FITNESS BALL

Domande frequenti - Fitness balls

• What size gym ball should I choose based on my height?
  The guideline: 55 cm for heights up to 165 cm, 65 cm for 165–180 cm, 75 cm for heights above that. The guideline is that, when sitting on the ball with your feet flat on the floor, the angle between the thighbone and the shinbone should be approximately 90°. For physiotherapy assessments, it is common practice to use all three available diameters.
• What is the difference between a medicine ball and a D-ball smash?
  The rubber medicine ball bounces in a controlled manner, making it suitable for wall balls, throws against a wall and partner drills. The Smash D-ball, made from reinforced PU, does not bounce (non-bouncing) and is designed for repeated slams onto the ground from an overhead position. Using a standard medicine ball for slams is dangerous: the rebound could strike your face or joints.
• Is the anti-burst gym ball really safe?
  Anti-burst PVC gym balls are designed to deflate slowly in the event of a puncture, preventing them from bursting instantly. However, they are still pieces of equipment with a specified load limit (typically 300 kg static load). They should be checked periodically for surface abrasions and replaced if the material shows visible signs of wear.
• What weight of medicine ball should I use to start with?
  For sedentary adults or beginners: 2–4 kg for technical work and mobility, 4–6 kg for dynamic exercises such as Russian twists and wood chops. Trained athletes use 6–10 kg for wall balls and ground-to-overhead lifts. If in doubt, it’s best to start light: a clean, controlled movement is more important than the weight lifted.
• Can D-ball smashes be used at home without a specialist floor surface?
  Not recommended. Even though they don’t bounce, repeated slams transfer vibrations to the floor and can damage tiles or parquet. You’ll need at least an area with 20 mm-thick rubber flooring. Anyone training in a garage or basement should set up a dedicated area before incorporating slams into their training.
• How do you inflate a gym ball properly?
  Use a dedicated pump such as the Dual Function Pump. Inflate gradually to the specified nominal diameter (measurable with a tape measure from the floor). Leave the ball to rest for 24 hours, then add air to compensate for the PVC settling. Never exceed the stated diameter: the ball performs better when slightly under-inflated than when over-inflated.
• Can a medicine ball with handles be used as a substitute for a kettlebell?
  No, they are different pieces of equipment. The kettlebell has an asymmetrical centre of gravity and a continuous handle, making it ideal for ballistic swings and Turkish get-ups. The medicine ball with handles has a central centre of gravity and two symmetrical grips, making it suitable for bilateral swings, ground-to-overhead movements and group training where a more intuitive grip is required.
• Which fitness ball should you choose for a CrossFit box?
  Priority is given to Smash D-balls (sets of 6, 10, 12 and 20 kg for scalable WODs); Giant Mad Balls are mainly used for wall ball drills (standard 6 kg for women, 9 kg for men). Strongman Smash D-Balls are used for strongman conditioning and specific exercises related to maximum strength training. Gym balls are rarely included in CrossFit programmes, except for mobility warm-ups.
• Can you use a sitting ball all day at the office?
  No. Active posture requires stabilising muscles, which can become fatigued. The recommended approach is to alternate: 20–30 minutes on a sitting ball, then an ergonomic chair, then standing. Continuous use for 8 hours can lead to counterproductive postural compensations. The sitting ball is a tool for activation, not a replacement for a chair.
• How do you keep a gym ball hygienically clean in gyms?
  Wipe down with a damp cloth and a neutral detergent after each session; never use solvents or pure alcohol, as these damage PVC. In high-traffic studios, sanitisation using products specifically designed for sports equipment should be carried out at the end of the day. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct UV rays and temperatures above 30°C, as these accelerate the ageing of the material.
• What instalment payment options are available?
  Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Sidea Payment Options.
• I’m a fitness professional – can I get special rates?
  If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
• Is Sidea listed on the MEPA for public sector procurement?
  Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the Acquisti in Rete PA platform. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
• What are Sidea’s returns and warranty terms?
  Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the Terms and Conditions of Sale page.
• Why choose Sidea equipment?
  Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor for StrongFirst and Luxiaojun, exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is developed with a focus on durability, functionality and suitability for real-world use. The Gym Design service offers bespoke design with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) ensures rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs (ASD).