing your ball, or ball usage and care, click here for my article on those topics!
Without further ado, as a Certified Personal Trainer, I'm happy to walk you through my top recommendations for exercise balls, kits, and accessories!
My Top Recommendations
For Exercise Balls:
Keeping it really simple, Trideer is great to get started. Reliable, and sturdy. The price is completely fine – nothing outrageous.
#2 RUNNER UP – URBNFit Exercise Ball
There is nothing wrong with this brand compared to #1 Trideer, but it is slightly more expensive.
#3 FOR THE PRICE – BalanceFrom
This is the cheapest, most reliable out there. I don't like that they boast a 2000 lbs weight rating, since it sounds pompous, but I've used this brand for over 2 years straight with no problems. My 240 lbs, 6'4" husband uses it too, and it hasn't burst on him yet.
For Proper Storage:
For ONE Ball – URBNFit Exercise Ball Chair Stand Base
Secure all types of yoga and exercise balls from rolling away all over the room. This is a great base to make sure your ball is being stored away properly. It even makes it so you can use the ball as a chair (which I do not personally recommend, but a lot of people do it). Click here to read why I don't recommend using it as a chair.
For A Yoga Set – Lhysn Yoga Ball Holder
This simple shelf is perfect if you've started accumulating gear. Use it for yoga blocks, yoga mats, resistance bands, and some brands of dumbbells so your space doesn't end up cluttered. This also will ensure proper exercise ball care.
For Less Space – MyGift Wall Mounted Metal Pipe Exercise Ball Holder
This one is my personal favorite. You can control how high in the air this is anchored, it's cheap, easy to install, and your exercise ball will be out of the way and safely stored!
For A "Boho" Room – Diocos Exercise Ball Holder
This Boho corner holder is perfect to not only clear cluttered space, but also to match a room! Why doesn't your yoga ball deserve a hammock. I think these are cute!
For Exercise Ball Kits:
#1 OVERALL
Plot twist! I actually do NOT recommend exercise ball kits that come with attachable resistance bands. As a certified trainer, I think you can get a LOT out of just the exercise ball alone, instead of attempting to incorporate resistance based exercises with bands on a rolling object. Exercise balls are great on their own for core workouts, arm workouts, isometric exercises, lower body exercises, and NONE of which require anything other than light dumbbells, or resistance bands you can buy separately.
A lot of these kits have the bands attach directly to the ball, or underneath the ball on an anchored base. This doesn't give you much control over WHERE the bands can anchor. It's a cool idea to get to have an "all in one," but when it comes down to it, some days you will only use the ball, and some days it will be time to only use the resistance bands, bodyweight, or free weights, and perform your exercises free-standing for more functional core stability.
Ready to Start Training?
If you are 45+, ready for a change in your life – whether you are ready to be a champion of the senior Olympics... or your are simply looking to improve your health through diet and exercise, lose weight, get your balance and mobility back, feel stronger once again, or move freely, easily, and pain free – I offer online personal training & nutrition coaching, and other programs (Online Tai Chi is coming soon!)
The first step in getting started is to book a free 15 min phone call with me to chat about your goals, and share your health and training history!
You can also email me at info@myzeniverse.com
About the Author
Hi! I'm Emma Mattison. I'm a NASM certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, stretch & flexibility coach, pranayama breathwork guide, holistic nerd, and lover of birds & music! I specialize in functional fitness for older adults, and those with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Scientific literature is fun to me, and my goal is to make it understandable and fun for you!
I am driven to share knowledge I find fascinating & transformative with my clients, and the world. Everyone has the power to take their health into their own hands!
My love for fitness and true discovery of health started with helping my best friend – who I can now call my husband! Today, I couldn't do any of this as smoothly and enjoyably as I do now without him! Check out our YouTube, MyZeniverse! He literally edits and films everything. He's editing the next YouTube video next to me right now, as we speak! Check it out, and give it a like if it's helpful! 😊😊
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