Valeo Body Ball (65 cm) Reviews

• A good size for bouncing your baby, and it really is 65cm

  
  By A2EF8N7ZE7ONWX on 2006-11-28
  There are so many comments here about the ball being smaller than its stated size. That's hard to understand. You inflate it to the proper size, so if it's a blue ball and it's not 25.5" tall (80" in circumference) - well, just pump more air in. It doesn't get that much more difficult to keep pumping air in, that's not a problem.
  
  While it's sold as an exercise ball, you'll see these balls used a lot for labor and newborns. The local maternity center uses the 65 cm size ball, probably because it's the right size for most people's height. 65 cm = 25.6 inches, so when you sit on it, it squeezes down to about the height of a regular chair (which are usually around 18" to the seat). So if you're wondering which size to get, you can more or less use the height guidelines in the product description, using the height of the person using it most. The idea is, you sit on the ball holding the baby and bounce with the adorable little screaming darling.
  
  The pump system is adequate, eventually it gets pumped up. If you don't pump too aggressively, you can still hear the TV over the sound! It would be nice if the tube was a little longer, so it could reach the floor without pulling the tube out now and then.
  
  The instructions could be better - they don't really explain what the parts are, so you have to figure out that the things that look like golf tees are the caps for the balls, and you need to insert one to keep the air in. Still, not difficult. Though I wouldn't want to have to do it too often.
  
  The tape they provide to make sure you inflate the ball to the right size is awkward, but in the end it works.
  
  Like with many items, the price at Amazon fluctuates from day to day, it seems, and bears no relation to the prices of the bigger or smaller balls.
  
  It does have a bit of an odor at first, like lots of similar plastic products (such as shower curtains) it emits some fumes for a while. Try to let it air out some when it's new.
  
  They don't include the lyrics to the Bouncy Ball song, to sing to your baby, but they go as follows: "Bouncy ball, bouncy ball, bouncy bouncy bouncy ball." Repeat as needed.
  
  

• Great for working out, but misleading size information

  
  By A1G28XYV9IT71B on 2005-08-10
  I have never had an exercise ball before, but have heard of using one for exercise and used one briefly in one of my Pilates classes. It is a great way to add variety to the daily exercise routine. The best part about it is it feels like playing because you are using a ball, so it is fun while working out.
  The ball came in a box with a small pump and a chart of several exercises. I have used them and combined them with some of my own for a more interesting workout. It is great that I did not need any extra materials to get set up and get started. It also feels good to do the exercises.
  The only problems I encountered with the ball are related to the inflation. First of all, the pump made a loud squeaky noise which was rather obnoxious and made it difficult to concentrate on doing something else while pumping.
  The second problem I had was that the instructions for the ball size are very confusing. The box states that the ball is 65cm in diameter. After I had blown it up I found a "measuring tape" in the kit box that I was supposed to have used. But the tape was huge compared to the ball and when I measured it, it was the exact circumference needed for a 65cm diameter, so obviously the ball I received was a lot smaller than promised. When I called the company, I had to leave a message. I was impressed with the speedy rate with which my call was returned (I called on a weekend and received a call back in the morning on Monday), but the person barely listened to my complaint and said that I should not use that tape and that she is "certain" I got the right size ball because it is blue and the blue ball is supposed to be 65cm. Since I am actually shorter than the recommended size for the 65cm ball, the ball I got is fine for my height, so I did not pursue my complaint, however, if you are expecting a ball fit for the average height or taller individual you will probably be gravely disappointed.
  To anybody who is thinking of getting an exercise ball, but is unsure, I would definitely recommend trying it, but would like to caution about the size concern.
  
  
  

• popped on day one

  
  By A1ANIOVI1MDRH9 on 2005-09-07
  This thing popped the first time it was used. And I only weight 160 pounds, so it's not what you think!
  
  

• Perfect for getting baby to sleep

  
  By A25YR04TDJA8SP on 2005-07-06
  I gather that people use these things for various forms of exercise, but we have found these balls to be the perfect baby bouncing device on the market. We had some other cheap ball with our first baby but just bought this one now for our second baby (we gave away our first ball) and it works great. I sit on it holding the baby snugly against my chest and bounce away. He loves it, usually falls asleep after not too long, and it is far less demanding (and tedious) physically than other forms of baby-sleep-inducement. I think they're underselling this product myself.
  
  

• Effective

  
  By A304GUEPCPYM3Z on 2007-03-03
  I remember seeing these back in 1998. Back then, I thought these things were a joke. But after seeing the results on other people, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, I was in for an experience!
  
  The first time I sat on one, I ended up rolling off and falling on the floor. I'm normally coordinated and fairly graceful. However, I had no understanding of the proper use of the equipment. The awesome college girl who was working out beside me was polite enough to not stare at your very embarrassed, and very red-in-the-face, narrator. Eventually, I got enough courage to ask one of the trainers for help. She showed me the proper way to use the ball. And no, you should not try to do sit-ups while sitting on the ball. Basically, you use a lot of the muscles in your midsection to balance, and then you lift your chin upwards, towards the ceiling.
  
  I was never consistent at using the ball. But now, nine years later, I decided that I had better do something about my exponentially expanding midsection. I no longer drink beer or alcohol. However, my lack of physical activity and my love of video games have caught up with me during the last six months. I have gained seven pounds, during the last half-year. And they went to the worst possible place of all, all seven of those pounds, to my waist.
  
  Please keep in mind, dear reader, that this ball alone will not shrink your belly. It will not get rid of excess body fat. Depending on what you want to accomplish, how far off you are currently, and your body type, a whole lifestyle change might be needed. Your diet and your exercise routine have to work together. You can lose body fat simply by cutting back your calories. You won't want to cut much protein though. You need that to help you keep your lean body mass.
  
  By the way, if you're not very coordinated, I suggests that you purchase on of these and start off using it at home. That way, when you do use the one at the gym, you can look graceful doing it.
  
  Inflating this ball can be a big hassle. The pump that came with it is obviously made out of inexpensive (cheap!) material. But, hey, look at the low price of the unit! Besides, once you get the ball inflated, there is very little need to ever have to reinflate it again. When you are inflating the ball for the first time, please keep in mind that there is no valve on the ball. As soon as you remove the pump's needle, the air will start to come out of the ball. Basically, you will have to put the stopper on very quickly. You can put a little bit of nail polish on the stopper to keep it from coming out. I used hair spray though. So far, no leaks.
  
  
• Great BALLS of fire!
  By A39XLYCGPN3YFJ on 2006-02-25
  Found this ball to be just what we were looking for.
  Easy to inflat (my 10yr old helped)
  Though it looked a bit small-not a problem.. I'm 5 7"
  I just heard that it is best to inflate these up at the gas statioin and then use the hand held pumps for when you need to decrease or increase air pressure.
  Great book I found to use with the ball was called "Weights on the Ball Workout"-also an Amazon purchase and have been very pleased with the ease of reading-great photos of each step and nice variations of the exercises...
  
  
• Fun Exercise
  By A3MTMPY1S9WP07 on 2005-09-17
  This ball is the least expensive of all my exercise equipment and yet I use it more than all the others. It is very durable and alot of fun to use. The foot pump makes it extremely easy to air up. I usually have to add a little air every couple of weeks. I use the exercise chart that came with the ball, but I haven't viewed the DVD yet. I highly recommend this kit.
  
  
• Size not as described...
  By A3DP183SEEOXLI on 2006-02-16
  The 65cm ball is quite a bit smaller than advertised. I inflated it pretty good and it's still a lot smaller. If you want a true 65cm ball perhaps you should get the bigger size ball. The foot pump is cumbersome to use but if you only have to inflate it once it's not that terrible. The material also has a strong smell, and actually made me feel a bit ill after using it.
  
  
• correct size, stays inflated
  By A3QJSS2H134YKP on 2006-12-20
  I bought this ball mainly to use while sitting at a table while working. It's an appropriate height to substitute as a chair, and it is indeed 65 cm in diameter, as advertised. It did have a very rubbery odor for about 4 days, but now it's fine, and I'm pleased that I haven't had to re-inflate yet after about 3 weeks of use.
  
  
• Ideal exercise tool - GoFit Burst Resistant Ball
  By A2CTNX152NA6YE on 2005-08-24
  The GoFit Burst Resistant Ball exceeded my expectation. The quality is worth the cost, which is extremely reasonable. This is my first purchase of a stability ball and I believe I made the right choice. The package for the GoFit Burst Resistant Ball came with a DVD. The instructor on the DVD is excellent and guides you smoothly through each exercise. There was also a poster showing the different exercises, for those who prefer this method.
  
  I encourage anyone who wants to start focus their training on core areas such as the abdominals to purchase a GoFit Burst Resistant Ball. The cost is reasonable and you get the added bonus of a DVD and a wall poster. Including instructions on how to piece together the pump for the ball would be helpful. But it is relatively ease to figure out. Go GoFit...great product
  
  
• This is my first body ball.....
  By A2X33TTPV8W4Z2 on 2007-02-01
  I shopped around and read the many online reviews before purchasing this item as my first body ball. I have to say the first workout was inflating the ball. I found the foot pump to be awkward to use. The hose is too short and you have to hold the inflation valve in the ball while you work the foot pump, the hose also detached from the pump several times while I was inflating and I would have to stop to re-attach it (losing air in the process).
  
  Once the ball was fully inflated to the measure tape it seemed very taught and hard. I ended up letting some of the air back out. I am 5'5" and this ball is the correct size for me or anyone several inches taller. Once inflated the ball is very sturdy and seems durable. I am skeptical of the plug used to seal the inflation hole, but since this is my first ball it could be better than most.
  
  I haven't had it long enough yet to determine how well it holds air, I'm hoping that it does well so I don't have to use that pump again. I also ordered a Body ball for Dummies workout DVD as this ball only came with a poster with suggested postures and exercises.
  
  Once I got past the inflation I was pleased with the ball. I can already feel it in my core muscles, the ball is fun to use and gives you a better work out than you realize.
  
  I'd buy another of these balls, but will get my own inflation pump to use when needed.
  
  
• Like a Balloon
  By A3MSB7N678O962 on 2007-02-15
  I recieved my ball not too long ago and haven't honestly used it much but from the time I HAVE used it I have concluded it's pretty reliable.It's large enough to sit on comfortably and no matter how much me and my 210 lb booty bounced on it it didn't pop.I do have a few slight complaints though..First off the pump is just ridiculous.It's a small,plastic one that looks like one of those heart pumps you see on ER.I ended up just disconnecting the tube from it and blowing it up MYSELF.Like a baloon it easily inflated within a minute or two.I think going to a local gas station with an air pump would be easier but eh I didn't feel like going at that moment.My second complaint is how easy it is to get it dirty.I don't have a mat but even if I did im sure it'd get dirty anyways.It's rubbery material picks up the smallest bit of dust and makes the ball feel gritty against your skin.I ended up having to wash it off thoroughly with a rag and then had to find a huge bedsheet to spread out on the floor.
  Other than all that though I would still give it 4 stars.
  
  
• Easy to pump, great size - very comfortable to use!
  By A1TF5GFEO24L0Q on 2007-09-17
  We're really happy with our body ball, which we purchased to use during our upcoming birth. The ball is just the right size (I'm 5'4 and hubby is 5'11, and we can both use it comfortably), and feels very durable. The pump has both an inflate and deflate feature which makes it easy pack away when not in use, and the included measuring band to inflate to the correct size was easy to use. Overall, a great deal that will get lots of use at our house!
  
  
• Body Ball Blue 65cm
  By A1VXFGL35CNE2K on 2006-07-16
  The 'blue' body ball that was sent to me was not blue. It's white with some blue print. The pump didn't work right so I used a rocket type pump that came with a ball I had purchased from another company. Plugs and pumps seem to be interchangeable. The quality of the 'blue' ball is good. When I opened the box it looked like the ball was the wrong size but it expands to the 65cm. My first thought was wrong color, wrong size. No inflation directions enclosed in box only an excercise chart. Ball is OK, pump is not. I was not happy but didn't want the return hassle. If you aren't fussy about color and have a back-up pump, go for it.
  
  
• Valeo Body Ball
  By A1MOT4M8SG9PB4 on 2007-05-13
  My husband uses it all th time. The Physical Therepist suggested he get one. The ball is very tough. He has it for 2 months and its like it was new. Would I get one again Yes, I would.
  
  
• great ball
  By A398WRVWPWYJ6Z on 2007-06-09
  I bought this for a birth ball. Its definitely holding up to my weight. As some others have complained, the included pump is slow. Just be patient, it only needs to be inflated once really, and if you plan to deflate it a lot, you should buy a separate pump anyway. Overall, a great ball.
  
  
• Excellent product for the price
  By A2AXHU0JGKX1NN on 2007-07-29
  I bought this ball because I'm pregnant and wanted something to sit comfortably on when my hips were hurting and for early labor before I go to the hospital. I had one of these when I was a kid (they were much more expensive back then) and this one seems just as sturdy. It's pretty thick and I think it would take a pretty sharp object to puncture it. The pump that comes with it is flimsy, but works fine for blowing the ball up. If you wanted to inflate and deflate the ball a lot, you might want to get an electric pump or something more heavy-duty.
  
  
• POP
  By AQMT7E81H3P9J on 2007-08-29
  After having this ball for only 2 weeks, it popped while I was sitting on it, not moving, on carpet. Not a fun experience for someone with a bad back.
  
  
• Just what I wanted
  By A1WHFFQM7RELGG on 2007-10-27
  I've wanted one of these for a while and I was not disappointed. The directions for blowing it up were very clear and the pump was easy enough to use that my two young sons could help me. (It takes a while so their help was greatly appreciated.) Just found out I am pregnant so I'm sure I'm going to love this thing even more!
  
  
  
• My first Body Ball
  By A2HNTXQZORD4BC on 2007-11-13
  This is my first item of this type so I have nothing to compare it to but here are my observations. The ball comes with a chart that will give you an idea of what you can do with it. Though, it is just a big ball after all.
  
  It takes a good while to inflate with the included pump but my 12 yr. old son had fun doing it. The ball seems sturdy enough but it doesn't hold air as well as I'd hoped. I attribute the air loss to the simple plastic plug used to stop up the inflation hole.
  
  I would buy from them again because the price is right but it would be nice if they could find a better seal.
  
  
• ball developed hole after 1.5 months
  By A3JNBXL8J3LM9A on 2008-05-25
  This ball randomly sprung a leak after only 1.5 months of use. I was initially relatively happy with the purchase, given the price and positive reviews. However, after my experience, I would not recommend it.
  
  Furthermore, the really cheap pump that comes with the ball cracked during the first pump, and I had to use duct tape to hold it together to finish inflating the ball.
  
  I would not recommend this as a quality buy.
  
  
  
  
• Good product
  By A2O6MQOW4EP8J7 on 2007-09-03
  I bought this ball for my husband to add to his weight training regiment. He is older so so gaining truck stability is important for him. He has never even seen a stability ball, let alone been on one, so it is very challenging for him, but he says that he can see why they are so popular. The only drawback on this, is the foot pump. It's a pain in the rear. Battery operated pumps, people! I'd certainly be willing to pay a few extra bucks for one.
  
  
• durable, good and useful ball
  By A2S414CD3MQPEA on 2007-11-01
  This product is great. It comes with a pump and extra plug. It needs random pumping of air into it, but I use it once if not twice a day. The ball works great for everything that i've done, and it comes with a little poster of workouts you can do. I definitely recommend this to others looking for easy ball work outs, and instructions.
  
  
• exercise balls are great!
  By A1MBB7DAUPEISS on 2007-11-12
  These are great to workout your entire core. Helps to improve balance, posture, and overall fitness. I recommend its use to anyone of any age!
  
  
• Stability Balls
  By A2LPFSGJ8E6CYM on 2008-03-30
  We like the prodcut, but two of the twenty six popped the minute we blew them up. We have several we have not blown up and I'm nervous they will pop too. I'm sending the two back as I believe they are defective. The other are working out nicely.
  
  

• Valeo Yoga Kit
• Jack Zatorski's Push Up Pro
• Valeo Speed Jump Rope
• Valeo Balance Board
• Valeo Foam Exercise Mat

• Valeo Body Ball (75 cm)
• Valeo Body Ball (55 cm)
• On the Ball Pilates Workout for Beginners
• Valeo Foam Exercise Mat
• Valeo Speed Jump Rope