When inflating an exercise ball the most important item to have is a ball pump. The proper ball pump makes the job much easier & safer.
1) Your exercise ball should have come with a plug. The plug may already be inside of your exercise ball and should then be taken out of the ball before attempting to inflate the ball. Once you have the plug out of the ball, you will want to lay your exercise ball out on the ground, allowing most of the folds to come out. The exercise ball should be flat and the hole should be open.
2) If you have a ball pump, you can insert the tip of the pump in the hole and start to inflate the ball. If you do not have a specially made pump, you may use a bike pump or a compressor to inflate your ball by attaching an adapter (sold separately with most balls). The adapter can be distinguished from the plug, because it is threaded on one end. The threaded end attaches to your bike pump or compressor and the other end inserts inside the ball. Start filling your ball with air.
3) Fill the ball to a level that you feel is comfortable using the 90-degree angle rule (See Selecting the Best Ball Size for You). If you are sitting on the ball with your feet flat, your hips and knees should form a 90-degree angle with each other. DO NOT OVER INFLATE THE BALL! Fill to 80% or so that you can dent the ball about 6" if you stick your finger in the ball. Let it sit for 24 hours before filling to 100% so that you can dent the ball about 2” if you stick your finger in the ball. You should be able to push the ball in 2” when the exercise ball is fully inflated.
4) What can you do if the ball you purchased is bigger in diameter than the sitting guidelines? The answer is to not inflate your ball as much. . For example if you purchased a 65 cm. ball and are only 5’ 1” tall, fit the ball using the 90-degree rule in sitting. If your exercise ball is under-inflated, the ball will not be as firm, but you will continue to reap the benefits of the exercise ball.
5) Let the exercise ball sit over night because it may stretch slightly. If the exercise ball has stretched fill the ball so that you can dent the ball about 2” if you stick your finger in the ball. Or deflate the exercise ball a little if needed. You should be able to push the ball in 2” when the ball is fully inflated.
6) Warning: Never inflate your 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.
7) If you have any questions write us at linda@BallsnBands.com or call for information at (864)346-0945.
