How to Blow Up an Exercise Ball

A properly inflated exercise ball will support your weight with soft give.

An exercise ball is a common fitness aid, made from strong, elastic rubber. Its material allows you to rest your bodyweight on the ball safely while exercising. However, if you inflate an exercise ball incorrectly, you can compromise the effectiveness of its structure. According to LaReine Chabut, author of "Exercise Balls for Dummies," inflating an exercise ball correctly is imperative to extending its life and ensuring your personal safety. Exercise ball inflation is a simple process, requiring only a bit of patience to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle pump with tip

Instructions

1. Set the exercise ball plug, and the plug puller that came with your exercise ball, to the side.

2. Unfold the ball and lay it out on a floor or table, flattening out as many creases as possible. Leave the ball to sit for 10 hours, or overnight.

3. Locate the hole on the exercise ball and insert the tip of the bicycle pump. If it does not slide in easily, try wetting the tip first.

4. Pump the balance ball until it begins to take on a rounded shape. Once the rubber tightens, stop every few pumps to check the level of inflation. Fill the ball until you can only poke your finger approximately 6 inches into the rubber material.

5. Hold the ball plug in one hand as you pull the bicycle pump out of the hole. Quickly insert the ball plug into the hole so that minimal air escapes. Allow the ball to sit for 10 hours, or overnight. According to the American Council on Exercise, letting the ball sit overnight, after partially filling it, lets the rubber material stretch evenly.

6. Wedge the plug puller beneath the ball's plug and slowly pull it up, and out, of the hole. Place the tip of the bicycle pump into the hole quickly to stop air from escaping.

7. Pump the ball slowly, stopping every 10 seconds to check the level of inflation. Continue to pump the ball until you can make an indent of only 2 inches when you poke the surface.

8. Hold the plug in one hand and remove the pump, quickly plugging the hole to stop air from escaping. Firmly press the plug down until it is flush with the rubber of the ball. Leave the ball to sit for 10 hours, or overnight, before using.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud, authors of "Working On the Ball," overfilling your exercise ball will detract from the effectiveness of both the material, and your workout.

References

• "ACE Personal Trainer Manual"; American Council on Exercise; 2003
• "Exercise Balls for Dummies"; LaReine Chabut; 2005
• "Working On the Ball"; Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud; 2006