Hey all! Does anyone know anything about exercise balls? I've got two - one is small 55cm maybe - and says it's for folks under 5'3. The other one is 65 cm maybe - and that is for my height. BUT...when I sit on the bigger one, my legs don't make a 90-degree angle - and aren't they supposed to?

Question: What is the danger of using the wrong-sized ball? Am I better off with too big (I could underinflate), or small.

I have short legs...maybe that is my problem with the 90-degree angle thing.

Thanks.

-Sherri

P.S. I'm 5foot9

Hi Sherri,

Exercise balls are great. I am 5'3" and use the 55cm ball at home...I love it! My gym has various sizes, and I find that I don't always use the same size; it depends on the amount of inflation mostly. You have to use what you are comfortable with. I don't see any danger in using one ball or the other; use the one that's most comfortable, yet challenging, for you. Don't go crazy over abiding by "rules" for using the ball like having your legs bent at 90 degree angles; such recommendations are ideal, but it's not that you won't get a good workout if your legs are at 80 or 110 degrees instead. As long as you can feel the muscles you are working, then I'd say just keep at it! Remember, that the main purpose of using exercise balls is to make existing exercises more challenging by adding greater instability, forcing you to control the movement more and engage your core. As long as you feel like this is what's happening, then I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

Good luck!

Thanks. I know I like the smaller ball for some things, like doing squats with the ball up against the wall - this keeps my back safe, which is important to me.

I'll try a workout video I have with each ball and see which one seems "right". Thanks for you input.

-Sherri

p.s. Is that you running? I don't run, and am always impressed by those who do. I walk fast, though.

I'm 5'2", but sit on a 65cm ball, and find it to be just about right, when a tad under inflated and I'm wearing my running shoes (which is what I normally wear). I'd go bigger, rather than smaller, but it depends on your back.

Yup, that's me!
I did the NYC Triathlon a few weeks ago and this is a picture my boyfriend took of me nearing the finish. It was so much fun!