Customer Reviews

Fitness by Cathe 75cm 1000-Pound Anti-Burst Body Ball with DVD (Sky Blue)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I decided to return the Weider 75cm Stability Ball and purchase this one after only a few weeks because, although that stability ball was adequate, I didn't feel secure using it for intense workouts or even as a desk chair replacement.

Since it didn't state this in the description, I figure it's a good idea to list this product's specific ball sizing chart: PINK 55cm 5'3" & under; CHERRY RED 55cm 5'3" & under; KIWI GREEN 65cm 5'4" to 6'1"; SKY BLUE 75cm 6'2" to 6'9".

When this ball first arrived, I was delighted to find that it included a measuring device (it's just a length of plastic, but it gets the job done) and a foot pump. Inflating it was a snap, which took just shy of forever, and I was astonished by the size and strength. Even when it was completely inflated, I felt it could *still* be inflated by a good amount without worry of the ball exploding (though I do not recommend over-inflating the ball).

Typically a 75cm ball is for people 5'11" and taller, which is why I purchased this size. After it was completely inflated, it was too large for my 5'11" frame--which is also when I noticed the sizing chart on the side of the box and realized I should have gone with the 65cm size. I opted to deflate a few centimeters rather than exchange, but it's something to be aware of. That being said, I am certain this ball will accommodate taller individuals.

The main complaint I had was the smell. The chemical odor was so strong it made me light-headed and nauseated. I'd recommend inflating the ball outside or in a well ventilated area, then scrubbing it down a couple of times with an all-purpose cleaner. Just note that when the ball is fully inflated, it won't fit through a standard-sized doorway, so make sure it's only half-inflated so you can get it back inside when finished (unless you have double doors).

Another caveat is that this ball, as far as I can tell, is *not* latex-free. I have a mild latex allergy, but I haven't had any problems. People with latex allergies, however, should proceed with caution.

Using the ball is a dream. In the months that I've been using it, there hasn't been any noticeable deflation and it's strong. I have bounced on this ball, used it as a chair, and my cat has even pawed at it (though cats or other animals with sharp claws aren't recommended) without any problems. In fact, it feels stronger than some of the body balls I've used in the gym.

Also in the box was a mini-DVD which included the full instructions for inflation and a few cursory ball workouts. Even though the exercises are good to get you started, I'd recommend picking out a more robust workout DVD or booklet. Also, the DVD will not work in front-loading DVD players (the kind where you must slide the disk in rather than popping out the DVD tray and placing the disk on it).

Overall, for the price I paid--under twenty dollars--I say this was a great investment and it's something I can get use out of years to come.

UPDATE 9/29/11: Over one year later and my body ball is still going strong. With regular workouts roughly 4-5 times per week , I've only needed to re-inflate the ball a couple times in the past year (which is to be expected, so if you plan to use it as a desk chair replacement, I'd say expect to re-inflate every 3-ish or so months).

I love the price, size and stregnth of this ball, however, I had to keep it outside for the first week to air out. Whatever chemicals they use on it are unbelieveably strong and within the first 24 hours after inflating - the smell completely took over my house. I had to keep it outside in the back yard for a bit over a week to get the smell within tolerable limits. The ball itself still smells but at least it is not smelling up my entire house anymore.

Less than a month ago, I purchased this body ball for use as my birth ball. Unlike other reviewers I had no problem with the smell straight out of the box. The included foot pump was difficult to use and incredibly annoying -- it squeaked loudly with each pump -- and full inflation took nearly half an hour.

Until I needed it as my birth ball, I was using it as a seat for routine exercise when my back pain was bad. A little gentle rocking from side to side on one of these balls is a great remedy for all those pregnancy-related aches and pains! But the seventh time I used it the darn thing exploded out from under me and split into two pieces, sending my heavily pregnant butt to the floor and provoking preterm contractions. This product is a menace, and if I could give it less than one star I definitely would.

Really good, it as a chair in the School classroom and its super its big, soft, and nice but, DONT USE THE INCLUDED HAND PUMP because it doesn't work when it gets hard the air leaks out of the pump sucks use another pump buy one the included pump is crap but the ball is good it's totally worth it try it it's really cheap!!!

I'm using it right now as an office chair. It works really well and has proven durable. I was suprised to find that the box it came in includes a foot pump, I didn't see that in the description so it was a nice bonus. The instructions were clear and easy to understand and it included a tape in the box so you can measure when the ball is properly inflated.

This was my second fitness ball that I have owned. As for what it is designed to do it did it. However the anti burst ability did not live up to it's name. recently I was sitting in the room near where the ball was resting in the corner and out of nowhere the ball sprung a leak, hissed for a few seconds and then split wide open all on its own. If I did not live alone I would have blamed someone else for what happened but as I stated I was in the room looking at my computer some 10 feet away whe it died on its own!
I liked the ball, I would recommend the ball to someone else I would recommend caution as to the temperature that you maintain the room it's in.

I was not unhappy with the cheesy air pump that took forever to inflate the ball. Once inflated, I liked the ball. After a month of almost no use, however, my 100-pound daughter sat on it and it burst. Someone could have been hurt. At this price, though, it's hardly worth the hassle of shipping back. I don't expect to buy another one--they're all made in China.

Smell: When it arrived, there wasn't much of a smell like others described. If i put my face right next to it, there was a new ball smell, but nothing that even approached overpowering. I could only smell the smell when i had my nosey right up against it, and now (a week later) there's nothing there at all.

Color: The color is nothing like the picture (which was disappointing for me as i adored the color in the main picture.). The color is more of a royal blue. Mine also says Atlus on the side instead of Cathe.

Texture: I was worried when i first opened the ball because the texture was different than balls that i was use to. However, once blown up, the strange texture seemed more normal, and now i don't even notice it. :)

Size: I blew up the ball on the first day i got it, and it didn't inflate all the way (the circumference was about 18 inches too short when measured with the included tape). The next day when i woke up, the ball had more give, so i blew it up some more, and then it was only about 3 inches from being the right size. So, for those having issues with the ball blowing up all the way, might i suggest you give it a few days to adjust to its new size? :) (and make sure to measure with the tape included. I would have stopped after the first day had i not measured. This ball is HUGE when it's full!)

Pump: The pump was comparable to the ones i had received with the other balls. It didn't take me long to pump up the ball, but the next day my arms were sure sore!

Stability: I am a chunky monkey, and this ball provided plenty of support. I never feel like it's gonna pop or explode. There's plenty of give, but not too much to where i feel like I'm gonna fall through the ball. Perfectly stable, and a nice bum cushion for long stays at the computer.

Overall, this is my kinda ball. I'm very glad i got this one over the other ones i was looking at. Very good buy! :D

~Jojo

I purchased two of the 75cm Anti-burst body balls and one will inflate to the proper proportions but the other will not and is much smaller than it should be.

the burst resistant ball bursted before I even used it. I inflated the ball with the supplied measuring tape in place, after which I let the ball sit for a day and a half because it was misshapen and smelly like aforementioned in other reviews. As I sit in my bedroom, all of a sudden I hear a loud BOOM from the other room. I walk in and find the ball ripped asunder, almost in half. I didn't even get to use the ball! I don't really want another one from the manufacturer and would really just like a refund, BUT as is the manufacturers policy, I will write their customer service and see what can be done.