In this article we have reviewed the best exercise balls to sit on at work. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top 5.
Contents
A recent trend in office ergonomics is to use an exercise ball to sit on instead of using a traditional ergonomic chair. While opinion is still divided on the efficacy of using such exercise balls there is enough research to show that there might be some benefits associated with them, that can lead you to a better metabolism, a more toned body as well as posture improvement.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of using exercise balls and then review some of the best exercise balls available in the market for use in your office.
Benefits of Using an Exercise Ball at Office
Burning Calories
While simply putting in place an exercise ball does not guarantee any benefits to the body what matters is how we use it on a day-to-day basis.
If the exercise ball is used in such a way that it helps you in keeping your body taut your spine upright and allows you to move your body intermittently in short intervals then obviously each movement of the body will lead to a loss of calories and improve your metabolism. follow the below process:
- Sit in a straight manner with your Spine and neck upright
- Keep your knees apart at a fair distance and your feet on the ground
- Try to move your hips left and right while rotating the ball intermittently throughout the day
Back Pain
The biggest advantage of having an exercise ball is that it encourages you to move your body instead of sitting in one place. For example, there are a few exercises that can help alleviate your back pain if you take the time out when sitting on your balance ball and doing them in between your work.
These exercises are: side stretches (stretching your left hand to your right and vice-versa), spine rotation (rotating your body left to right), and bridge (Rolling the ball on your back while making your back like a bridge)
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Strengthening Core Muscles
An exercise ball in the office will make it extremely easy for you to do a few set of exercises which will strengthen your core and thereby help improve your lower back pain as well.
For example, you can start doing planks with your forearms on the ball, you can also try crunches by using half the ball, and of course, ball squats are another favorite exercise that you can try out.
Improved Breathing
And the interesting advantage of using an exercise ball is that by keeping the body in a straight position it helps you to breathe better by elongating the lungs, As opposed to how your lungs are short and when you are slouched over a normal chair.
Regular Stretches
Sitting on an exercise ball is just enough uncomfortable for you to be motivated enough to stretch your body at regular intervals, which is not the case when you are sitting ensconced comfortably in a chair.
An exercise ball, therefore, inspires you to get up more often and stretch your body which can have multiple benefits as shown in studies.
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What should you look for before buying an exercise ball for office use?
Exercise balls are essentially gym equipment that has made its way to the office. For those of you who haven’t frequented the gym but are looking at exercise balls as a nice option to bring more activity into your office workday, here is a small buying guide on what to consider when looking for a good one:
Size & Weight
Exercise balls are available in various sizes and vary by the weight of the person who is going to use them. Therefore make sure that you are buying a ball of the right size.
Several manufacturers will also include a measurement chart that helps decide the diameter of the ball as per the height of the person who is going to be using it. An example is given below. You may use this as indicative of the size of the ball you should purchase.
| EXERCISE BALL DIAMETER | PERSON’S HEIGHT |
| 45 cms | 5′ and under |
| 55 cms | 5’1″– 5’8″ |
| 65 cms | 5’9″– 6’2″ |
| 75 cms | 6’3″– 6’7″ |
| 85 cms | 6’8″ and taller |
Durability
Exercise balls are prone to wear and tear over time, therefore it is plausible that they might end up losing air. Make sure that you are buying an exercise ball that is burst-resistant so that even if there is air loss, it happens slowly instead of the ball bursting all at once.
Type of exercise
Exercise balls also vary by the kind of exercise being done. There are different types of balls for beginner intermediate users and advanced users.
Typically the ones that are meant for advanced users are thicker and are made of stronger material. Based on your experience level and your exercise intensity you can choose the right exercise ball for you
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Best Exercise Ball to Sit on at Work
#1 Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair Is one of the best balance ball cum seating chairs available in the market. It is a fully loaded product that comes with a 52cm ball, a chair base, casters, support bar, ball holder, its air pump, and an exercise guide. There is very little assembly involved in setting it up and it is available in a multiplicity of colors and options to choose from.
The ball is non-burstable and is designed to hold individuals The height between 5 feet to 5 feet 11 inches and a weight of up to 300 pounds. You can extend the height by 2 inches by using leg-extenders that are available separately.
This balance ball chair is ergonomically designed to induce micro-movements throughout the day so that your body is continuously exercising while your mind is at work.
Pros
- Comes as a full built-in kit, including stand, air pump, and casters
- Ergonomically designed to activate micro-exercise throughout the day
- Available in several colors and options
- Can be used by persons between 5 ft to 5ft 11 inches and up to 300 pounds
- Very little assembly involved
Cons
- The metal bar that holds the ball tends to break easily
- Few users complained that the ball was too low to the ground to be helpful
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#2 PharMeDoc Balance Ball Chair
The PharMeDoc Balance Ball Chair is another great option when it comes to exercise balls for your office. It comes with a backrest as well as a base with casters and its air pump to inflate the ball. The wheels are lockable to disallow sideways motion, thus making this a very stable exercise ball-cum-chair. The backrest is removable as per the users’ convenience.
The chair is very easy to put together (can be done with almost zero support) and provides great comfort for the back while exercising through small micromovements during the day and improving overall posture as well.
Pros
- Includes removable backrest for support
- Improves posture while making the body do micro-exercises throughout the day
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Lockable wheels to ensure stability
Cons
- Several users complained that the ball is much smaller in size than advertised
- No bar in front to hold the ball in place, which may make it prone to “jumping out”
#3 Safco Products 4750PL
The Safco Products 4750PL Is available in a wide variety of colors and choices heat loading extendable height and can support weights of up to 250 pounds. The ball is covered with durable polyester or easy to clean nylon options. The chair also concrete durable Steel legs and a manual air pump for blowing up the exercise ball
Pros
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Polyester/nylon cover over the chair
- Height extensible (you can a base that has legs which add 2 inches to height)
- Enhances posture and induces exercise throughout the day
Cons
- A few users found the top “bump” on the ball uncomfortable to sit on
- Not easy to move around in the office
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#4 SpoxFit Exercise Ball Chair
The SpoxFit Exercise Ball Chair Comes along with base and 220 pound Resistance bands for a complete workout sitting on the exercise chair itself. The ball is made from Professional grade high-quality non-burstable material, and 38 exercise posters are also included to encourage you to learn the different types of exercise that can be done on exercise ball cum office chair. An air pump is included along with the chair. The ball is 65 centimeter in diameter
No products found.Pros
- 38 exercise posters for training your exercise routine
- Includes 220-pound resistance bands for a complete workout
- Made from professional grade high-quality PVC material
Cons
- The resistance bands are too small as per a few users
- Several users claimed shipping damages and no exercise posters in this product
No products found.
#5 Coreseat Balance Fit Ball Office Chair
In actuality, this is not a complete exercise ball but rather a half ball placed on top of a regular chair’s base and casters. However, it does provide the same benefits as a full exercise ball as far as office exercise is concerned, therefore we have put this in our list.
This chair supports up to 280 pounds and is made from very high-quality non-burstable material.
Due to its unique design, this chair is a lot more versatile and can fit for any kind of exercise application – be it a yoga chair or a full fitness ball.
Pros
- Very versatility chair – can be used for any exercise application
- Available with several color options in the form of vinyl covers
- Easier to assemble and use a chair, rather than a complete exercise ball
Cons
- The welding quality of the chair is not very good as per one user
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Conclusion
The use of exercise balls in offices is a recent trend that is catching on very quickly. While opinion is still divided on whether there is an actual and tangible benefit of using stability balls/ exercise balls in office, it cannot be denied that there are some advantages of simply sitting on an open ball instead of sitting on a chair where you are enclosed from all sides and therefore not stimulated enough to get up and stretch yourself or exercise a bit from time to time.
Apart from this intangible benefit, studies have suggested that there are some improvements in body metabolism by using an exercise ball throughout the day. Some of these advantages are improvement in posture, an increase in the supply of oxygen to the blood flow, and toning of core muscles in the body.
In this article, we have reviewed the best stability-balls-cum-exercise-chairs which can replace your staid old sitting chair in the office. In our opinion, the “Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair” is the best choice among the various options that we have considered. If you are looking for a value for money option, you can consider the “SpoxFit Exercise Ball Chair”, which offers great value at a very reasonable price point.
While we make every effort to provide updated and correct information the advice given in this article and website should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your physician or medical practitioner before using any exercise ball. Each individual may have his or her unique issues and your medical practitioner is the best person to decide the best exercise ball to sit on at work in your case
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