The biggest problem people have with gym balls is that they take up a lot of space when not in use. The CoreFitBall Pro seeks to solve this problem by transforming the gym ball into gym equipment and a handy piece of furniture.
A Stand for a Gym Ball?
It achieves this through its stand, consisting of a round top ring and a hexagonal bottom ring. Six stand lifters prop up the top ring to evenly distribute weight and prevent the ball from escaping the stand. A support structure consisting of six pillars stops any twisting and prevents unnecessary shifts in movement. The bottom ring is also fitted with silicone feet to prevent slippage.
With the gym ball on the stand, the CoreFitBall Pro can handle up to 265 pounds (120 kg) of weight. This weight limit applies to the small and large versions of the CoreFitBall Pro.
A Heavy Duty Gym Ball
The gym ball is made from thick PVC materials, making it heavier than your standard gym ball. This added weight is the trade-off for a more robust center of gravity, allowing users to keep their balance on the CoreFitBall Pro when sitting down or exercising.
As a bonus, the PVC material prevents the gym ball from bursting when punctured. Instead, the ball will slowly leak air, making it safe if you happen to be sitting on it.
Elastic Fabric for Soft Cushion
Encasing the gym ball is a hand-washable elastic fabric set with a flatlock stitch method. Though it is thinner than an overlock stitch, the flatlock reduces skin friction, making it ideal when you’re using the ball for exercises. The fabric hooks onto the stand, so attaching and detaching it is effortless whenever you need to wash it.
As said, the CoreFitBall Pro works both as a piece of workout equipment and furniture. You can use it as a typical gym ball during workout sessions. Once you’re done, your friends and family members can sit on it like a chair. Either way, just sitting on this gym ball will promote proper posture and give your core muscles a subtle workout.
It took four years of research and development for the CoreFitBall Pro to reach its final design. Multiple base iterations were created, from a flat bottom to the one closely resembling a chair.
The designers changed the materials too. The first few stand prototypes were made from steel, but succeeding models were modified to polypropylene to make it safer. Support structures were also added to increase the durability and overall lifespan of the stand.
The CoreFitBall Pro is currently on Kickstarter. As of writing, it has a total fund of US$9,060 – just US$40 shy of its US$10,000 goal. Check it out if you’d like to see gym balls become less of an eyesore and more of a piece of household decoration.
