Best exercise balls: Our 5 top picks

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Our selection of the best Swiss balls for building strength and flexibility

In terms of affordable, multi-purpose pieces of workout gear, an exercise ball is essential for runners. The exercise ball, often called a Swiss ball or stability ball, can be used for numerous exercises within a strength and conditioning routine, especially those focused on building core strength.

They can also be utilised for stretching and improving flexibility, with many yoga and Pilates sessions calling for the use of an exercise ball. And if you're wanting to eradicate your slouch, some people find that sitting on a stability ball while working at a computer can help improve core strength and posture.

Due to their lightweight nature and portability, they can easily be stored in small spaces – they may be large when inflated, but once deflated they're easy to stash away until the next workout (plus, pumping them up counts as a decent warm-up!).

Here are the five of the best exercise balls for your strength and conditioning training.

Available in two different sizes for different heights (55cm for user height 5ft 1in-5ft 8in or 65cm for height 5ft 8in-6ft 1in), this is a durable, non-slip stability ball designed for everything from flexibility and stretching to fast-paced exercises. Note – it does not come with a pump.

Sitting at the more affordable end of the exercise-ball scale, this is available in four diameters – 45cm, 55cm, 65cm and 75cm – to suit all heights of users. It also comes with a foot pump and a range of adaptors, plus it's robust and anti-burst, so can withstand the most vigorous exercises. It also comes with a list of suggested exercises to do on it.

This is a low-cost option from Domyos available in two colours (ice blue and light pink), made from thick plastic for durability and featuring smooth grip lines (rather than raised) to ensure you stay firmly planted on the ball. Pumps come separately, and maximum user weight is 130kg.

Find the right size for your height by selecting one of the four options available, then choose one of four colours (black, teal, pink, grey) and you’re away on an anti-burst, anti-slip ball featuring non-slip lines for added traction.

As well as non-slip features, this comes with a dual-textured surface for additional grip benefits, so if you're prone to heavy sweating it could be the choice for you. It comes supplied with a pump as standard plus a handy slow air-release system if punctured so you won't suddenly fall flat on your face.

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