Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Matching the Size of the Ball to the Human Body
• Method 2 of 3: Using a measuring tape
• Method 3 of 3: How to measure a ball using a wall
• What do you need
• Similar articles

A gym ball is a sports equipment used in basic yoga and Pilates exercises, as a stretcher, and for other purposes. To provide the necessary support for the various exercises and stretches, the gymnastic ball must be of a suitable size. Knowing what size the ball should be and regularly checking how much it is inflated will keep yourself safe and get the most out of your workout.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Matching the Size of the Ball to the Human Body

1. 1 Sit on the ball. Distribute your weight evenly and place your feet on the floor. If the ball suits you, your hips and knees will be bent at right angles.
   • The upper body should be upright and the shoulders and pelvis should be in alignment. Do not lean anywhere to avoid creating a counterweight.
2. 2 Check the ball squeeze. The ball must not only be the correct size, but it must also be properly inflated. A properly inflated gymnastic ball should be compressed by 15 cm under the weight of a person.
   • If a ball that fits your size is compressed by more than 15 cm under your weight, then this gymnastic ball is still not the right size for you. It's just a big ball that hasn't been pumped up enough. You can practice on such a ball, but very soon you will notice that it is rather uncomfortable to perform exercises on it, and it is too easy to maintain balance.
   • Do not pump a small ball just to fit your size. Excessive pressure will cause the ball to burst.
   • If the ball is fully inflated, then by pressing your finger it should be squeezed by 5 cm.
   • Gym balls begin to deflate over time. After a while, you will have to pump up your ball more and more.
3. 3 Take a look at the ball size chart. Ball manufacturers sell them along with size charts that correlate the diameter of the ball with the height of the person. These are only approximate dimensions, and each manufacturer has its own. Do not rely heavily on this table, but rather check for yourself whether this or that ball is suitable for you in size.
   • Over time, you will be able to successfully perform exercises on smaller or, conversely, large gymnastic balls.

Method 2 of 3: Using a measuring tape

1. 1 Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the inflated gymnastic ball. Some balls have concentric rings. Apply a measuring tape along these rings around the "ball equator".
2. 2 Measure the circumference of the gymnastic ball. The dimensions of gymnastic balls are indicated in diameter (the distance through the center, from one side of the sphere to the opposite), not according to the circumference. Divide the circle by pi or 3.14 to find the diameter of the ball.
   • For example, if the circumference of the ball is 172 cm, its diameter will be 172 / 3.14 = 55 cm.
   • The gym ball can stretch for up to 24 hours after being inflated. To check if the ball is right for you, measure it when it is fully inflated.

Method 3 of 3: How to measure a ball using a wall

1. 1 Take a look at the packaging of the ball to find out its diameter. If you don't have one, take a look at the ball itself. The diameter is often stuffed near the air valve or at the "equator" of the ball.
2. 2 Place a large box against a wall, at a distance equal to the diameter of the ball. Make sure this distance is correct with a measuring tape. The box used must be at least the same height as the gymnastic ball.
3. 3 Roll the ball between the box and the wall. If the ball passes between them without hitting anything, then it is not pumped up enough. When you pump it up, the ball should hit the box and wall slightly.
   • If you don't know what diameter the ball should be, but want to know its exact size, place the ball against a wall. Place the box so that it touches the opposite side of the ball. Then remove the ball and calculate the diameter of the ball by measuring the distance between the box and the wall.
4. 4 Measure the height of a gymnastic ball against the wall. You can also measure the height of the ball to see if the ball is inflated enough. Take masking tape and mark on the wall at a height equal to the diameter of the gymnastic ball. Then pump the ball until it reaches the height of the mark.
   • The diameter of a gymnastic ball is equal to its height.

What do you need

• Flexible measuring tape
• Big box
• Masking tape

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