Best Exercise Balls 2025 - Complete Review & Buying Guide
Expert analysis of the top exercise balls for fitness, pregnancy support, and stability training. Find the perfect ball for your needs and goals.
Why Exercise Balls are Essential for Fitness
Exercise balls, also known as stability balls, Swiss balls, or gym balls, are versatile fitness tools that challenge your core stability while providing support for various exercises. Whether you're pregnant, recovering from injury, or looking to enhance your fitness routine, the right exercise ball can transform your workouts.
Benefits of Exercise Ball Training
- Core Strengthening: Unstable surface forces core engagement
- Improved Balance: Enhances proprioception and stability
- Pregnancy Support: Provides comfort during pregnancy and labour
- Posture Improvement: Can replace office chairs for better alignment
- Versatile Workouts: Suitable for strength, flexibility, and rehabilitation
- Low Impact: Gentle on joints while providing effective exercise
Our Testing Methodology
We evaluated each exercise ball based on the following criteria:
Safety & Durability
Anti-burst construction and weight capacity testing
Stability & Grip
Non-slip surface performance during various exercises
Comfort
Surface texture and support during extended use
Value & Accessories
Price-to-performance ratio and included equipment
Detailed Exercise Ball Reviews
Core Balance Pregnancy Ball With Pump - Anti Burst Birthing Ball
Purple birthing ball perfect for pre-natal exercises and reducing pain during pregnancy and labour. Made from durable anti-burst PVC with 250kg weight capacity. Ideal size for women 5'4" and under.
✓ Pros
- Perfect for pre-natal exercises and labour pain relief
- Durable anti-burst PVC material with 250kg weight capacity
- Baby-friendly material free from harmful chemicals
- Comfortable non-slip surface with anti-slip lines
- Includes pump, tape measure, spare plug and removal tool
- Distributes weight to alleviate back and pelvis pressure
✗ Cons
- Limited to 55cm size only
- Specifically designed for shorter women (5'4" and under)
- Purple color may not suit all preferences
Specifications
Best For
Pregnant women seeking safe, comfortable support for pre-natal exercises, labour preparation, and post-natal recovery
ROMIX Exercise Ball - Anti-burst Extra Thick Swiss Gym Ball
Extra thick gym-standard exercise ball made from top quality PVC with honeycomb anti-burst structure. BPA-free and non-toxic, perfect for pregnancy, fitness, and therapy workouts.
✓ Pros
- Gym-standard extra thick PVC material for durability
- BPA-free and non-toxic, safe for pregnant women
- Honeycomb anti-burst structure for slow deflation safety
- Non-slip surface increases stability during workouts
- Versatile for yoga, Pilates, stretching and core training
- Includes quick foot pump and lightweight accessories
✗ Cons
- Limited size options (56-65cm range)
- May require regular cleaning to prevent stickiness
- Foot pump may require more effort than hand pump
Specifications
Best For
Fitness enthusiasts and pregnant women seeking a durable, gym-quality ball for indoor and outdoor workouts with safety features
PROIRON Extra Thick Exercise Ball - 2mm Wall Swiss Ball
Premium extra thick exercise ball with 2mm wall construction and 300kg load capacity. Features honeycomb anti-burst structure and eco-friendly non-slip surface for maximum safety and performance.
✓ Pros
- Extra thick 2mm wall construction for superior durability
- Impressive 300kg load capacity for heavy-duty use
- Honeycomb anti-burst structure ensures slow deflation safety
- Eco-friendly non-slip surface won't irritate skin
- Versatile use as exercise ball, office chair, or birthing ball
- Well-made with thick material and easy inflation
✗ Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic models
- Limited to 45-55cm size for specific height range
- Heavier than standard balls due to thick construction
Specifications
Best For
Serious fitness enthusiasts and tall/heavy individuals seeking premium quality with maximum load capacity for intensive workouts and office use
ZENO Exercise Ball for Stability - Anti Slip with Quick Foot Pump
Soft-touch birthing ball with textured anti-slip surface for maximum safety. Made from premium anti-burst PVC, perfect for pregnancy support, yoga, Pilates, and home workouts.
✓ Pros
- Gentle soft-touch surface ideal for pregnancy and labour
- Perfect for yoga, Pilates and flexibility improvement
- Textured anti-slip surface provides maximum control
- Quick foot pump included for fast inflation
- Premium anti-burst PVC construction for daily use
- Good value for money with versatile fitness applications
✗ Cons
- Limited size options available
- Soft-touch may be less durable than harder surfaces
- Basic design without advanced features
Specifications
Best For
Beginners and pregnant women seeking gentle support for basic exercises, stretching, and labour preparation with easy setup
Core Balance Gym Ball - Multi-Size Anti Burst Exercise Ball
Comprehensive range of gym balls in 5 sizes (45cm-85cm) for perfect workout fit. Anti-burst PVC construction with anti-slip lines for safety. Includes pump and tape measure for easy setup.
✓ Pros
- Wide range of sizes (45cm-85cm) for all heights
- Develops core strength, balance and improves posture
- Anti-burst PVC construction prevents dangerous bursting
- Anti-slip lines provide optimum grip on smooth floors
- Versatile for crunches, bridges, yoga, Pilates and more
- Can be used as office chair or birthing ball
✗ Cons
- Multiple size options may cause confusion in selection
- Requires proper size selection based on height
- May need regular re-inflation over time
Specifications
Best For
Users seeking maximum versatility with proper size options for core training, office use, pregnancy support, and comprehensive fitness routines
Comparison Table
How to Choose the Right Exercise Ball
Size Selection Guide
45cm Ball
Height: Under 5'0" (152cm)
Best for: Children, petite adults
55cm Ball
Height: 5'0" - 5'4" (152-163cm)
Best for: Average height women
65cm Ball
Height: 5'5" - 5'11" (165-180cm)
Best for: Most adults
75cm Ball
Height: 6'0" - 6'4" (183-193cm)
Best for: Tall individuals
85cm Ball
Height: Over 6'4" (193cm+)
Best for: Very tall individuals
Consider Your Primary Use
- Pregnancy Support: Core Balance Pregnancy Ball offers specialized features
- Intensive Fitness: PROIRON Extra Thick provides maximum durability
- Budget-Friendly: ROMIX offers excellent value for basic needs
- Beginners: ZENO provides gentle introduction with safety features
- Multiple Users: Core Balance Gym Ball offers various sizes
Exercise Ball Workout Ideas
Core Strengthening Exercises
- Ball Crunches: Lie back on ball, perform crunches for enhanced range
- Plank with Feet on Ball: Increases instability for core challenge
- Russian Twists: Sit on ball, lean back and twist side to side
- Dead Bug: Lie on back, hold ball between hands and knees
Pregnancy and Labour Exercises
- Pelvic Tilts: Sit on ball, tilt pelvis forward and back
- Hip Circles: Gentle circular movements to open hips
- Supported Squats: Use ball against wall for support
- Labour Positions: Lean over ball for comfort during contractions
Safety Tips and Best Practices
Proper Inflation
- Inflate to 80% capacity initially
- Let sit for 24 hours to allow material to stretch
- Complete inflation to recommended size
- Check firmness - should give slightly when pressed
- Re-check inflation weekly for optimal performance
Safety Guidelines
- Always check weight capacity before use
- Inspect ball for damage before each workout
- Use on non-slip surfaces when possible
- Start with basic exercises before progressing
- Keep away from sharp objects and extreme temperatures
Our Verdict
🏆 Overall Winner: PROIRON Extra Thick
The PROIRON Extra Thick earns our top recommendation for its superior 2mm wall construction, impressive 300kg load capacity, and eco-friendly materials. Perfect for serious fitness enthusiasts.
💰 Best Value: ROMIX Exercise Ball
At just £11.99, the ROMIX ball delivers excellent performance with gym-standard materials, anti-burst safety, and comprehensive accessories. Unbeatable value for money.
🤰 Best for Pregnancy: Core Balance Pregnancy Ball
Specifically designed for expecting mothers with baby-safe materials, optimal size for shorter women, and comprehensive accessories for safe pregnancy and labour support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size exercise ball should I choose?
When sitting on the ball, your hips should be level with or slightly higher than your knees. Use our size guide above, but generally: 55cm for heights up to 5'4", 65cm for 5'5"-5'11", and 75cm for 6'0" and above.
Are exercise balls safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when used properly. Look for anti-burst construction and baby-safe materials free from harmful chemicals. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program during pregnancy.
How do I know if my exercise ball is properly inflated?
The ball should give slightly (about 2 inches) when you press down with your hand. It should feel firm but not rock-hard. Over-inflation can make the ball unstable and increase burst risk.
Can I use an exercise ball as an office chair?
Yes, many people use exercise balls as desk chairs to improve core strength and posture. Start with short periods and gradually increase duration as your core strength improves.
How long do exercise balls typically last?
With proper care and regular use, a quality exercise ball should last 1-2 years. Factors affecting lifespan include usage frequency, storage conditions, and material quality.
Ready to Enhance Your Fitness Routine?
Choose the exercise ball that best fits your needs and start experiencing the benefits of improved core strength, balance, and stability.