Exercise Balls & Stability Balls

Training, therapy & ergonomic seating in one

Versatile training and health products for stability, posture, balance, and comfort—ideal for fitness, rehabilitation, and office use.

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Historical context – from rehabilitation ball to fitness classic

The modern exercise ball originated in physical therapy in the 1960s. Originally developed to support motor development in pediatric therapy, it quickly found its way into clinics, rehabilitation centers, and later fitness studios.

Today, exercise balls are an essential part of core training, back injury prevention, and healthy sitting.

As working from home and ergonomic workplaces have become more important, exercise balls have grown even more popular as seating options.

Exercise balls – all-rounders for stability, balance, and posture

Exercise balls have been one of the most popular training and therapy tools in fitness, health sports and physiotherapy for decades. Originally developed in rehabilitation, they are now used in strength training, functional training, yoga and in the office to improve sitting posture.

The unstable base activates the deep muscles and improves posture - a central building block for a healthy back. In addition, numerous core exercises, stretches and stabilization programs can be carried out conveniently at home.

For particularly high-quality and durable exercise balls, we recommend the Theraband exercise ball ABS. They impress with their anti-burst technology, optimal elasticity and stability - ideal for fitness, rehabilitation, core training or active sitting in the office. With a Theraband ball you can train safely, effectively and comfortably.

Exercise Balls – Ergonomic Seating for the Office & Home Office

Sitting balls promote active, dynamic sitting, strengthen the back muscles and improve posture. They relieve the spine and help prevent tension in everyday office life.

Many of our sitting balls have non-slip surfaces and anti-burst technology for maximum safety - for both professional and private use.

For particularly ergonomic and high-quality sitting balls, we recommend the VLUV balls. They offer stable anti-burst technology, non-slip surfaces and optimal comfort for the office, home office or active sitting at home. You can find more information and our selection here: VLUV sitting balls

Benefits of Exercise Balls & Stability Balls at a Glance

  • Activates deep muscles
  • Improves posture & balance
  • Versatile uses: fitness, rehab, yoga, Pilates
  • Ergonomic seating at the office or while working from home
  • Ideal for back training & core stability
  • Space-saving, lightweight and durable exercise equipment

Areas of Use

  • Functional Training & Core Training
    Improves strength, control and body stability.
  • Yoga & Pilates
    Supports stretching, mobility and balance.
  • Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
    Ideal for gentle mobilization and stabilization.
  • Ergonomic Seating
    Relieves strain on the back, promotes natural posture and supports active sitting.

Finding the Right Ball Size

50–55 cm

Suitable for schoolchildren and adults with a height of approx. 135–155 cm. Combined with a height-adjustable desk, it provides optimal seating ergonomics.

60–65 cm

Suitable for people between 155 and 180 cm tall. Also suitable for taller users who want to use their ball at a standard-height table.

70–75 cm

Suitable for people between 180 and 200 cm tall. For an optimal seated position, we recommend a height-adjustable desk so that your legs fit comfortably underneath it.

Discover our selection of exercise balls and balance balls for healthy, active and ergonomic workouts at home or in the office.

FAQ

❓ What can you use an exercise ball for?

Gymnastics balls can be used for a wide range of purposes:

  • Fitness: abs, back, legs, core training
  • Rehabilitation & physiotherapy: injury prevention, muscle building, mobilization
  • Office sitting: active sitting, better posture, less tension
  • Coordination & balance: balance training for children and adults

Exercise balls are versatile training equipment that promote strength, stability, and flexibility.

❓ Is a sitting ball good for the office?

Exercise balls promote active sitting in the office. They activate the deep stabilizing muscles, improve posture, and reduce tension in the back and neck. For optimal ergonomics, the ball should be the right size so that the knees are slightly below hip level, and it should be used in intervals.

❓ What does “ABS – Anti-Burst System” mean for exercise balls?

ABS stands for Anti-Burst System. If damaged, gym balls with ABS do not burst suddenly; instead, they deflate slowly. This increases safety for children, adults, and seniors, and makes the ball ideal for fitness exercises, physiotherapy, or ergonomic seating in the office.

❓ Can an exercise ball help reduce back pain?

An exercise ball can reduce back pain by strengthening the core muscles that stabilize the body and supporting the spine's natural alignment. When sitting or exercising on the ball, the body is constantly compensating for small movements, activating the deep muscles that are often responsible for a stable, pain-free posture.

Note: An exercise ball complements ergonomic seating solutions but does not replace them permanently.

❓ Which exercise ball is right for my height?

The correct ball size depends on the person’s height.

Under 135 cm → 45 cm
135–155 cm → 50–55 cm
155–180 cm → 60–65 cm
180–200 cm → 70–75 cm
200 cm and over → 85 cm

A larger ball is suitable for ergonomic sitting, while a smaller one is better for intensive training.

❓How inflated should an exercise ball be?

An exercise ball should be inflated enough to remain stable while still being slightly elastic.

Guideline:

  • The ball should only give a few centimeters when you sit on it.
  • Your knees should be at a 90° angle or slightly lower.
  • The ball should not appear “flat” or allow itself to be pressed in heavily.

Tip: New balls stretch, so inflate them again after 24 hours.

❓How do I clean an exercise ball?

An exercise ball should be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent. Wipe the ball with a soft cloth and allow it to dry completely. Do not use harsh chemicals, alcohol or abrasive cleaners as they may attack the surface and reduce the anti-burst properties.

For regular care, a damp microfiber cloth is usually sufficient.

Shark Fitness – Your Fitness Experts

Fitness Equipment Consultation

Have you seen a product online and are still undecided?

Stop by, call us or send us an email – our local fitness experts will be happy to help. Together, we’ll review your requirements and let you know whether the product you’re interested in is on display at one of our stores. There may even be an alternative that suits your needs even better. After receiving professional advice in person at the Shark Fitness Shop Wil (SG) or Wettingen (AG) , you’ll have all the information you need to make the best choice for you.