Best Office Ball Chair Reviews in 2020
The majority of us are spending more hours working than we ever have in the past. Working from home is another work trend that has grown rapidly over the last few years. The majority of the jobs from home are office related, this means that a good portion of us are spending 8 hours or more sitting in an office chair, in our home, in order to make money. This can cause back problems if the chair is not comfortable, the new Balance office ball chair is perfect for those of us working from home.
Top 3 Best Balance Ball Chairs For The Office
On this site we review the top office ball chairs on the market to buy. Here are our top 3 picks:
This balance ball chair
Best Ball Chairs Comparison: Top 5 Available Today
1 |  | Gaiam Ball Chair | Click here to buy on Amazon. |
2 |  | Isokinetics Ball Chair | Click here to buy on Amazon. |
3 |  | Safco Zenergy Ball Chair | Click here to buy on Amazon. |
4 |  | CanDo 30-1791 Ball Chair | Click here to buy on Amazon. |
5 |  | Sivan Balance Ball Chair | Click here to buy on Amazon. |
Our Top Choice: Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair will change the way you sit. It promotes micro movements and constant stimulation of the body and is adjustable for users of all heights.
Ball Chair FAQs
What size exercise ball for desk chair?
Use of an exercise ball to replace the desk chair is an increasingly popular trend in office environments. If contemplating making the switch it is important to ensure you get the correct size exercise ball, or any potential benefits will be lost. For desks of the industry-standard height of 30 inches (76 cm) an exercise ball of 26 inches (65cms) is appropriate in most cases. Additionally, it is recommended that the user choose a ball 4 inches (10 cm) taller than the height of their existing office chair to compensate for the ball beginning to deflate when sat on.
However, this is just a recommendation likely to suit the average person. The goal when choosing an exercise ball is making sure the hips and knees bend at a 90-degree angle when sitting on it. As such, for those who are taller or shorter than average it is recommended they measure the distance between the floor and their knees – this distance is the size of ball they should go for. If the measurement is between sizes then choose the larger ball size and under-inflate it.
What size yoga ball for desk chair?
If you plan to use a yoga ball in place of your traditional office chair then the first step in finding out which size to choose is to determine the height of your desk. Most office desks area an industry-standard height of 30 inches, or 76 cm. However, it is worth measuring this height before purchasing your yoga ball to be sure.
Once you know the height of the desk you can by the correct size ball accordingly. For an industry-standard height desk of 30 inches a 26 inch (65 cm) ball is ideal. Bear in mind that the ball will deflate partially when you sit on it, so choose a ball with a diameter 4 inches larger than the height of the chair which you are planning to replace, as this will allow for the deflation of the ball accordingly.
Below is a chart of recommended yoga ball sizes by height (based on average body sizes):
| HEIGHT | SIZE | EXERCISE BALL DIAMETER |
| 5′ and under | XSMALL | 45cm (17 inches) |
| 5’1″ – 5’8″ | SMALL | 55cm (22 inches) |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | MEDIUM | 65cm (26 inches) |
| 6’3″ – 6’7″ | LARGE | 75cm (30 inches) |
| 6’8″ and taller | XLARGE | 85cm (35 inches) |
How to properly sit on a ball chair?
When considering sitting on an exercise ball instead of an office chair it is important to ensure that you sit on it properly to make the most of any benefits this can bring. Firstly, bear in mind the following important tips:
- Do not use a ball chair if you suffer with lower back pain as your lower back needs lumbar support
- Do not sit for more than 2 hours at a time as sitting too long will cause muscle fatigue. This can cause middle and lower back soreness and pain.
- Inflate the ball correctly, and ensure it stays inflated, or it will not be supportive enough. When correctly inflated you should feel like you are perched on top of the ball rather than sunk into it.
- Buy the correct size ball for your body size
It is important to maintain good posture while using the ball chair. Good posture means the following:
- When looking straight at the screen the chin is parallel to the floor, without the neck bent up or down.
- Elbows should be just below the keyboard
- Shoulders should not be tensed
- Knees should bend at a 90-degree angle
- Feet should be flat on the floor
What size balance ball for desk chair?
If you plan on using a balance ball in place of your desk chair it is important to ensure that you purchase the correct size ball for your height or you risk losing any potential ergonomic benefits which sitting on the ball can bring. To determine the correct size balance ball for this purpose follow these tips:
- Measure the height of your current desk chair
- Aim to buy a ball with a diameter 4 inches more than the height of your current chair. This allow for the deflation of the ball which occurs when you sit on it
- The table below gives details of the size balance ball you will be likely to require, based on average body sizes
- Pump the ball up to its maximum diameter so that you perch on top of it rather than sink into it
| HEIGHT | SIZE | EXERCISE BALL DIAMETER |
| 5′ and under | XSMALL | 45cm (17 inches) |
| 5’1″ – 5’8″ | SMALL | 55cm (22 inches) |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | MEDIUM | 65cm (26 inches) |
| 6’3″ – 6’7″ | LARGE | 75cm (30 inches) |
| 6’8″ and taller | XLARGE | 85cm (35 inches) |
What is a ball chair?
A recent trend in offices across the world has seen people switching their traditional desk chair for a ball chair, believing it will provide them with ergonomic benefits. A ‘ball chair’ is the repurposing of a traditional exercise ball, yoga ball or balance ball, normally used for pursuits such as exercise and yoga, for sitting on at a desk. Such exercise balls have been used for decades as part of exercise routines with the aim of expanding the range of movement, motion and balance of the user.
Research shows that 1 in 4 people in the US sit for a minimum of 8 hours a day, and the numbers are similar in the UK. Such prolonged sitting is linked with conditions such as sciatica, depression, back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and even some types of cancer. As a result of this, the exercise ball is increasingly being adapted as a ‘ball chair’ due to its believed ability to help combat the severity of some of these conditions. It is believed to do so by improving the user’s posture and thus preventing and improving back pain, with some research and case studies supporting the assertion that it works.
Where to buy balance ball chair?
When looking to buy a balance ball to use as an office chair for the first time then do so in person to ensure you buy the correct size for you. Once you have made this first purchase in person and know your correct size any subsequent purchases can be made online as the risk of getting a product which doesn’t work for you is reduced.
The types of stores which stock balance balls suitable to be used as chairs include:
- Gyms
- Sporting goods stores
- Yoga studios
- Department stores – sports sections
- Online stores such as Amazon
Specialist websites are also available which deal specifically in products such as balance balls. Examples include:
Sporting goods stores and gyms are a good place to start if you are a new buyer of a balance ball, as they are likely to be able to provide more specialist advice on the type of product best suited to the use which you intend it for. If buying online be clear in advance what type of material and size product you require. Buying online may also be easier if you require an extra-large ball which are less likely to be stocked in stores.
Benefits of Ball Chairs
The standard office seat provides for poor posture and ergonomics. Since you spend endless hours sitting in a seat, it should be not place extra pressure on your back. This could lead to long term back problems which would take serious medical attention to fix.
Using the ball chair actually provides the ability to do some exercises right from your desk. This will allow you to take occasional breaks from your work and get some stretching in right from your desk. The ball can also be removed from the frame and used for any ball exercises that you do on a standard ball.
Using the office ball chair, is obviously much different than a standard office chair and it may take a little time for you to get used to working from a balance ball. There is a correct way to suit on a ball chair and there is an incorrect way. Once you get used to sitting in this type, you will most likely never want to sit on your regular chair again.
The correct way of sitting involves keeping your posture in line so that you can avoid shoulder and back pain, and other posture related problems. The idea is to keep your back straight and your shoulders down, since it is designed for you to balance on the center of the product you do not want to lean back.
To relieve the support from your back, your feet need to be placed flat on the floor with your knees bent 90 degrees. You may find that you will be more comfortable with a foot rest out inform of you. Placing the foot rest under the desk and placing your feet flat on the foot rest can actually help you achieve the proper ergonomic sitting position.
Your elbows should be bent at a 45 degree angle and your hands should rest on the desk against the keyboard. Using it correctly will help you feel less back pain at the end of a long work day. It can also improve your posture and consequently your body will not feel as stressed as a result of 8 hours or more sitting down.
Introducing The Gaiam Balance Ball Chair To Your Work Routine
You have probably come across a balance ball in the gym, or perhaps you have seen them advertised on TV. The product has gained huge popularity in recent times as a result of its improved ergonomic seating and the numerous exercises that can be done with it. Gaiam is the manufacturer of the largest quantity of balls on the market, they are also the original. They have now introduced the benefits of the ball chair in the Gaiam balance ball chair.
The Gaiam product is designed to provide the benefits of the product in an ergonomically friendly product. Gaiam designed this product after considering how much damage the typically office seat can do to your back. They realized that the standard one causes you to sit improperly and results in poor posture.
The standard one causes bad posture due to the way it has you sit closely to the ground, which causes you to bend your knees at uncomfortable angles. In many cases if you sit on a standard office seat you are inclined to cross your legs at the ankles and tuck your legs under it. This puts unnecessary pressure on your knees, ankles and lower back. This can also cause tightening of the shoulders and can result in serious back conditions over an extended period of time.
The Gaiam ball chair requires you to center yourself and place your feet flat on the ground. This is also designed to force you to sit up straight, since leaning back can throw you off balance.
With your feet flat, your knees bent at a 90 degree angle, and your elbow slightly bent in front of you, you will find that you have less stress against your back and shoulders. This will mean that you can work for hours in front of your computer without having back and shoulder discomfort that is associated with other office chairs.
The Gaiam stability ball chair is also designed for the balance ball to be removed from the frame as you can see here.
There are many different exercises that can be conducted from the product. There are some exercises that can be conducted while the ball is in the frame. These exercises are simple and can be conducted from right in front of your desk. Doing these exercises every couple of hours, keeps you from becoming rigid by sitting for hours in front of your computer without moving.
The Gaiam product has analyzed what complaints most office workers have and have created a device that addresses these issues. It makes it possible to work from your balance ball and provides you with a more ergonomic and posture friendly work environment. Once you use it you will probably never desire to use your standard one again.
The Exercise Ball Chair May Replace Your Old Office Chair
Fitness and exercise are important to most of us, but we find that we are forced to spend hours stuck inside an office. Working in an office means we spend hours sat down, in many cases your office sees more of your time than any other single item, including your bed and your car. All of this time spent in your office may be causing you back problems. An option to the standard office platform is the exercise ball seat.
The exercise ball seat is designed to provide you with benefits you cannot get from your regular office chairs. Chances are you realize the importance of keeping in shape and maintaining good posture. You probably participate in one kind of fitness routine or another, perhaps you are a walker. All of this exercise is great but you could be doing better for yourself if you were to use an exercise ball chair instead.
If you work in a commercial office then you may need to convince you’re boss to let you use one. If you let them know about the benefits of sitting in this style, you may get them to agree to let you use it in your office. You may even get others interested.
Once you bring it to the office, you are bound to attract gawkers, who are going to wonder that you are sitting on. There may be some co-workers who have seen or heard about it but have never used one. Your fellow workers will definitely be curious about you sitting on this seat.
You will possibly start a trend in your workplace, and before you know it the entire office may be using ball chairs instead of standard office chairs. Since the ball can be removed from the frame, you may even be able to encourage exercise sessions right there in the office. You may even be able to convince the boss that this routine will keep all of their workers in better shape and will result in less time lost by employees who are out of work for back problems.
Even if you work from your home, you can enjoy the benefits of a chair. This seat will provide you with a more ergonomic position and will reduce the chance of back and shoulder pain. Since the ball does come out of the chair frame you can even take some time out of your work routine to add in a little exercise.
There are several companies that provide quality exercise balls. You may be able to find them at a retailer near you. There also several suppliers that market these posture friendly chairs over the internet. These chairs come in a few different colors and styles and all provide the same great benefits.
If you are tired of aching and having back pain as a result of your chair, then you should consider replacing it with the ball chair. Once you use it you may decide to throw out your old one. However if you work for someone else, then you may want to check with them before throwing out their chair.