Using Balance Ball Chairs at Your Desk
If you spend most of your day working at a desk, you know that all of that sitting can do not-so-nice-things to your body. You can develop an aching back and you can see the pounds creep on due to immobility. Not to mention the fact that we often slouch in a chair, which can actually lead to a decrease in your core strength from your slacking abs in that position. Using balance ball chairs at your desk, for at least PART of your day, can help change that.
It’s still possible to slouch when you’re using balance ball chairs, but you’re usually likely to straighten up a bit to make it easier to stay on the ball. It also involves contracting the core, hip and leg muscles to maintain balance, which helps contribute to muscle tone.
But, you don’t have to be using balance ball chairs ALL of the time. If there is room in your workspace for both a balance ball AND a standard office chair, you can alternate between the two throughout the day. Getting up and moving every 30 minutes is a good idea anyway. Plus, no matter WHAT you are sitting on, too much sitting is never good for us. Try to set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move periodically throughout the day – even if it is just a quick 5 minute walk around the building or, if you work at home, a trip around the block or even around your own house doing a quick clean-up so you don’t have to do it at night.
Of course you can use a standard exercise ball for a chair, but you can also consider the Gaiam Balance Ball Chair. This unique chair uses the same balance ball used in workout routines, but includes an adjustable support bar, easy-glide casters, and an air pump. (Keep in mind that balance balls do lose air, so you will have to refill them a bit every week or so.)
Jennifer H. says
That’s an unusual chair – looks like it could be comfy?
Christine says
Very cool, but I how stable is it? I feel like I would be rolling all over!
Chrysa says
That’s where the chair option comes in! The ball sits right in the frame!
Global says
I have always wanted one of these! Thanks for writing about it! Thanks for the article! It was a lot of good info.
dawn says
oh wow! how freakin cool. i would love to have one of these chairs. your boss should totally provide them to you guys.
Michele Brosius says
One of my co-workers suggested we all switch to balance balls and ditch our regular office chairs. (They need ditched.) I didn’t take her up on the offer because I was afraid of rolling off, but the balance ball chairs would definitely solve that problem. I think we may need to bring this up at the next staff meeting and see if we can get our boss to spring for balance ball chairs.
Chrysa says
I hope your boss springs for them! If so, let me know how you like them!
Clo @ Reviews by Clo says
We have tons of these balance balls at my work place. Everyone wants one. They are pretty neat! Love the colors.
Ellen Christian says
I’ve used these before and they really do work well. I love the range of colors they offer too!
Jennifer says
Those balance ball chairs look great! This is the perfect way to get my core into super shape. I’m at the computer ALL the time.