Fitness Ball Safety
Fitness balls are a popular piece of exercise equipment. Fitness balls are also known as stability balls or Swiss balls. When using a fitness ball to exercise, keep in mind these safety rules to prevent injury.
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Visual Inspection
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Visually inspect the fitness ball before each use for damage on the exterior surface. Do not use it if there is visible damage as the ball could burst.
Inflation
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Check that the fitness ball is inflated properly. Under-inflation and over-inflation can reduce the "burst resistance" of the fitness ball.
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Surface
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Use the fitness ball against a wall or on a rough surface to prevent slipping and falling off the ball when exercising.
Sunlight
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Keep fitness balls away from sun or other heat sources as they reduce the "burst resistance."
Replacement
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Replace your fitness ball once a year, even if it looks in good condition, as interior damage to the fitness ball is often missed during visual inspection.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Chris Dlugosz