People need a large exercise ball for one of two reasons: Either they are looking for a way to make their workouts more challenging or they are taller than the average person and their body requires a larger exercise ball.
The biggest exercise ball you can get is 95 cm in diameter. There are six exercise ball sizes total and the biggest one is specially designed for larger and taller individuals.
Whether you’re looking for a stability ball for your exercise routine or to sit on at your desk, we can help you find the right exercise ball that fits you.
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What is the Biggest Exercise Ball You Can Get?
The largest exercise ball on the market measures 95 cm in diameter. These specially designed have a 2,200 pounds static weight limit! They have undergone 600-pound anti-burst testing as well.
Extra-large stability balls are slip-resistant with their built-in horizontal ribs and are durable and soft all at the same time. Because they are made for larger and taller individuals, they are manufactured with thicker skins that can take a 2 cm cut without explosively deflating.
Many of these extra-large exercise balls found online come with a hand pump. However, there are some that come with just the yoga ball itself.
Your exercise ball color options will depend on the company you purchase them from. It is typical to find 95 cm exercise balls limited to black or gray colors.
The smaller the diameter of the ball, the larger the color variety you will have to choose from. So if you are willing to downsize your stability ball to 85 or 75 cm, you will have more color choices to choose from.
What are Big Exercise Balls for?
The biggest exercise balls are used in workouts to increase one’s balance and strengthen core muscles. Many people use them during their stretching routines.
Large exercise balls In therapy offices are used to increase the strength in one’s core and help prevent back pain.
They are also used for really tall individuals looking to use them as chairs at desks. It is important that if you do use your exercise ball as a desk chair, that you buy the correct size that matches your height. More on that later.
Here are some exercises you can do using a big exercise ball:
- Ab roll-outs
- Sit-ups
- Crunches
- Lower back extensions
- Push-ups
- Press-ups
- Leg lifts
- Squats
- Glute holds
- Leg circles
Check out this YouTube video for a visual of a fifteen-minute exercise ball routine.
How do I Measure my Exercise Ball for my Desk?
Your exercise ball should be measured to your body first. Once that is completed, then you can measure your exercise ball to your desk.
Measure Your Exercise Ball to You
A good way to measure an exercise ball to you and your desk is by sitting on one in an upright position.
First, sit on the ball and place your feet flat on the floor with your weight evenly distributed.
Second, your knees should be level at 90 degrees, or slightly lower than your pelvis. Another way to say this is your thighs will be parallel to the ground or pointing down just a bit.
And last, when you are sitting on the right-sized exercise ball your pelvis, shoulders, and ears should be vertically stacked in a naturally aligned position. You should not be leaning forward or backward.
If you are struggling to find this alignment when sitting on an exercise ball, then it could be that your exercise ball is too small or too large. Sometimes all it takes is deflating the exercise ball a little bit to get that nice 90-degree angle.
When inflating or deflating your exercise ball does not bring your thighs parallel to the ground, then it is time to seek a better-fitted ball. If your knees are lower than your pelvis, your exercise ball is too big. If your knees go above your pelvis, your exercise ball is too small.
Measure Your Exercise Ball to Your Desk
A common trick for finding the correct exercise ball size for your desk is by measuring the height of your current desk chair. You’ll need a measuring tape for this one!
Here are some steps to follow to measure your exercise ball to your desk:
Step 1 – Roll your desk chair up against a bare wall.
Step 2 – Calculate the height of your seat from the floor using a tape measure. Once you’ve established the height of your seat from the floor, make a pencil mark 4 inches (10 cm) above that seat measurement.
For example, if your seat sits 19 inches from the floor, you will add 4 inches, making the pencil mark on the wall 23 inches from the floor.
Step 3 – Inflate your exercise ball until it reaches the pencil line mark on the wall. This will be the height of the exercise ball that suits your body.
Your ultimate goal should be that when you sit on your exercise ball, your legs are at a 90-degree angle, parallel to the floor.
If you are replacing your desk chair, here are some general guidelines:
- Desk heights taller than 26 inches, go with a ball 65 cm in diameter
- Desk heights between 26 inches and 30 inches, go with a ball 75 cm in diameter
- Desk heights greater than 30 inches, go with a ball 85 cm in diameter
What Size Exercise Ball Do You Need?
The exercise ball you need may be different from the size your friend needs. If you are using an exercise ball as a desk chair, then the correct size will depend on your height.
If you are using an exercise ball in an exercise routine, then the size you choose can vary. A taller or larger diameter exercise ball will make your workout more difficult, while a shorter or smaller diameter ball will make it easier.
There are six different exercise ball sizes. We have provided a chart below to help you determine which size of exercise ball goes with your height when sitting at a desk.
| Exercise Ball Diameter | Your Height |
| 95 cm | 6’12” and taller |
| 85 cm | 6’8″ and 6’11” |
| 75 cm | 6’3″– 6’7″ |
| 65 cm | 5’9″– 6’2″ |
| 55 cm | 5’1″– 5’8″ |
| 45 cm | 5′ and shorter |
The measurements listed above are solely for sitting on an exercise ball for longer periods, like using it as a chair at a desk. If you’re using the ball for a workout, then a 95 cm exercise ball can be used even if you aren’t 7-feet tall.
If you are stuck between two sizes, then it is always a smarter choice to go with a larger exercise ball. The reason is that with larger stability balls you can deflate them to the correct size. Smaller-sized exercise balls can only hold as much air as their diameter allows them.
Overinflating an exercise ball can cause it to leak air over time. Too much air in your ball will loosen the plug and cause other not-so-fun issues, so it is smart to choose a larger exercise ball to avoid the possibility of overinflation.
All in All
The biggest exercise ball you can get on the market is 95 cm in diameter. Most companies limit their maximum size to 85 cm, though you can find them larger online.
Big exercise balls are used for stretching, exercising, desk chairs, and therapy. The yoga ball you choose will be different from your partners based on your height. Measure the correct exercise ball ahead of time, and you will save precious time by skipping a return trip.
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.