What Size Exercise Ball Should I Get?

Not sure what size exercise ball to get? This will help break it down.

I love, love, love working out with a stability or exercise ball! I love that I can get not only a great workout that’s fun and different, but I love that I’m getting an intense core workout while working on my stability. 

As someone who has worked really hard to increase my core strength and stability, the benefits and results from working out with an exercise ball are tremendous. 

However, buying an exercise ball isn’t as easy as it may seem. 

Did you know that there are different sizes and that finding the right size can be the key to getting an effective workout?

What’s the Deal with the Size of Exercise Balls?

Much like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, a stability ball that’s too big or too small for your height can result in a workout that leaves you open to improper form and potential injury.  Finding the right fit is key.

Thankfully, it’s rather straightforward and once you know what size to get, you’ll be able to purchase as many exercise balls as you could possibly want.

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Why Does Size Matter?

Well, the right stability ball will allow you to sit comfortably with your legs bent at a 90 degree angle and your feet flat on the floor. This gives you proper posture and, when you’re doing exercises, allows you to focus on form. 

A ball that’s too small will give you improper alignment and could lead to injury when exercising. 

If your exercise ball is too big, you won’t be able to have your legs bent at the proper angle and your feet firmly planted on the floor. 

Since you’re focusing on increasing stability, it’s super important that you can have that point of contact with your feet on the floor.

So, let’s break it down in terms of ball sizes and height:

• If you are under 4’8″ get a 45 cm exercise ball.
• If you are between 4’8″ and 5’3″ get a 55 cm exercise ball.
• If you are between 5’4″ and 5’10” get a 65 cm exercise ball.
• If you are between 5’11” and 6’4″ get a 75 cm exercise ball.

If you’re at the cusp of being at the next larger size, it’s probably best to stick with the lower size, because the larger ball will most definitely make you stretch a bit to sit comfortably. 

Take the time to make sure you’re getting a stability ball that’s meant for your height, so that you can safely get the most out of your workout.  It will make a world of difference during your next exercise ball workout!

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