I have this exercise ball now nearly ten more months times a week in use and am very satisfied with it. Gymnastic exercises can be very well cope with it. The surface can withstand processing with sneakers. You have the ball though from time to time re-inflation, but that's normal for these products. The surface material is quite soft and light "sticky" - very pleasant. My cat has incidentally terrified of this part. So best to stay away from cats).
