Customer Reviews

The Firm Stability Ball 55cm

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this because all I really wanted was the stability ball. I decided to try the workout DVD as well and I am so glad I did! They guarentee visible results in 10 workouts. After doing this workout 3 times I noticed a significant change in strength, stamina, and balance/coordination. This is a good workout and it is low impact. I have minor osteoarthritis of my spine and I have never felt discomfort like with some other exercise programs.

Allie works your abs the entire time in this 30 minute workout. You also get a great shoulder/chest/back workout in addition to some great bun toners! I consider myself an advanced exerciser and I still get a great workout from this.

The box says the 55 cm ball is appropriate for users up to 5'5", however I'm 5'3" and this ball is too small for me. The workout video that comes with the ball is excellent, but unfortunately the 55 cm ball is too small for me to do all the exercises as they are presented. I would suggest that if you are on the taller end of the range which the box recommends then opt for the 65 cm ball.

I liked this workout but can tell that is is probably done at a beginner/lower intermediate level like most of the new Firms. It was a great introduction to using a stability ball for me and I really enjoyed the workout. It is a short 30 minute workout great for a light day when you are short on time or great to add with another longer workout. Ab work seems more comfortable to me using the ball and it worked by behind and abs in ways that traditional exercises can't. I think Allie did a great job leading this workout and it was a great change of pace in my workouts. I have mixed reviews on the ball. It seems of good quality and I love the pink one that was recommended for my height of 5'3 but I think it might be slightly small for someone of my height. I would almost recommend for future purchasers to go up a size in the ball especially if you are within a few inches of the next size. This was still worth the purchase for me as I am transitioning from Firm workouts to Cathe and needed a stability ball; so I thought I would get one with a video at a good price.

i'm 4'11" and 105 lbs so this ball was PERFECT for me. the ball is just a ball so all I can add is that it is firm and seems burst resistant and easy to pump up (not those accordian type pumps) but the DVD is what makes this so great. i've worked out on average 2-3 a week at the gym since 2004 and push myself. i thought the dvd would be a slight waste but it kicked my [...]. i sweat the equivalent of being on the elliptical machine for like 45 mins (vs this 30 min dvd). i was out of breath. after 3-4 times, i finally got used to it but even after I've played this dvd 30+ times (bought it may 07, still love it oct 07), i still sweat working out to it. i am buying one for my friend who is serious about getting in shape.

Like many of the other reviews (and the package instructions) stated, the ball was initially too small. The first day I got it, I pumped it up straight out of the package, and it only got up to about 48 cm. I honestly did not believe that it would end up being the right size. I sat on it occasionally for 2 days, and then really pumped it up until it was very firm. It is now just shy of 53 cm. I imagine that after using it for another week or 2 it will get up to the stated 55 cm. It's a great size for me (I'm 5'2" with short legs) The color is a little silly, but just like it looks in the picture.
I got it mainly to use as a desk chair (which I've never done before), and I love it so far. Lots more fun than a regular chair. I did the workout once, and I liked it quite a bit. I'm as much of a workout video connoisseur than I'd like to admit, and this one is great. It is basically all strength training, but does get you sweating. As one other reviewer mentioned, it is heavy on the lunges in the beginning, so not great if you have knee issues.
Overall I would say it's absolutely work the $15 I spent

I am a beginner with trying out these new exercising techniques so this workout was definitely worth-it! After the first two workouts, I can feel my abs burning, and there's a slight difference in my waist and flatter tummy.

The only problem I had was that I couldn't keep up with the workout at times because of the size of my ball. I'm 5'5 so I got the pink 55cm as recommended, but I should have gotten the green 65cm.

I bought this on a whim and boy has it paid off!
The dvd is a little nutsy (they actually expect you to pull off these maneuvers on the first time???) but it is a LOT of fun. I have titanium rods completely up and down my back and still find this product worthy of the money and easy to use. And the best part is, even 20 minutes a morning for two weeks and there is definately a difference! AND I had 2 kids back to back and my youngest is 11/2 years to boot.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is just looking for something new or to improve their existing workout.

I purchased this after going to a childbirthing education class and hearing on how this helps with labour and delivery. If you are pregnant and wondering how this is so I will explain: Once you sit upon the ball, rotate your hips around in circles. Start with a small circle then gradually work your way up to bigger circles, once you get to the biggest circle you can do, reverse and do the biggest circle in the other direction working your way back down to the smaller circles. The circles help to excercise and open your pelvis, which is going to help with childbirth. Not to mention it feels fabulous! In case you are wondering my height is 5'1" and I am 9 months pregnant and weigh 165 pounds. The ball is perfect size for me and holds my weight extremely well. The excercise dvd that comes with it seems easy enough to do the excercises, I have not done them yet as I am pregnant and want to wait until after baby to do those. It comes with a pump and 3 white plugs for the ball. The plugs are in the bag with the ball, at first I didnt see them and almost threw them away, so be sure to take them out. I guess they give you three in case you loose one because it doesnt seem like they could fall out so that would be my only guess. I would absolutly reccomend this product to my friends and I highly reccomend it to any pregnant woman as well :)

I did my research before buying this and found a height chart to use to select the size of exercise ball to order. This was way too small for me even though I'm short - 5'2"! I don't use it at all.