With 20 different versions to chose from, you’re bound to find a Core Balance Gym Ball to suit you…

The Core Balance Gym Ball comes in a wealth of options – four sizes and five colours – so you’re bound to find a version to suit you. Ranging from £20.99 from the 55cm version to £28.99 for the 85cm, it’s an affordable way to find one of the best exercise balls that’s optimised for your height, whether you’re using it for yoga and Pilates or as an office desk. For £20 that’s not bad value for home gym equipment and office furniture rolled into one. 

Men’s Fitness verdict

With sizes from 55cm to 85cm, the Core Balance Gym Ball is one of the best ways to find an exercise ball that’s optimised for your height, both for gym work and desk work.
Pros
  • 250kg maximum weight
  • Four sizes to choose from
  • Five colours
Cons
  • Have to wait 24 hours before inflating fully

How we test the best exercise balls

Our testers used each exercise ball as part of their day-to-day fitness routine for at least a month. They tested them during bodyweight workouts, resistance weight training and mobility work and judged them on their firmness, durability and comfort – taking price, maximum load, ease of inflation and colour/size options and accessories into account when awarding a final score.

The 55cm version is for users up to 5ft 5in and the 85cm option is suitable for guys over 6ft 6in, so you won’t have problems getting one to fit you. And it starts to look even better value when you consider it comes with a pump and tape measure to ensure the correct inflation. It also has a plug and plug remover, so no more more grappling with countersunk valves.

Core Balance Gym Ball features

Core Balance recommends that on first inflation you only pump it up to 80% and leave for 24 hours before fully inflating, but once it’s up it shows no sign of slowly deflating. Unlike some PVC exercise balls, the Core Balance Gym Ball is free from phthalates and other carcinogens, and doesn’t have that overpowering chemical smell.

Its anti-burst compound means if it does puncture it’ll slowly deflate rather than bang. However, unless damaged by something sharp it’s highly unlikely as it’s made to withstand weights up to 550lb (250kg) so it’s ideal for heavier users or for weights-based workouts.

The surface strikes the right balance between smooth and grippy and it feels reassuringly solid and stable beneath you. Overall it’s a comfortable and affordable exercise ball available in a wide range of versions that does all the important things well.

Sizes:55cm / 21.7in, 65cm / 25.6in, 75cm / 29.5in, 85cm / 33.5in
Pump included:Yes
Weight limit:250kg / 551lb
Colour:Black, grey, pink, purple, teal

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Words: Lucy Miller