Weider 75cm Stability Ball

Product Features (from the back of the box):

* 75cm Exercise Ball

* Exercise Chart

* Hand Pump

* Latex Free

* 250lb Max User Weight

[55cm Heights up to 5''6", 65cm 5''6" to 5''11", 75cm 5''11" and above]

After researching a number of stability balls, I settled on the Weider because it''s latex-free and it seemed to be everything I need at an affordable price. Having had a chance to inspect it further, I find that it''s not without its drawbacks.

First, there''s no tape measure or other measuring device included in the box, so it''s important that you have one handy. (Or, if you''re like me and misplaced your measuring tape, you can measure a length of ribbon and use that.)

Next is the included pump. At the time of this writing, a foot pump is specified in the description, but it''s actually a hand pump that looks much like a syringe. When you screw on the pump''s tip, you insert it into the ball and start pushing the handle like crazy. And let me tell you, it''s a workout in and of itself.

My arms wore out about 15 minutes (and less than a quarter inflated) later, so I decided to use my own foot pump which worked much better, but still took another 30 minutes to finish. This brings me to my next point: Although the instructions say be careful of over-inflating, they don''t say that it''s incredibly easy to under-inflate. A few times when I thought the ball *looked* done and felt done to the touch, I realized I still had a good way to go.

A note about measurements: the 75cm in the ball''s description refers to the ball''s diameter, which can easily be ascertained by measuring the ball''s circumference (circling the entire ball from its middle) and dividing it by 3.142. So, for a 75cm ball, you''re looking for a circumference of about 235cm--if it''s too much less than that, you''re not done inflating.

When I finished inflating, the first thing I did was inspect the ball for any noticeable defects. While they seemed minor, there were a few spots where the ball''s outer seal appeared to be peeling off and it made me wonder if those areas of the ball where thinner/weaker than the remaining areas of the ball. These are likely negligible, but I''ll be certain to update this review if something should develop from it.

The size was just right for my 5''11" frame, but I must admit I was a bit nervous to rest my full weight on the ball, although I am well under the specified 250lb weight limit. Good news: the ball didn''t explode, even after a few cautionary bounces. Still, it doesn''t feel as industrial strength as a few other stability balls I''ve used in the past. That said, I would stick primarily to exercises which don''t require resting too much body weight on the ball at a time. This may not be a problem for lighter individuals (think under 125 lbs).

A nice touch, however, was the included pamphlet of exercises. Easy to follow, but I do wish it were a bit larger for easier reference while working out.

UPDATE 7/13/10: I decided to return this stability ball and purchase the Cathe 75cm Anti-Burst Body Ball after only a few weeks because, although the Weider stability ball was adequate, I didn''t feel secure using it for intense workouts or even as a desk chair replacement. My original review still stands: It''s good for light individuals and workouts.

I got this ball to use at the office after reading several different articles siting studies which have proven that sitting all day long is not exactly great for the body. Well, I''m stuck at a computer all day and I can''t get a standing desk, so I got the next best thing: this ball.

First of all, I''m 6''2" and the 75cm size is perfect. The ball came with a hand-pump, a plug, and a little tool to pry the plug out. It did take a LONG time to pump the thing up, but it has been holding air well since then. I didn''t measure the size to make sure it was inflated to 75cm, I just kept pumping it up until it felt right.

I use it probably 3-4 hrs a day and when I''m on it, I''m rarely sitting still. It has made me more aware of my posture and I think I have improved my posture overall from using it. I also find that I''m more alert while sitting on the ball than when slouching in my chair. I''m very happy with it, and at this price, how could you pass this up?

It may seem odd at first and get some funny looks, but I would rather be the weird healthy guy than the overweight chair-sitter, just sayin''.

Buy Weider 75cm Stability Ball Now

Even when I bought this for $8 it is not worth the purchase, the ball leaks way too fast. I pumped it up to be firm, but in a half an hour, I am sitting deeper into the ball. The 75 cm ball has a volume of 220 L or 220893 cm^3, with the hand pump of 96 cm^3 per stroke, it is only going to take you over 2000 pump strokes to fill it. How many pumps per second can you do? Best go with a $26 heavy-duty minimum leak ball. But it is shiny and blue, if you like big shiny blue balls.

Read Best Reviews of Weider 75cm Stability Ball Here

The quality of the ball itself is great. THe only slight problem is that it is not 75cm, probably more like 65cm. That hasn''t been a problem for me since I''m only 5''3''", but might be a problem for a taller person. Customer service was great.

Want Weider 75cm Stability Ball Discount?

I''m 5''10" and this inflates to the perfect diameter to keep my knees at a 90 degree angle while sitting on it. I like that it comes with a pump and stem tool, though the stem is still difficult to dig out of the ball to adjust inflation. It does leak slowly; it''s only lost about 3cm diameter over 8 months of use. I bought this for prenatal exercises and now I use this for hours daily to bounce on to calm my colicy baby.