Overview
Swiss balls or exercise balls have become a common sight in gyms and homes. As people are becoming more and more health conscious, Swiss balls have become a popular investment option. The large, soft balls help you in building core muscle strength, along with body stability and flexibility.
But there’s a caveat: you have to know how to use them properly. Although Swiss balls are very versatile, you may injure yourself if you aren’t using them properly or the quality of the Swiss balls is inferior. Even if you have a superior-quality Swiss ball, there’s no guarantee that it will last forever.
Lifespan of Swiss balls
Typical Swiss balls in gyms last between 1 and 2 years, but the ones used at home can last for good 5 years. But their lifespan depends greatly on how you maintain them. If you are unaware of Swiss ball maintenance techniques, you can follow these simple tips to increase their lifespan:
Don’t over-inflate: You need to ensure that you don’t over-inflate your Swiss ball because over inflation stretches the material and makes it more vulnerable to get a puncture.
Avoid exerting excessive weight: More often than not, people exert a lot of weight on the ball and cause it to burst, therefore it is vital to ensure you know the burst rating of the ball you are using and don’t exceed the weight recommendation. Theragear Swiss ball have the burst proof rating printed on their ball, so you always know what the recommendation is. You should avoid performing weighted exercises on stability ball if you don’t know the burst proof limit and if you want to prolong the life of the ball.
Avoid sharp objects: Keep them away from sharp edges or corners and pick up anything of the floor that can cause punctures.
Avoid direct sunlight: The ultraviolet rays of the sun can weaken you Swiss ball greatly. Exposing the ball to direct sunlight will cause it to wear out eventually. As far as possible, keep you Swiss ball indoor and store it in a cool place where direct sunlight cannot reach.
Avoid outdoors: Don’t use Swiss balls for physical activity that involves kicking, hitting or throwing.
Avoid harsh cleaning solutions: Harsh cleaning solutions can degrade the ball and cause it to burst one day. You should use a mild soap and water to keep your Swiss ball clean and free of disease-causing bacteria. Using a mild cleaner will also increase the span of your Swiss ball.
Have inspection record: Fitness or health clubs should maintain an inspection record. It is important to mark all Swiss balls with their date purchased and their burst limits. Additionally there should be dated records that the ball was inspected and no flaws been found. If the Swiss balls shows any signs of weak seams or weakened material it needs to be replaced.
