Sitting on a ball? Sounds unusual, right?
Not at all! Many health professionals recommend using an exercise ball as an ergonomic chair to alleviate back pain.
If you’ve ever sat in a regular desk chair, you’ve probably noticed the effect that it has on your posture. Your back rounds, straining your shoulders and lower back.
A ball seat changes everything. Its round, unstable shape promotes active sitting—meaning you have to engage your core to stay balanced. Your pelvis stays activated and your spine aligned, helping you maintain a more natural, dynamic posture instead of slouching.
But how do you sit on an ball seat correctly, and what’s the best way to maximize its benefits for your health? We’ve outlined a few best practices so you can swap out your desk chair for a ball seat with confidence.
How to Sit Correctly on a Ball Seat
First, your feet should be flat on the floor, with your knees slightly lower than your hips.
This position naturally aligns your spine. Your core and lower back muscles automatically engage, which stabilizes your pelvis. As a bonus, you’ll expend slightly more energy throughout the day—burning a few extra calories without even thinking about it!
Every hour spent sitting on a ball seat is an hour of subtle movement. Contrast this with a traditional desk chair, whose form encourages inactivity.
Finding the Right Position
Adjust the Ball’s Height
Inflate your ball seat, then sit on it. Your knees should be lower than your hips, making the angle between your torso and thighs slightly wider than a right angle.
Position the Ball Close to Your Desk
Keeping your ball seat close to your desk ensures that you’re comfortable and sitting with correct posture. Your torso should be about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) away from the desk.
Arm Position
Rest your elbows on the desk as if you were using armrests. This position releases tension in your neck and shoulders.
Leg Position
Feel free to move your legs naturally. One advantage of sitting on a ball seat is that it prevents you from crossing your legs, which can lead to poor circulation and bad posture.
Screen Height
Your monitor should be at eye level. Adjust the distance of your keyboard, too, for maximum comfort.
Once your setup is complete, sit back and enjoy the benefits of active sitting! You’ll find yourself subtly bouncing, shifting, and working your muscles without even realizing it.
Pro Tip for Women
Our physical therapist recommends wearing flat shoes to keep the balls of your feet from bearing too much of your weight.
And don’t worry—if you get up, your Bloon won’t roll away! It has a weighted base for extra stability.
How Long Should You Use a Ball Seat?
The Bloon ball seat is designed to be used all day, so there’s no strict time limit. You can sit on it for 30 minutes or several hours—as you choose. The important thing is to continue to move naturally throughout the day.
While the Bloon keeps your muscles engaged while you sit, it’s still important to stand up regularly throughout the day and incorporate physical activity into your routine. Our physical therapist, Kevin Rayess, recommends taking breaks and exercising regularly to maximize the benefits of your ergonomic seating solution.
Choosing the Right Size of Exercise Ball
The Bloon ball seat comes in two sizes to fit different body types:
- Regular: Recommended for users between 4’11” and 5’10” (150–179 cm), best suited for desks 27.5–30 inches (70–76 cm) high.
- XL: Recommended for users 5’11” (180 cm) and over.
You can also adjust the size of each individual ball by inflating or deflating it until it fits you perfectly.
Bloon Ball Seat: Designed by a Physical Therapist for Maximum Comfort
The Bloon ball seat is more than just an exercise ball—it’s elegant ergonomic furniture specially designed by a physical therapist to prevent back pain using movement. Its ergonomic design encourages natural posture changes throughout the day, reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Unlike regular exercise balls, the Bloon ball seat features a four-panel fabric cover that ensures it’s both flexible and long-lasting. Its weighted, non-slip base keeps it stable, so you don’t have to worry about it rolling away.
By switching to a Bloon, you’re not just improving your posture—you’re transforming your workday into a healthier experience.
