I've been thinking about getting one, but think I may weigh too much for one. Does anyone know if they have weight capacities?

A stability ball is designed to hold 600lb, so you're teeny compare to that!!! I used one at 267. You will love it, there is so much you can do on them, and it's fun!

More important is that you get the right height stability ball- if you look on some of the site, you should find a chart that will give you a good idea. If you are a little learly of going straight to a regular ball, I bought what I affectionetly call a 'peanut ball' at WalMart for some exercises. Its, well, peanut shaped- like two smaller balls got stuck together so there is a little bit of a valley in the middle. With the 'peanut ball' (there has to a technical name....), you only have instability in one dirrection (front to back- not front to back, side to side, side to front, side to back, etc that you have with a regular stability ball).

I also bought a strap kit for my regular, round, stability ball at WalMart- it give you options for resistance training with the ball- plus its easier to position the ball with using the straps...I admitt I'm not the most gracefull person. I use my round stability ball at my computer sometimes- its a good time to work on your core without really thinking about it (you could do it while watching TV....I happen to watch TV on my computer ). One word of caution about using it as a 'chair'- I got so comfortable using it for awhile that I forgot I was on the ball when I stood up to reach something...unfortunetly balls tend to roll away, so I got a surprise when I sat back down Also, you can get a stability disk you can put in any chair- great to take to work or such...if I could steal mine back from my Mom, I'd let you know how well it works for me.

Another tip on stability balls- make sure you have an electric pump of some type....takes forever with the little manual pump they typically come with. Also, make sure you measure it so you know you have it fully inflated....put a little more air in then you think since you'll lose a little putting the stopper thingie back in.

Have a BALL!

Hi, I got one and two dvds, if you want details of the best one pm me, as it is more suited to larger, less agile people, ME!!!! I pumped mine up with a foot pump=exercise for your legs, boy did I know it the next day!!! As Christine said getting the right size of ball for your height is really important. AND knowing how to use it safely, I haven't used mine for a bit as I'm concentrating on aerobic/fat burning rather than 'core' but the balls are fun and as soon as I'm bored I will go back to it. GO FOR IT!!

best wishes,
sharon

I'll just 4th or 5th or 12th that they are fun! And useful!

I learned by the time I got my second one...and by then I had a minivan that has a built in air compressor in the back. I'm sure my neighbors must have thought I was nuts, sitting in the back of my minivan, blowing up my big green ball Now I have one of those battery packs to jump start batteries, run emergency small electronics, and it has an air compressor so I can do touch up inside the privacy of my home...stability balls need a little more air every few months, depending on how much you use it.

You're not too big. I have two of them and I love them.

I first used one in physical therapy for my back and I still use it. It takes some of the pressure off of the joints. And it's fun too (not your average workout).

They are strong enough to support you.

I have a stability ball, but really don't know the best things to do with it. It came with a chart, but I'm a bit hesitant to do some of the things it shows. I imagine the ball shooting out from underneath me!

Could some of you share the best things you do with your ball. I've tried sitting on it, but didn't feel as though it was doing a lot. I think I should have sat for longer. I'm thinking of taking it to school when our new school year starts and rolling it to the kids' desks to sit while I work with them. The kids will get a good chuckle and hopefully it will be good for me. I visit the chiropractor regularly as I've had a lot of trouble with my back in the past. It is pretty good now, but I don't know whether I should check with him before doing some things on the ball. I do use it for squats, where I lean it against the wall and roll myself down into the squat. I did a few too many the first time I tried this and I definitely knew where my thighs were the next day.

I am looking forward to using it more and will appreciate any and all ideas.

Thanks,

Zelma

Hi Zelma - another Aussie here (but I escaped!!!)

There's another therad going currently http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72750 and on it I posted an Aussie sight that has animated movements which I've found helpful.

I would be inclined to ask your chiropractor for advice before using the ball, or go and see an exercise physio. You use your back in most of the exercises, especially the abs exercises, and I think it would be best to get some advice before going 'ell for leather on it!

Just wanted to say that I'm so glad this thread was started! I should have realised that others my weight were using them, but I've always thought I was "weigh" too big. Now I want to get one! Even if I'm away from home a lot, I bet my housemate will love it, especially in front of the TV!

2-15-06
congradulations on all your weight loss,that's great.
I just started one month ago.
Have lost 10 pounds so far
HAVE 120 POUNDS TO GO :
hope to find lots of help here.
too big for the ball, don't think so, have fun with it.
mookie-bren