Even if you’re not a fitness aficionado, you more than likely know what a stability ball is as its become a popular fitness device since its development in the 1960s. Stability balls, sometimes simply referred to as exercise balls, provide an inexpensive way to gain muscular strength, improve core stability, balance, muscular strength and flexibility.
While stability balls provide many benefits, they can also cause harm if not used or maintained properly. People have become injured as a result of a stability ball exploding, popping or bursting. According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission, since 2004, nearly 900 people have suffered injuries while using exercise balls.
Common causes of stability ball explosions:
• Over-inflation of the ball
• Punctures
• High user weight
• Weak or worn out areas, especially on the ball seams
• Using the ball beyond the manufacturer’s recommended life
Stability ball safety tips:
• Keep the ball inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Over-inflating increases the chance of explosion.
• Always place the ball on top of a mat so it can cushion a fall
• In order to reduce the chances of falling or puncturing the ball, only place the ball on clean, smooth surfaces.
• Place the ball up against a wall to prevent the ball from rolling out from underneath you and keep you from falling backwards.
• Avoid performing sudden jerking movements such as bouncing on the ball. This can lead to loss of balance and falling.
• When using the ball in a seated position, place sturdy supports like chairs on either side to help with maintaining balance.
• Never clean it with chemical cleaners as they can degrade and damage the material of the ball. Instead use mild soap and a water solution.
• Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommended life of the ball and record it. Most stability balls have a lifespan of 12 months.
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