Before you use your exercise ball again, make sure you know how to use it safely. Consumers have been harmed on inflatable balls that burst as they were using them, sustaining head injuries, broken bones, and hurt backs.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission last year asked the maker of 3 million balls to warn consumers of the potential dangers of overinflation, after receiving 47 reports of fitness balls unexpectedly bursting. The company, EB Brands, of Yonkers, New York, says there is no inherent problem with the balls, but that in some cases users were over-inflating them. Consumers who purchased balls manufactured by EB Brands and marketed under the names Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit Fitness Balls between May 2000 and February 2009 can contact the manufacturer for updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball, or get a replacement if your ball has popped. EB Brand's "Recall" Hotline is: (800) 624-5671, or you can visit www.ebbbrands.com
To clarify, these balls were sold between May 2000 and February 2009 only. EB Brands says all balls sold after that time have the new instructions, and a measuring tape to ensure the ball is not overfilled.
Always read the manufacturer's instructions for inflating information. Each ball should be inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.
Also, "anti-burst" or "burst-resistant" balls inflated properly and used properly are not expected to burst.
Old balls with damaged exteriors are more likely to burst. Check your ball regularly for tears. Torn balls should be replaced.
Use the proper size ball for your height, and do not exceed the weight requirements (if you add weight to your workout on the ball). In general, if you are between 5 feet and 5 feet 4 inches you should use a ball that is 55 centimeters; if you are between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 11 inches, use a ball that is 65 cm, and if you are taller than 6 feet, you should use an exercise ball that is 75 centimeters. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.
For a video lesson on what a properly inflated ball looks like, and some simple exercises to do on an exercise ball, please see our video link with specialist Stephanie Kaplan, Executive Director of Rehabilitation, Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation. This segment was videotaped at Casa Colina in Pomona. (I still have to get this edited.)
For more information on Casa Colina Rehabilitation Centers and Hospitals, please visit www.casacolina.org.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission last year asked the maker of 3 million balls to warn consumers of the potential dangers of overinflation, after receiving 47 reports of fitness balls unexpectedly bursting. The company, EB Brands, of Yonkers, New York, says there is no inherent problem with the balls, but that in some cases users were over-inflating them. Consumers who purchased balls manufactured by EB Brands and marketed under the names Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit Fitness Balls between May 2000 and February 2009 can contact the manufacturer for updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball, or get a replacement if your ball has popped. EB Brand's "Recall" Hotline is: (800) 624-5671, or you can visit www.ebbbrands.com
To clarify, these balls were sold between May 2000 and February 2009 only. EB Brands says all balls sold after that time have the new instructions, and a measuring tape to ensure the ball is not overfilled.
Always read the manufacturer's instructions for inflating information. Each ball should be inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.
Also, "anti-burst" or "burst-resistant" balls inflated properly and used properly are not expected to burst.
Old balls with damaged exteriors are more likely to burst. Check your ball regularly for tears. Torn balls should be replaced.
Use the proper size ball for your height, and do not exceed the weight requirements (if you add weight to your workout on the ball). In general, if you are between 5 feet and 5 feet 4 inches you should use a ball that is 55 centimeters; if you are between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 11 inches, use a ball that is 65 cm, and if you are taller than 6 feet, you should use an exercise ball that is 75 centimeters. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.
For a video lesson on what a properly inflated ball looks like, and some simple exercises to do on an exercise ball, please see our video link with specialist Stephanie Kaplan, Executive Director of Rehabilitation, Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation. This segment was videotaped at Casa Colina in Pomona. (I still have to get this edited.)
For more information on Casa Colina Rehabilitation Centers and Hospitals, please visit www.casacolina.org.
