Valeo Body Ball Reviews

• Its a ball

  
  By A1EI59KNWIX3LV on 2007-04-10
  This was big enough to use as a chair, but I went back to the standard office chair after the novelty wore off. I use this mostly to just bend backwards and chill out. The pump that came with it was easy to use, but I think I read others had problems. Not sure why. It's a good size (I'm 5' 8") and I wouldn't want a smaller one. How much can you say about a ball? It deflates for storage. Can be rolled out of way for those that don't want to lift it. If you drop it, it won't break. Oh well, don't take my word for it. Read yet another review about a ball to be sure.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Be careful !

  
  By A2TYUS7KVXS977 on 2005-09-26
  This ball is huge I ordered the largest ball because I'm 6'0 tall. This ball was as big as my living room chair. I had to beat on it to get it through the doorways of my house. I also faceplanted off of it onto the livingroom floor, broke my glasses, and still had my lower body up on the ball from a simple reverse crunch. Be careful you have to really learn how to keep your balance on these balls. It is not just a toy. I no longer have mine because my cat popped it when my son sat her on it and she pushed off with her claws. I would suggest getting a smaller size to begin with and get one of the videos to teach you how to use it.
  
  

• Buy it

  
  By A3KOLPJUAY7VFU on 2005-11-05
  I am 6'2 and use this for problems with my back. Had no problems with the ball. You don't have to blow it up all the way and can adjust it to your required size. The pump works just fine. Better than having to go to a store and buy one seperately.
  
  

• kissing concrete

  
  By A20522K1NQ5SON on 2007-09-28
  The 75cm Valeo Body Ball ("burst resistant" per the box) performed faithfully for seven months until it ruptured yesterday. I am 6'4", 200# and was prone using two 10# dumbbells when it burst beneath me and dropped me face first on the smooth concrete floor. The tear was nearly fully circumferential around the middle of the ball. Fortunately, I only had a couple of small abrasions. The ball had no previous damage, leak or or other warning sign of weakness or impending failure. It was replaced with a more expensive, stronger ball that is now used with a thick foam exercise mat underneath.
  
  
• 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!
  
  
• not a 75cm ball
  By A216WQ2LEV3XTR on 2006-05-26
  I just filled up my ball. it's 55cm. I am 7 foot 3.
  yea.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Size is wrong
  By A19GMWIRL8CZB0 on 2006-06-30
  I ordered a 75cm ball but the arrived ball is at most 65cm.
  I am too lazy complainning or returning so I have to live with it. I am only 5'4'' so it is fine for me but my hubby is 6' and he could use a real 75cm ball. Otherwise the product is fine. We all love to sit on it watching TV ! We also do free weights on it and other routines.
  
  
• NOT 75 CM, WRONG SIZE
  By AFIOW82AMHQHQ on 2006-08-13
  I specifically ordered the ball because I wanted a 75cm ball, this ball is much smaller and does not fit the tape that it comes with, the tape remains slack. That is the biggest disappointment for me. The ball works fine for a smaller ball but what's the point of paying for it if it's not the size you want? I was deployed when it was shipped, so I am too late to return it and either way I would have to open the box and blow it to see the size.I hope someone lets Valeo know of this discrepancy.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Go Balls OUT!
  By A2ZRPQNNBN8HO9 on 2006-11-09
  It is and does what it claims to! Ball takes some time to inflate, not a big deal....unless you are just a very unreasonable person living in your lala land.
  Ever since I started using mine I can't keep the ladies off me, well, metaphorically speaking. I mean it totally works so phyisically when the women are all up on me I can literally just throw them off of my person and not even break a sweat. You can also use the ball to bounce these infatuated people off your sleek new hawt self! Yes, I think I am funny.
  
  I do like the workout chart that comes with it.
  
  
  
• Good and sturdy
  By A1KJN6FSZANL68 on 2007-09-04
  I work with this almost everyday. It is well made and is large enough for a tall man (6'2).
  
  
• Buy it; use it; you'll love it
  By A3Q0CKULCULTE on 2006-07-08
  This is a great addition to any exercise program. I would highly recommend to anyone that hasn't used an exercise ball before to go slowly and find their sense of ballance. The product comes with some basic exercises which is a good place to start but you'll want to find some additional ones to add to your routine. I personally love have an exercise ball around the house and I use it instead of a chair at my desk.
  
  
• Good Product For the Price
  By A1NAER7CDO3VWL on 2006-08-29
  I paid about $12 for this ball and it was a great bargin for the price. I have seen similarly priced balls sell at about $20. Included in the packaging is a foot pump which is very handy (this was not listed in the description when I bought the ball). The only reason that I am giving this product a four star rating is because it has a tendency to deflate more quickly than other excercise balls I have used in the past.
  
  
• Great BALLS of fire!
  By A39XLYCGPN3YFJ on 2006-02-24
  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.
  
  
• Gets the job done for me !!
  By A1LMVHNJW94BRB on 2006-09-01
  My main purpose is to use this to stretch out my abs before my intense ab workouts. I just lay on top of the ball facing up until I am like a "bridge". I did not measure this ball so I am not sure if it is 75mm or 65mm but it is the RED ball that I ordered. This "75mm" ball does seem smaller than the 75mm ones at the gym. This red ball could well be 65mm as others have stated here on Amazon.
  
  The ball stinks bad when you first take it out of the box to blow it up but after a while it airs out and you will be fine.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Good ball but I ordered too large
  By AS72VSZSOC2ZN on 2007-02-16
  I am 5'10" and my husband is 6'1" so ordered the 75cm but guess I should have ordered a size smaller as is too big for many of the exercises. Seems like good ball for the price.
  
  
• Great value!
  By A71QPH8YAG2TG on 2007-03-11
  Couldn't find a ball this size anywhere else for the same great low price. It was a great buy very sturdy ball.
  
  
• Great Buy
  By A196M8PQSN4LZL on 2006-08-09
  The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I don't like the texture once it's blown up. If you're using it for abs and you're not positioned correctly, you tend to slip off... I guess it makes for a tougher workout. Given the choice, I'd buy it again...
  
  
• HAPPY BALLPLAYER
  By AQVKXLDOIC9E3 on 2007-03-08
  THE BALL ARRIVED ON TIME AND ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT WAS INCLUDED. I`M HAVING A BALL.
  
  
• Durable, but 75 cm?
  By ALZUINUXYKOV0 on 2007-08-31
  This ball is supposed to be 75 cm, but I could find no measurement -- radius, diameter, circumference -- that was close to that, so I'm unsure what that refers to. Also, the ball came with a ribbon to wrap around the ball when you inflate it, so that you will know when it's full. The ribbon is not anywhere near the correct size (certainly not 75 cm), so I didn't use it. I inflated it until it seemed full enough. Having said that, I'm 6'2", 165 lb., and the ball seems to be a good size for me, and it seems pretty durable. For the price, I certainly can't complain, even though amazon lowered the price by $2 just after I bought it. Also, it comes with a cheap plastic pump, but I used my own air compressor. Despite its oddities, I'd buy it again if I lost it, but only because of the price (I paid $15). I would expect much more from a $25 ball, which I have seen this same ball sell for in stores.
  
  
• 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
  
  
• core strengthing
  By A3HYXPE2UB6JTU on 2006-08-10
  talk about reinventing the ball, man the body ball has improved my working out routine. i used to drive to the gym without the results i wanted. now with the gas prices going up and up, i can get a better work out right at home whenever i want to. this is my second purchase because the ball is not protected against cats claws, but i will always have one in-house "no matter"; i love to work out and truly enjoy core strengthing and pilates style fitness. be sure you follow the size ball chart with your height.
  
  
• Great Ball
  By A100VLQFXZKLI7 on 2007-01-20
  I love my Valeo Body Ball. I was introduced to using a ball for exercise by my personal trainer. It's a great tool to do all kinds of exercises. I especially love doing crunches on this ball because it protects my back.
  
  There is a poster that comes with this ball which introduces you to other ways of using the ball. I went to a "on the ball" class at my local gym and found new ways to play with it. Now I even watch TV on this ball to improve my posture rather than lying in bed or sofa.
  
  
• Good Product
  By A2TSS26LAKBVH on 2007-07-14
  This ball should be used by people 6ft or taller. If you are shorter than 6ft reduce the size of the ball to 65cm.
  
  

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