Small Pilates ball, mini ball, soft ball, 9 inch Pilates ball: the names overlap, and the listings rarely explain which size does what. This guide sorts out the sizes, how firm the ball should be and how to pick one for home workouts.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells a home Pilates kit that includes a 9.84 in (25 cm) ball, and we link to it below. The advice applies to any small ball.
Small Pilates ball vs yoga ball
They are different tools. A yoga ball, also called a stability ball, is the large one you sit on. A small Pilates ball is soft, fits between your knees or under your back, and is used to add a squeeze or a little instability to mat exercises.
Sizes at a glance
| Size | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| About 7 in (18 cm) | Squeezes between the knees or ankles, hand and arm work | Feels small under the back |
| About 9 in (23 cm) | The common all-round size: knees, inner thighs, behind the lower back | The size most routines are written for |
| About 10 in (25 cm) | More support under the back and hips, comfortable for longer legs | Let a little air out for knee squeezes |
The difference between a 9 in and a 10 in ball is small in practice, because you set the final size yourself by how much air you put in.
How firm should it be?
- For squeezes: firm enough to push back, soft enough that you can press it in a couple of inches.
- Under the back or hips: softer. The ball should give under your weight so it does not roll away.
- Rule of thumb: do not inflate it until it is drum-tight. A slightly soft ball is easier to control.
Most small balls come with a straw and a plug. Inflate, plug, test, then adjust.
What to check before you buy
- Diameter stated in inches or centimeters.
- Inflation straw and a spare plug included.
- A surface with some grip, not glossy plastic.
- A return policy you can read before ordering.
Care
- Keep it away from sharp edges, heaters and direct sun.
- Wipe with a damp cloth.
- Top up the air when it starts to feel flat.
What to do with it
Start with mini ball Pilates exercises, or see how the ball fits with other props in mat Pilates equipment.
Need a ball? The Pilamie Home Pilates Kit is 14 pieces for $49.99: a 15 in ring, a 9.84 in ball, five loop bands, a long band, a stretching strap, a figure-8 band, an arm and inner-thigh toner, two pairs of grip socks and a carry bag, with a free 28-day plan and free tracked US shipping.