Why you shouldn't be using that fitness ball as an office chair
Why Posturite’s Senior Consultant Katharine Metters Warns Against Using Fitness Balls as Office Chairs
These colorful, seemingly fun fitness balls promise to tone your core just by sitting on them. They’re affordable, come in various colors, and even seem like a novel way to spice up your workspace. But should you really replace your office chair with one? As much as we love promoting healthier lifestyles at work, we have some reservations about this trend—specifically, using fitness balls, also known as Swiss, yoga, or Pilates balls, as everyday office seating.
Although we’re strong supporters of integrating wellness practices into the workplace, we’re cautious about endorsing the idea of using fitness balls as permanent office chairs. Sure, they’re fantastic for core workouts because they create an unstable surface that forces your muscles to work hard to stay balanced. However, there’s a significant difference between using them for targeted core exercises and sitting on them all day.
Muscle Fatigue: The Hidden Challenge
A gym ball works well as a fitness tool because it challenges your muscles to maintain balance. While this is great for short bursts, most people lack the core strength required to sustain this effort over an entire workday. Often, people compensate for muscle fatigue by tucking their feet under the ball to stabilize it, which undermines the whole purpose of using a fitness ball in the first place.
Insufficient Support
Research shows that prolonged use of gym balls doesn’t significantly improve muscle activation, spine posture, or overall spine stability. In fact, it can increase discomfort due to the lack of adequate support for the buttocks and thighs. This raises concerns about comfort and long-term health effects.
Non-compliance with DSE Regulations
On top of that, gym balls don’t comply with DSE (Display Screen Equipment) workplace regulations, which require stable, adjustable chairs with back support. Many offices have fixed-height desks, making it unlikely that a gym ball will be the right height for achieving proper arm positioning while working. Unless there’s a specific recommendation from a healthcare professional, we generally discourage using gym balls as office chairs.
Getting on and off the ball introduces additional risks due to its instability. Ensuring your arms are correctly positioned is crucial, and if necessary, the desk height should be adjusted accordingly. In view of these considerations, we typically advise against using fitness balls as standard office chairs unless recommended by a health professional.
However, if a fitness ball is indeed recommended by a health professional, here are some guidelines:
- Ensure the ball is the appropriate size for you; the recommending health professional should provide guidance.
- Choose a ball that’s robust and has ‘anti-burst’ technology to ensure safety.
- Keep a suitable operator’s chair handy and use it regularly throughout the day.
Introducing Ergo Ball: A Complementary Option
Ergo Ball is a durable, non-slip balance ball designed to seamlessly integrate into your office or home study. It’s perfect for taking short breaks to engage your abdominal, side, and back muscles through various exercises. Our bodies are naturally built to move frequently, so remaining seated in one position for extended periods can lead to musculoskeletal issues, weight gain, and circulation problems. Ergo Ball offers an active way to take breaks from your chair.
Using Keyboards and Other Equipment with Ergo Ball
You might consider sitting on the Ergo Ball for short periods to perform quick tasks, like a brief conference call or during a meeting. However, we don’t recommend using it for extended periods or while typing on your keyboard. Its handle makes it easy to pick up and move around, making it ideal for your home office, work office, or any other space in your home. Shop Ergo Ball ›
Better Alternatives: Active Sitting Chairs for Your Core
The concept behind using fitness balls as chairs is commendable. Staying active at work benefits not only physical health but also concentration, mental well-being, and productivity—all critical elements of a successful business. Fortunately, there are ergonomic chairs specifically designed to engage the core. Known as “active sitting†chairs, these options allow you to remain engaged without compromising comfort or compliance with workplace standards. Explore our full range of active sitting chairs here. Browse all active sitting seats ›
ONGO Seat
This fun stool is perfect for occasional use throughout the day. The ONGO’s curved base encourages constant movement. A ball embedded in a circular track within the base provides audible feedback on every motion, helping you stay mindful of your activity level.
Get the ONGO Seat ›
Backapp Hipp
Sit comfortably on the Backapp Hipp seat while enjoying subtle movements that engage the muscles supporting your spine. Customize the level of stability to suit your preference—less stability means your core has to work harder.
Get the Backapp Hipp ›
Profim Mickey
This sleek, height-adjustable stool can also be tilted up to 10 degrees. Gently swivel it side-to-side for added engagement while seated—a potential boost to your focus and creativity.
Get the Profim Mickey ›
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