When lockdown first hit, my living room transformed into a gym overnight. I swapped my weights for water bottles and my bench for the floor. But I quickly realized something was missing—my core was weak, my posture slouched after hours at the laptop, and I needed a better way to stay balanced and stable. That’s when I picked up the STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Stability Ball, hoping it might actually fix my home workout rut.
This is my honest experience with the STRAUSS ball—both the good and the not-so-good—plus how it helped me improve my posture, strengthen my core, and add flexibility to my routine.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Stability Ball?
Studies show that using a stability ball engages more core muscles than sitting on a chair (source: American Council on Exercise). According to Harvard Health, stability ball exercises can also reduce lower back pain by promoting better spinal alignment. So, I was excited to see if those claims held up at home.
First Impressions
Unboxing the STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Stability Ball, I noticed its thick, durable rubber with a grippy, anti-slip surface. It came with a small pump—effective but slow. After inflating it, I was struck by how solid it felt. Not flimsy like cheaper options.
Positive: I liked that it didn’t smell strongly of chemicals like some PVC balls.
Negative: Pumping it took time, and I had to top it up after a few days of use.
Features | STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Gym Ball |
|---|---|
Preview |  |
Brand | STRAUSS |
Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
Colour | Grey |
Buy Now |
Setup and Ease of Use
Getting the right firmness was trial and error. Too soft and it squished too much, too hard and it was tricky to balance on. Once dialed in, it felt safe, supporting my weight easily (I’m around 75 kg).
Borntofit Tip: We always recommend checking your ball’s size and inflation level to match your height for proper alignment.
Stability Ball Benefits I Noticed
1) Improved Posture
I work from home a lot, so slouching is my default. Using the STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Stability Ball as a chair forced my spine upright.
- Sitting on it made me constantly engage my abs and back.
- I noticed less lower back tightness after a few days.
- Perfect for replacing your desk chair 20–30 minutes at a time.
Downside: Long sessions got uncomfortable without practice; you can’t lounge on it.
2) Core Strengthening
This was where the STRAUSS ball really shone.
- Crunches on the ball felt way more intense thanks to the instability.
- Planks with feet or elbows on the ball added serious challenge.
- Even basic bridges turned into core crushers.
My Verdict: Better core activation than a mat workout, but you need balance.
3) Increased Flexibility
I’d been tight in my back and hip flexors.
- Gentle backbends over the ball released tension.
- Rolling over it for chest and shoulder opening felt amazing.
- Hip stretches got deeper thanks to the ball’s support.
Warning: Go slow! I pushed too far once and felt a minor twinge in my back.
4) Enhanced Balance and Coordination
Balance was my weakest point, and the ball forced me to train it.
- Seated leg lifts wobbled at first but improved with practice.
- Wall squats with the ball behind me added safe support while testing balance.
- Side planks with the ball under my legs were next-level.
Negative: Beginners might find it intimidating without guidance.
5) Spinal Decompression
After long days at my desk, my spine felt compressed.
- Lying back on the ball let gravity open my vertebrae gently.
- Slow rolling motions helped relieve lower back pressure.
- It felt like a DIY chiropractor visit—but only if done carefully.
Borntofit Recommendation: Always use controlled movements to avoid overextension.
Workout Positions with STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Stability Ball
Here are a few moves I tried regularly:
- Seated Balance Hold – Sit on the ball with feet flat. Hold your balance without using hands for 30–60 seconds. Great for core engagement.
- Ball Crunches – Lie back on the ball, feet planted. Perform controlled crunches, letting the ball support your spine’s curve for safer motion.
- Back Extension – Lie face-down on the ball, feet against a wall. Raise your chest slowly to strengthen lower back muscles.
- Wall Squats with Ball – Place the ball between your lower back and the wall, squat slowly. It guides proper form while protecting knees.
- Plank Rollouts – Forearms on the ball, feet on the ground. Roll the ball forward slightly and pull back in, challenging your core stabilizers.
Each move required patience. I fell off the ball more than once, but the learning curve improved my control.
Pros and Cons
How Borntofit Can Help
At Borntofit, we know home workouts can feel limited or uninspired. That’s why we review gear like the STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Stability Ball honestly—so you know if it’s right for you. This ball isn’t magic, but it does help you improve core strength, balance, posture, flexibility, and even spinal health. If you’re serious about bodyweight training at home, it’s a small investment for big returns.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the STRAUSS Anti-Burst Rubber Stability Ball added genuine value to my home workouts. It wasn’t always easy—balancing on it was humbling, and setup required patience—but the benefits were clear. My core is stronger, my posture’s better, and I move with more confidence.
If you’re thinking about investing in one piece of home workout gear to improve core strength, balance, and posture in 2025, isn’t it worth asking if this stability ball is the upgrade your routine needs?
