SBC Equipment Selection and Maintenance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most important factor when selecting the correct stability ball size for a client?
- The client's body weight
- The client's seated hip-to-knee angle (Correct answer)
- The brand of the stability ball
- The color of the stability ball
Correct answer: The client's seated hip-to-knee angle
The correct ball size is determined by ensuring the client's hips and knees form approximately a 90-degree angle when seated on the properly inflated ball.
Question 2: Which stability ball size is generally recommended for clients who are 5'1" to 5'7" in height?
- 45 cm
- 55 cm (Correct answer)
- 65 cm
- 75 cm
Correct answer: 55 cm
A 55 cm ball is the standard recommendation for clients between 5'1" and 5'7" tall, promoting proper seated posture with 90-degree hip and knee angles.
Question 3: What does an 'anti-burst' or 'slow-deflate' stability ball feature provide?
- It prevents the ball from bouncing too high
- It deflates slowly if punctured rather than bursting suddenly (Correct answer)
- It keeps the ball from rolling away during exercises
- It prevents the ball surface from becoming slippery
Correct answer: It deflates slowly if punctured rather than bursting suddenly
Anti-burst (slow-deflate) balls are made of thicker, reinforced material that slowly releases air if punctured, preventing sudden collapse that could injure a client.
Question 4: What is the recommended method to check if a stability ball is properly inflated?
- Press down with both hands and listen for a creak
- Sit on the ball and measure if the thighs are parallel to the floor (Correct answer)
- Inflate until the ball feels firm to a light squeeze
- Check the printed PSI gauge on the ball surface
Correct answer: Sit on the ball and measure if the thighs are parallel to the floor
Proper inflation is verified when a standard-height client sits on the ball and their thighs are parallel to the floor, indicating correct height and firmness.
Question 5: How often should a stability ball be inspected for signs of wear, cracks, or damage in a commercial gym setting?
- Once a month
- Before each class or training session (Correct answer)
- Only when a client complains
- Every six months during annual equipment audits
Correct answer: Before each class or training session
In commercial settings, stability balls should be visually inspected before each session to identify cracks, punctures, or deformities that could compromise client safety.
Question 6: Which of the following environments can degrade a stability ball's material over time?
- Air-conditioned rooms with moderate humidity
- Exposure to direct sunlight and UV radiation (Correct answer)
- Smooth hardwood flooring surfaces
- Rooms maintained at 65–70°F
Correct answer: Exposure to direct sunlight and UV radiation
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation and direct sunlight breaks down the PVC or rubber polymers in stability balls, causing them to become brittle and crack.
Question 7: What is the standard weight capacity for most commercial-grade stability balls?
- 150–200 lbs
- 200–250 lbs
- 300–600 lbs (Correct answer)
- 800–1,000 lbs
Correct answer: 300–600 lbs
Most commercial-grade stability balls are rated to support 300–600 lbs (136–272 kg) of static weight, though dynamic loads during exercise increase demand on the ball.
SBC Equipment Selection and Maintenance 1
What is the most important factor when selecting the correct stability ball size for a client?