Workout balls - how to inflate

[Muse]

My PT sister said I should use one for hyperextension of my back as a stretch. I've been doing that at the gym 3x/week. My next door neighbor put out one of these on their curb as a freebie and I took it. "Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit - Includes Anti-Burst Stability Exercise Yoga Ball, Air Pump, Workout Program." The Amazon listing looks to be exactly what I have. From Amazon it comes with a pump and some documentation. I don't have the pump, but I do have pumps (a manual pump and an AC pump that I use for bicycle and car tires respectively). What do I need to inflate this thing? It's inflated but I think it could use some more air pressure.

 

[JEDIYoda]

My PT sister said I should use one for hyperextension of my back as a stretch. I've been doing that at the gym 3x/week. My next door neighbor put out one of these on their curb as a freebie and I took it. "Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit - Includes Anti-Burst Stability Exercise Yoga Ball, Air Pump, Workout Program." The Amazon listing looks to be exactly what I have. From Amazon it comes with a pump and some documentation. I don't have the pump, but I do have pumps (a manual pump and an AC pump that I use for bicycle and car tires respectively). What do I need to inflate this thing? It's inflated but I think it could use some more air pressure.

You coiuld always wrap your lips around the nozzle and blow for all your worth!! Pretend its a hot water bottle...lolol

 

[Muse]

You coiuld always wrap your lips around the nozzle and blow for all your worth!! Pretend its a hot water bottle...lolol

I've always found it painful to blow up ordinary small rubber balloons. I think trying that would devastate me.

Looking at the ball it has a small white plastic nub where the air goes. I'm wondering how that works. Even if I had a pump I don't know how I'd use it. I see one for ~$6 on ebay, but don't know how I'd use it. They have quite a few exercise balls at my gym, I'll ask there for help, someone there should know.

 

[JEDIYoda]

I've always found it painful to blow up ordinary small rubber balloons. I think trying that would devastate me.

Looking at the ball it has a small white plastic nub where the air goes. I'm wondering how that works. Even if I had a pump I don't know how I'd use it. I see one for ~$6 on ebay, but don't know how I'd use it. They have quite a few exercise balls at my gym, I'll ask there for help, someone there should know.

Amazon.com : exercise ball pump

 

[deadlyapp]

I'm sure it just uses the same type of inflator that other sport balls use.

Should be able to use any type of hand pump or bicycle tire pump with the attachment.

 

[Muse]

I have that type of thing for my basketball, but looks like it won't work with this ball. The plug looks like a solid piece of white plastic. No hole it it, evidently. The pumps you see appear to stick inside the hole after you remove the plug. What I don't understand is how after removing the pump tip from the ball (i.e. after inflating), a ton of air is going to escape before you have time to jam the plug into the hole. I guess I should hunt for some videos showing/explaining how it's done. I haven't seen a page devoted to the topic yet.

This is the ball I have, I think (same brand and appearance). Notice the pump the include with it.

 

[deadlyapp]

Is it a one way valve like you see on pool inflation toys and such?

 

[Muse]

Is it a one way valve like you see on pool inflation toys and such?

It doesn't really have a valve. It has a hole and a plastic plug that evidently makes a pretty tight seal.

I posted at Amazon, a question for the same or very similar ball I have. Got the answer that gave me the idea/concept I needed:

"you overinflate it a bit then pull the pump out and have plenty of time to plug it as it`s not an air balloon that stretches a lot when pumped and deflates in a jiff. I also believe that there is a valve that slows down deflation for you."

I kinda doubt there's a valve, I think just a hole.

I have the perfect pump for this already. I picked it up 12-15 years ago or so, noticed it at Costco. It's multipurpose, came with attachments, some for basketball etc. balls, one that's conical and looks just like the tips on the pumps that come with the balls. I never used that one before but just did with the ball and it's well inflated now. May even be too inflated, I'll check the balls at my gym and see if they seem as stiff.

In the past I have used that pump to inflate my car's tires (almost nothing else). Does a real good job of it.

The plug in there, white plastic, a little conical, pulls out and air comes out but like that person said, not super fast. You over inflate it some because some air releases between the time you stop inflating and you get the plug back in.