How to properly inflate an exercise ball?

Inflate exercise ball

This post contains advertising and affiliate links. Read more

More and more often, the air-filled balls are used in training. They are used in schools as well as in rehabilitation and physiotherapy training. And, of course, for workouts in the home gym.

The use of an exercise ball has two advantages compared to other types of training. The first reason is that the ball is easy on the joints, and the second is the high effectiveness of the workout.

With the exercise ball training you train your whole body. It also addresses the deep muscles. Inter- and intramuscular coordination is improved, i.e. your muscles work more smoothly and "cooperate" better with each other.

An exercise ball is also a healthy seat: balls are often used in addition to desk chairs. Sitting on the ball reduces tension in your spine while strengthening the muscles in your lower back.

To benefit from all these advantages, you need to inflate the exercise ball - not too little and not too much. I'll tell you how to do that today!

How can I inflate the exercise ball?

To inflate the exercise ball, you can use a hand pump, a floor pump (foot pump), a bellows or an electric pump.

It takes longer with a hand pump and bellows, but it's easily doable. It's easier with the foot pump, so the ball is filled with air with a few kicks.

Inflating is even easier with a compressor. You can get one for about 20 euros. Simply connect the compressor to the ball. Depending on the model, you may need to plug the compressor into an electrical outlet before you can inflate the exercise ball. The pump automatically pumps air into the ball as soon as you press ON - inflating an exercise ball couldn't be easier!

Attention with the electric pump or a compressor: If you fill the ball too much, it can burst! So turn off the pump in time.

Some balls are already equipped with an air pump. But you can also inflate the exercise ball with the plastic tube that comes with it. However, this is very strenuous.

Since you need to regularly pump some air, it is worth investing in an air pump. It is not expensive and can be used on the bike, other balls and air mattresses. Like this model, which is even equipped with a pressure switch (pressure gauge).

Foot pump for all valves
Buy at Amazon* Note: This box contains affiliate links (images, titles, buttons). As an Amazon partner, we earn from qualified sales. Read more

Inflate the exercise ball - this is how it is done correctly

Are you ready? Let's put some air in the ball.

Remove plug

The first step is to try to pull out the plug of the ball. Since it is often firmly stuck in the ball after use, this is sometimes difficult.

Use a pair of flat-bladed pliers with a flattened surface or try using your fingernails. But be careful not to damage the ball.

Find suitable ball needle

Pay attention to whether the package includes a ball needle, which is a kind of adapter for inflation. When inflating, this can be very useful. But if you no longer have it, it's not a problem, because many air pumps already have their own adapter.

Attach ball needle and air pump

When you find the ball needle for your exercise ball, insert it into the hole. If the ball needle is no longer available, try the pump attachments to see which one fits best in the hole.

Check that the adapter is firmly seated in the opening and does not come loose by itself or that no air can escape from the side.

Inflate

Now, depending on the pump model, hand power, a lot of puffing, or a single button press is needed to get enough air into the ball.

Carefully pull the tip out of the ball and insert the plug when your ball is inflated. Don't take too much time or the air will escape and you will have to pump again.

The ball will always lose some air over time. Therefore, it is important that you regularly check the pressure and refill air.

Inflate exercise ball instruction

How far to inflate the exercise ball?

Inflate the ball only 80 percent at the beginning. The rubber is still quite hard, so it must be stretched. After about 24 hours, the material has warmed up and stretched. You can inflate the exercise ball even further.

Depending on the type of use, you will need a different degree of hardness. If you want to use it mainly for sitting, you should not inflate it too much.

The pezzi ball can be used for sports activities, but again should not have a high degree of hardness. Too much air in the ball can cause the movements to end up uncontrolled.

Basically:

  • Do not fill in too much air
  • Check the air pressure every 14 days and pump up if necessary
  • Always check the comfort when sitting or exercising
  • When sitting on the ball, the upper and lower legs should be at a 90 degree angle

How much bar for the sitting ball?

If you want to use the exercise ball as a sitting ball, depending on the model you can choose between 0.5 and 0.8 bar fill in.

The depth of the seat is determined by how much air is in the ball. If the table is too high, a small amount of air in the ball can cause a cramped posture. However, if the ball is too full, it can slip away and cause you to fall.

How much air pressure in the ball during training?

If you want to use a ball for workout, you should make sure that it does not contain too much air, otherwise it will become too hard. This can cause tension in the spine. As a guide you can use a value of 0.2 to 0.3 bar take. Rely a little on your feeling. The ball should contain enough air to make it comfortable to sit on.

Too little air can make the exercises more difficult as you sink deep and getting up becomes much more difficult.

It is also more difficult to keep your balance with a ball that contains too much air. Therefore, a ball can quickly slip away during activities and put you in danger.

It's also important to know if you'll be doing any additional strength exercises with weight with the ball. As you sink deeper into the ball with the added weight, it will also need more air. If you want, you can do it with this 3 butt exercises on the ball try

When does an exercise ball burst?

 

In fact, an exercise ball can burst due to too much tension. But this doesn't happen if the ball is used as it should, so you don't have to worry about an unnecessary accident.

The danger exists especially if you use a compressor. However, most adapters loosen by themselves under too much pressure. Likewise, an exercise ball can burst if it is inflated very hard and you sit on it with momentum.

In addition, contact with sharp objects should be avoided, as they can scratch the ball or even make it completely unusable.

How do I get the air out of the exercise ball?

Before the ball threatens to burst, you should let a little air out of the exercise ball.

  1. Carefully loosen the plug in the inflation port - but do not remove it
  2. Let out a little air.
  3. Once you feel it fits, press the plug firmly back into the ball.
  4. Done. A test shows whether it is now optimal. If not, repeat the process.

Inflate exercise ball instruction

Our conclusion

Inflating an exercise ball is not difficult. However, finding the perfect air pressure is a bit more difficult. This depends on the purpose of the ball and your body weight. If you rely a little on your feeling, it will not be difficult to find the optimal amount of air.

Have fun with the training!

To browse further:

* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more