Pilates Equipment and Apparel How to Find the Right Size Exercise Ball for You By Marguerite Ogle linkedin Marguerite Ogle is a freelance writer and experienced natural wellness and life coach, who has been teaching Pilates for more than 35 years. Learn about our editorial process Marguerite Ogle Reviewed by Reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPT on October 04, 2020 instagram Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates and by the National Association of Sports Medicine. Learn about our Review Board Kristin McGee, CPT on October 04, 2020 Print Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images Exercise balls are a fun way to workout. They bring out the kid in us, and they add a core stability challenge to just about any exercise. Here are two quick tips to help you make sure that the size and firmness of your exercise ball will provide an optimal workout. Buy the Right Size Ball There really aren't any rules about the size of a fitness ball. I have a collection of fitness balls from huge ones down to little ones, but for most exercise purposes, you will want to choose the size a ball that is proportional to your height. The rule of thumb is that you want to be able to sit on your ball with your legs at a 90-degree angle or slightly more, but not less. Use these guidelines when you buy a fitness ball: If you are 4'11" - 5'4", get a ball that is 55 cm If you are 5'5" - 5'11", get a ball that is 65 cm If you are 6' - 6'7, get a ball that is 75 cm How to Choose and Use an Exercise Ball Don't Blow an Exercise Ball All the Way Up Again, no rules. If you want to go spinning about and risk breaking your neck every time you do an exercise, go ahead and blow that ball up until it is as tight and round as it can get. But for most exercise purposes, you want to have a little give on the surface of the ball. When you sit on the exercise ball your body weight should create a little seat. This provides more stability, but more importantly, it allows you to sit evenly on the ball. It is essential to exercise with good alignment. You can use an exercise ball for many things. Here are a few ideas: Try stretches for balance and stability. Use your ball for Pilates or yoga. Do a beginner strength workout. Blast your core with exercise moves. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit