I purchased this ball because my chiro suggested it as apparently the muscles in my lower back and upper neck are very weak. Having multiple chemical sensitivities though, it was of the utmost importance to find one of these balance balls with ZERO smell or VOC''s. Most are aware that these balance balls are made of rubber, latex, vinyl etc that continue to off-gas for months, sometimes longer and that was not an option for me.I started to do hours of research on voc free balance balls and finally found this one. EcoWiseFitness website states that it is *Latex, PVC, Phthalates, and Chloride free. Yeah! I had to give it a shot cause I didn''t have any other options available. The reviews of other ones I read that were supposed to be free of smells, chemicals had comments that they still stunk and had to send them back.
I ordered it from another site other than Amazon though (sorry Amazon) cause it was only 29 WITH shipping. Try CSN or their sister store Fitness Equipment and More (which is where I purchased mine) Sometimes they do free shipping also!
My order arrived yesterday as scheduled and to my complete and utter amazement NO SMELL whatsoever! I mean not even a HINT of something! It''s fabulous! I also love the slightly bumpy exterior which allows for no slipping. Also does not have static that would allow it to pick up any pet hair for those with pets. It''s a very sturdy material...supposed to be burst resistant and is also slow to deflate if it should somehow become punctured by a sharp object.
I am 5''3" and the 55cm is the perfect size for my height. I''ve noticed some people this height seem to think that they need the next size up on other balance balls. (They do have other sizes available.)
I came across a site with a good write-up on how to choose the right size ball at getfitwithval.
This is what the site stated:
"You can pick the correct size ball by checking the angle of your knees while seated in the middle of the inflated ball.
For example, while sitting on the ball, your hips and knees should be close to parallel with the floor (at a 90 degree angle). If you do not have access to an already inflated stability ball or you are ordering online, you can check your seating position by squatting with your back against a wall and lowering down until your knees are at a 90 degree position. Mark the wall and measure the height that you need.
Here''s a handy chart for you:
Stability Ball Size Chart:
User''s Height Ball Diameter
under 4''10'' 16'' or 42cm
4''11'' 5''4'' 21'' or 55cm
5''5'' 5''11'' 25'' or 65cm
6'' and taller 29'' or 75cm"
From the EcoWise website here are some instructions and other info for anyone curious about other information:
"Therapy Exercise Ball Inflating Instructions
Due to the nature of the Therapy Exercise Ball material, the following instructions should be followed to ensure its optimum performance:
* Initially pump your Therapy Exercise Ball to its tightest level, where it can inflate no further.
* Let the ball sit for at least 12 hours 24 hours, and then inflate the ball to the desired size.
* Repeat if necessary.
* After inflating to desired size, visually inspect the ball for any unusual appearances such as
uneven and or/ punctured surfaces.
* If you see any abnormality, please do not use the product. Contact our customer support
department immediately at 1-877-278-6158 for further instructions.
Note:
1. EcoWise Therapy Exercise Balls are made of burst-resistance material. They are not warranted against punctures by any object, but are designed to help protect against a rapid-speedy deflation if the balls are punctured.
2. EcoWise Therapy Exercise Balls are not recommended for combining with any other exercises such as body, arm weight lifting/training, standing on/jumping off the balls etc. They are designed for stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
3. Under normal conditions, we recommend replacing your EcoWise Therapy Exercise Ball every year or as needed. For commercial/institutional environments, such replacement may be required sooner. It is the responsibility of users and facility instructors to inspect the ball before each exercise session."
The ball does not come with a pump though. It comes with a very sturdy straw and you put the plug in. I used my Coleman air mattress pump which didn''t have an adapter for this kind of hole, but I just put it over it and let it blow it up. Since these kinds of pumps are not for psi but for volume, it will not pump it all the way. You can easily finish it off with the straw though, which is what we did here.
I would highly recommend the ball for anyone! Especially for those who care about the environment and what kind of materials their products are made from, but even moreso for those with MCS/EI.
Off to go sit on my ball now and start strengthening my lower back muscles.....Happy balancing!
I felt a little overwhelmed when I first saw the straw that they give you to inflate the ball. It took my husband about 5 minutes to inflate, and it wasn''t as difficult as we thought it would be. I think for the price it should come with a pump though!
Overall this seems to be a good product but if I had to do it over again I would buy theNatural Fitness 300 lb. Burst Resistant Exercise Ball It is a "nontoxic phthalate free material and comes with a pump, instructional dvd, and 2 plugs. This Eco Wise ball only comes with one plug and the straw. The Natural Fitness ball is cheaper too. I searched all over the internet and couldn''t find the Eco wise ball for under $35 (including shipping). The Natural fitness ball is $26 with free super saver shipping on Amazon. Additionally, I like the plum color of 55cm Natural Fitness ball much more compared to the Honeydew color or the 55cm Eco Wise ball. The honeydew is similar to seafoam green in person.
Buy EcoWise Fitness Ball 55cm, Honeydew Now
This ball is stiff, crackly, and has a mind of its own. It refuses to stay put on carpet. I finally got rid of it. I like the ones by Gold''s Gym -they act like exercise balls are supposed to. And if you go up a size and buy a Stay-Ball, it''s perfect as a desk chair.Read Best Reviews of EcoWise Fitness Ball 55cm, Honeydew Here
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