Superior Fitness 600 lb Exercise/Yoga/Stability Ball With Heavy Duty Gym Quality Resistance Bands & Pump - Improves Balance, Core Strength, Back Pain & Posture - For Men & Women

The first time I inflated it, it did not reach the full size described. I went online and discovered that when you inflate it the first time, you only inflate it 80% and then wait 24 hours to inflate it the rest. The material needs time to stretch. I did this and sure enough, it reached the advertised size.

During the Seattle trip last week we stayed in Emily's spare bedroom/office. Instead of a chair she had a balance ball. I asked if I could have a regular chair as I could never, at 71, sit on that thing 'cause of my long term back issues. She said just try it. I did and it was actually okay. Active sitting for sure and fun to bounce around every so often. I liked it so much I ordered one on Amazon the next day. Been using it for three days now. You are forced to maintain good posture which made my back a little sore. Now, on the fourth day, that is nearly gone. Works your legs, too. The exercise handles provide a nice break from work every hour or so. You work out all day really...bouncing, rocking, rolling, balancing. Sitting is the new smoking, but not with this! And I don't fall asleep at the computer anymore! (don't dare) The photo shows in the back ground my $600 ergonomic chair I've been using for many years which is now in retirement.

After being told by my family doctor that I had damage and inflammation from arthritis to, and between, several lower vertebrae he offered two options; quit working and he'll supply pain meds or be referred to a spinal expert. I obviously choose option two. When I went to my appointment at the spinal facility they offered two more options after testing was completed; western medicine which would likely include surgery or holistic. Having never really believed in holistic, yet not wanting surgery, I opted to try the holistic approach holding out little hope and planning to later move on to the more traditional care. Shocked to find my holistic doctor was an MD, not some quack. He changed my food plan to begin following Dr Thurmond's theories (yet allowing me to continue eating meat, poultry, fish in a bit smaller portions than I was used to), drink 4 oz tart cherry juice each day, take magnesium supplements and physical therapy twice a week for eight weeks to increase my core strength. It was at my PT sessions that I started using this ball. Within two weeks I noticed such an improvement in my back that I purchased the ball to use at home. The ball comes with a stabilizing ring to reduce your chances of tumbling off the ball, tension ropes and a sheet of exercise suggestions. As I no longer need to go to PT I now do EASY exercises on my ball several times a week. I am totally shocked that these simple steps have left my back totally pain free for almost a year now. This ball set is extremely recomended for anybody suffering severe back pain. I still can't believe I'm back to functioning normally without steroids, anti inflammatory meds, muscle relaxers and pain meds! Of course, ask your doctor first if this is an option for you. For this 59 year old woman it's been a career saver!!!

 I wasn't sure I would even use this when I first bought it, but now I've bought 3, within a matter of weeks, because family members want them, too, once they try it. Even family members who have had these kinds of balls before say this one is a better size, quality, and setup.PROS- This is a higher quality ball than the ones we have at our gym- Easy assembly and use (see video)- Excellent YouTube videos for easy workout instructions- I can take breaks throughout the day, from the computer, to stretch and gain core strength (without relying on the gym)- I can do cardio with this ball easily and get my heart rate up, without taking the time to swim laps or go to the gym.- My back feels so much better now that I stretch with the ball throughout the day.CONSThe only thing to remember is after you blow it up fully and use it for the first time, it stretches a little, so you need to put more air in it. Then, it's good to go.The attached video shows my setup steps and the first exercise I tried.

Product arrived as scheduled. Exercise ball and elastic bands seem to be of good quality; however, the stability ring was defective. When inflated different parts expanded to greater widths than the rest of the ring. This made the ring lopsided and unstable; it did not fit flat on the floor (see pictures).I contacted the company immediately and the Owner/Founder said he would personally inflate a stability ring and leave it inflated over night to ensure it was suitable and then ship it the next day. If the Owner/Founder had did what he said and a defect ring arrived promptly, I would have given the product a 5-star rating. As it is, the company does not stand behind its products and refuses to make good on their promises.I use the ball by itself. The elastic bands and handles are still sitting in the box as the stability ring is not useful as a solid baseI wrote the company on July 29th; received a response saying a replacement would be shipped the next day on July 30th. As of August 12th, there has been no further correspondence and no replacement sent.Update 8/19/16; rating from 2 to 4 stars. After sending another email to the company, the Owner/Founder of the company responded stating that he had indeed inflated a stability ring and had it prepared for shipping the next day. The person who was responsible for shipping didn't process it; it was still there when he checked on it. Rather than ship that part, a whole new kit was sent via 2-day shipping--arriving on a Sunday. The new unit was in better shape, though if the stability ring was inflated much more it looks like it would have the same deformity as the one with the first kit. I just used the enclosed hand pump to inflate the stability rings, so there really should be no deformities in the ring, especially if it is designed to withstand 600 pounds.I like the unit for the variety of low stress exercises that can be done using the ball, ring and elastic bands.