Why you shouldn't be using that fitness ball as an office chair
Senior Consultant Katharine Metters from Posturite explains why fitness balls aren't meant to replace office chairs.
They're affordable, come in bright colors, look fun to use, and even claim to strengthen your core just by sitting on them. So why wouldn't you want to trade in your office chair for a fitness ball?
Although we fully support integrating healthy habits into the workplace, there's one trend we're hesitant to endorse—using fitness balls, also called Swiss, yoga, or Pilates balls, as everyday office chairs. Sure, these balls are great for working your core during workouts. However, there’s a significant difference between using them for targeted core exercises and relying on them as your primary seating option throughout the day.
Muscle Fatigue
A gym ball is an effective piece of exercise equipment because it creates an unstable surface that forces your muscles to work hard to keep you balanced. While this is beneficial for short durations, most people don’t possess the core strength needed to maintain this position for an entire workday. Often, individuals using gym balls as chairs compensate for muscle fatigue by tucking their feet under the ball to stabilize it, which undermines the purpose of using the ball in the first place.
Lack of Support
Research shows that prolonged use of gym balls doesn't significantly enhance muscle activation, spine posture, spine loads, or overall spine stability. In fact, it often leads to increased discomfort, likely due to the lack of adequate support for the buttocks and thighs.
Doesn’t Comply with DSE Regulations
Beyond these issues, gym balls fail to meet DSE (Display Screen Equipment) workplace standards. These guidelines require stable, adjustable chairs with back support. Most offices have fixed-height desks, making it unlikely that a gym ball will be the appropriate height for achieving proper arm positioning while working at your desk.
If a gym ball is being used for work, there should be a clear justification, such as a recommendation from a healthcare professional.
Additionally, the inherent instability of a gym ball poses risks, especially when getting on and off it. Ensuring your arms are in the correct position is crucial; otherwise, the desk height will need adjustment.
Taking all of this into account, we generally do not recommend fitness balls as computer chairs for regular use. If a fitness ball is suggested by a health professional, we suggest the following precautions:
- Ensure the ball is the correct size for you—the health professional recommending it should be able to provide guidance on this.
- The ball should be robust and feature anti-burst technology.
- A suitable operator's chair should also be available, and it’s advisable to use it frequently throughout the day.
Meet Ergo Ball: A Companion to Your Chair
Ergo Ball is a sturdy, non-slip balance ball designed to seamlessly blend into your office or home study. You can use it intermittently to engage your abdominal, side, and back muscles while performing various exercises. Our bodies are naturally inclined to move regularly, so remaining seated in one position for too long on your office chair can lead to health issues like musculoskeletal pain, weight gain, and circulation problems. Ergo Ball offers a fantastic way to take active breaks away from your chair.
Can You Use Keyboards and Other Equipment While Sitting on an Ergo Ball?
You could try sitting on Ergo Ball for brief periods to carry out quick tasks, like a short conference call or during a meeting—but we don’t recommend using it for extended periods or while typing and using a mouse. Its handle makes it easy to pick up and move around, making it ideal for your home office, work office, or any other room in your house. Shop Ergo Ball ›
Better Alternatives – Active Seating Chairs for Your Core
The idea behind using fitness balls as chairs is commendable. Staying active at work is not only good for overall health and fitness, but it also enhances concentration, mental health, and productivity—all key elements for a business's success. There are several ergonomic chairs specifically designed to engage the core. Known as active sitting chairs, you can explore our full range 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 built into a circular track in the base provides acoustic feedback on every movement, allowing you to hear when you're doing it right.
Get the ONGO Seat ›
Backapp Hipp
Enjoy subtle movements while seated on a Backapp Hipp chair. It’s excellent for strengthening the muscles supporting your spine. Adjust the level of stability according to your preference—the less stability, the more your core will engage.
Get the Backapp Hipp ›
Profim Mickey
This sleek, height-adjustable stool can also be tilted 10° sideways: the Profim Mickey. For active sitting, gently sway it from side to side—it might boost your thought process and focus.
Get the Profim Mickey ›
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