Gear
Yoga ball sizes, safe use and five to buy in the Philippines
A yoga ball, also called a Swiss ball or stability ball, should let you sit with your hips level with or slightly above your knees and your feet flat. As general guidance, 55 cm suits most people under about 160 cm, 65 cm suits about 160 to 180 cm, and 75 cm suits taller people.
A yoga ball is a large, inflatable exercise ball. In a yoga setting it is used as a prop: something to lean back over to open the chest, to sit on for gentle hip circles, or to rest the arms on in a forward fold. It is not part of a traditional class, but many people like it for home practice.
The most important choice is size, because the wrong size puts your hips and knees at an awkward angle every time you sit.
What size yoga ball do you need?
Sit on the ball with your feet flat and hip-width apart. Your hips should be level with or a little above your knees. As a general guide:
| Your height (approx.) | Ball diameter |
|---|---|
| Under 160 cm | 55 cm |
| 160 to 180 cm | 65 cm |
| Over 180 cm | 75 cm |
Leg length and inflation change the fit, so treat the table as a starting point. The yoga ball size chart walks you through a quick sitting check. Decathlon’s own guidance is close to this: its 55 cm ball is for people under 1.60 m, its 65 cm ball for 1.60 to 1.80 m, and its 75 cm ball for people over 1.70 m and over 85 kg.
Which yoga balls are sold in the Philippines?
The balls below are listed by Decathlon Philippines and Toby’s Sports. Specs are as each store states them. YogaPhilippines.com has not handled these products, and the links are plain store links.
| Ball | Store | Sizes | Stated load or burst resistance | Pump | Price as of October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domyos Swiss Ball Size 1 | Decathlon | 55 cm | 130 kg max load | Sold separately | PHP 990 |
| Domyos Swiss Ball Size 2 | Decathlon | 65 cm | 130 kg max load | Sold separately | PHP 1,290 |
| Domyos Swiss Ball Size 3 | Decathlon | 75 cm | 130 kg max load | Sold separately | PHP 1,590 |
| Core Gym Ball | Toby’s | 65 cm, 75 cm | Up to 250 lbs, anti-burst | Included | PHP 1,595 (65 cm) |
| UFC Fitball | Toby’s | 55, 65, 75 cm | 500 lb burst resistant | Included | PHP 1,039 (55 cm) |
As of October 2026, Toby’s listed the 75 cm Core Gym Ball at PHP 1,625, and the UFC Fitball at PHP 1,259 for 65 cm and PHP 1,499 for 75 cm. All five are PVC according to their sellers, and Toby’s describes the UFC ball as phthalate free. When comparing balls, check the weight limit against your own weight with some margin, and look for an anti-burst or burst-resistant label, which generally means the ball is designed to deflate slowly rather than pop if punctured.
How can you use a yoga ball in your practice?
- Supported chest opener. Sit on the ball, walk your feet forward and lie back until your upper back rests over it, hands supporting your head. Breathe slowly for five breaths, then walk back up. It is a softer version of the chest stretches done on the floor.
- Hip circles. Sit tall and draw slow circles with your hips, five each way. Many people find this a pleasant warm-up before Cat-Cow.
- Forward rest. Kneel and fold forward with your arms and head resting on the ball, like a taller Child’s Pose.
- Bridge with feet on the ball. Lying on your back with your heels on the ball turns Bridge Pose into a balance. Try it only once the floor version feels steady.
Is a yoga ball safe?
Used on a non-slip floor with plenty of space around you, it is for most people. Keep the ball away from sharp edges and direct sun, check it for wear, and inflate it only to the size printed on it. Move slowly, especially when leaning back.
Stop and see a doctor or physio if any movement on the ball brings sharp pain, numbness or tingling, or makes back, hip or knee pain worse. If you have a back or neck injury, or balance problems, ask first before using one. Using a ball during pregnancy is a separate topic covered in Joahnna Lee’s pregnancy and postpartum guides; check with your OB or midwife.
For other props, see yoga blocks and straps, and if you are still choosing a mat to put the ball on, the guide to the best yoga mats in the Philippines compares twelve.
Questions
How firm should a yoga ball be?
Firm enough that it gives a little when you sit, without your hips sinking below your knees. A softer ball feels more stable and a harder one asks more of your balance. Never inflate past the maximum diameter printed on the ball or the box.
Do you need a pump for a yoga ball?
Usually, yes. Some balls come with a hand pump and some do not. As of October 2026, Decathlon lists its Domyos Swiss balls with the pump sold separately, while the Core and UFC balls at Toby's list a pump in the box.
Can a yoga ball replace an office chair?
Some people like to sit on one for short stretches of the day, but it is not designed to replace a supportive chair for long hours. If you try it, start with short periods and stand up or switch back whenever your back tires.
Is a yoga ball the same as a birthing ball?
They are usually the same kind of ball. Balls sold for pregnancy and labour tend to be on the larger side and anti-burst, so you can sit with the hips a little above the knees. If you are pregnant, ask your OB or midwife before using one, and keep someone nearby the first few times.
What does anti-burst mean on a yoga ball?
An anti-burst or burst-resistant ball is made to deflate slowly if it is punctured, instead of popping suddenly. It is worth choosing one if you will sit on it or use it for exercises. Check the weight rating, keep it away from sharp objects and strong heat, and replace it if it starts to look stretched or worn.
How long can you sit on a yoga ball?
Start with short spells and switch back to a chair when you notice yourself slumping or your back tiring. Sitting on a ball keeps the trunk working, which is the point, but that also makes it tiring for long periods. Many people alternate between the ball and a chair through the day.