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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  How do I clean the exercise ball?

A.  Use mild soap and warm water.  Do not use anything abrasive or any chemical cleaners. 

Q.  What is the weight limit on the exercise ball?

A.  with proper inflation, the exercise ball has been static tested to support over 600 pounds of weight.

Q.  How do I know what ball size to recommend?

A.  The size of the ball should be based on the height of the person.  Proper ball size allows a person to sit upright on the ball with the hips and knees bent to 90 degrees.  The chart above provides a guide to follow;  however, there may be individual difference due to variations in leg and trunk height.

Q.  What are the exercise balls made of?

A.  Polyvinyl Chorlide (PVC).  Thera-Band Exercise Balls do not contain latex. 

Q.  How do I patch holes in the ball?

A.  We do not recommend attempting to patch the ball.  Unfortunately, the ball must be discarded once a hole has been detected.  Even small holes predispose balls to bursting with use.  

Q.  What is the proper inflation size of the exercise ball?

A.  Each ball is designated by centimeters of height, from 45 cm (17.5") to 85 cm (33.5").  Inflate the ball until the top of the ball reaches the designated height from the ground;  use a tape measure to compare the height of the ball.  If the ball has too much air, it will be very hard and unstable;  too little air causes it to "bottom out" and become too stable.  Correct inflation  should be firm (neither too hard nor too soft) that retains its roundness. 

Q.  How do you inflate the exercise ball to the correct size?

A.  Inflate the ball with a high-volume pump.  Low-volume pumps, such as bicycle pumps will not provide enough air to inflate the ball to the proper size.  We suggest the Quick Air Pump or an air compressor.  Adapters for standard air compressors you would find at a service station are included in the package. 

1. Remove the ball from the packaging and lay the ball out in a flat position for 2-3 hours prior to inflation.

2. Mark the indicated diameter (height) of the ball by measuring the distance from the wall and placing another flat surface (ie straight backed chair) at the desired distance representing the diameter of the ball. (Or, measuring from the floor up to a line at the top of the ball.)

3. The ball must be stored in the room that it will be used at a minimum of 68º F/20º C for 2-3 hours before inflation. 

4. Using a manual pump or air compressor, carefully pump air into the ball until the ball is 80% of its maximum size (approximately 10cm less than the maximum size printed on the ball).  The ball may be very hard in this phase.  Insert the plug and leave the ball for at least 24 hours to allow the material to adapt to the expansion.  

5. Slowly inflate the ball to optimum size printed on the ball.

6. Check to see that the diameter of the inflated ball matches the diameter indicated on the ball.  Measure between the wall and the chair or other flat surface as directed in Step 1.  (the ball may be used slightly under inflated to better fit the user;  however, over inflation causes the ball to become weaker so there is a higher risk of the ball failing).

7. Insert plug into air hole and push until flush with the exterior of the ball wall. 

8. Your Thera-Band® Exercise Ball is now ready for use. 

Warning:  Never inflate you ball greater than its labeled maximum diameter,  Do not inflate when the temperature is greater than 90º F/32º C or less than 65º F/18º C

Q.  Will the exercise ball burst?  It has to be blown up at least 4" more according to the instructions and it looks already full.

A.  The Thera-Band Exercise Ball has a thicker wall, therefore, it requires a little more effort to inflate.  The exercise ball should not burst with normal inflation.  In fact, the balls are inflated 10% more that their designated size prior to use.  If you are unable to fill to the correct level, the ball can still be used if it is "firm" and doesn't "bottom out" with the weight of someone sitting on it. 

Q.  How can I prevent the ball from getting holes or bursting?

A.  Inspect your ball for holes if it begins to lose air.  Replace your ball if any holes are found.  Do not exceed weight limitations noted above.  One of the most common mistakes using the exercise ball is using it outdoors on rough surfaces.  The surface on which the ball is used should always be free of small objects that could potentially puncture the ball's surface.  The ball should not be exposed to high temperatures, particularly high floor temperatures, over 77º F/25º C.  Protect the ball from sources of heat such as heating ventilators, lamps, and direct sunlight. Since the diameter of the ball can vary due to temperature fluctuations, the maximum diameter of the ball should be checked before every use.  

Q.  Can the exercise ball be used in the water?

A.  Yes, but it should not be used as a life saving device. 

Q.  Can the exercise ball be used as a chair?

A.  Yes.  The exercise ball is a popular alternative to using a standard desk chair in school and in the office.  Users have reported less back pain, improved posture, and improved attentiveness. 

Q.  Do you have a manual of exercises or video  for the exercise ball?

A.  A poster of exercises is included with each exercise ball.  Click here to see a selection of the numerous selections of other educational material as well. 

Q.  How do I add or remove air from the ball?

A.  The small "fork" in the ball accessory package is used to remove the stopper and release air.  Allow the ball to deflate naturally.  Warning:  Never use a sharp object to remove the plug as you might puncture the ball or injure yourself.  If you want to re-inflate the ball, follow the instructions above. 

Q.  Why doesn't the air pump nozzle fit in my ball?

A.  The hole in the exercise ball may be a tight fit due to the manufacturing process.  It should loosen after the first inflation.  If you are unable to insert the nozzle with moderate force, contact customer service. 

Q.  How do persons with severe balance problems use the ball?

A.  Persons with severe balance problems should use the ball under close supervision.  In cases where a patient has severe balance problems or is vulnerable to injury, the ball can be under-inflated to a smaller diameter.  This will cause it to be softer and the area of the ball-floor contact will be larger.  This will in turn make it easier for the patient to maintain balance.  As balance improves, the level of inflation and diameter can be increased, resulting in an increased challenge to the patient.  Fitness Wholesale also offers Physio-Roll Ball that are peanut shaped for more physically challenged patients. 

Q.  How can I get better traction on the floor using my exercise ball?

A.  The Thera-Band exercise ball has ridges on its surface to provide traction.  For improved, use the Thera-Band exercise mat. 

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