A stability ball can fully replace your traditional office chair, provided you choose the right one and use it correctly. They offer an ergonomic alternative to conventional chairs because they encourage you to have a more active sitting posture.
Sitting for hours at a desk can have serious negative effects on both your health and productivity, issues that a well-designed and ergonomic ball chair, like the Bloon, helps mitigate.
If you’re considering replacing or supplementing your ergonomic chair with a stability ball, this guide will provide everything you need to know.
Why Replace Your Traditional Office Chair?
Increasingly, workers are replacing their office chairs to combat sedentary behavior.
The data is alarming. On average, we spend 8 hours a day sitting at work, and the consequences for our physical and mental health, as well as our cognitive abilities, are significant.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide and the leading preventable cause. Between healthcare costs and lost productivity, the global cost of physical inactivity between 2020 and 2030 is estimated at $300 billion. Given these facts, a sedentary lifestyle is no longer just a personal risk, but a major public health crisis.
Finding ways to incorporate exercise into our everyday lives has become a matter of urgency, and sitting on a stability ball for the time you spend in front of a computer is a great and easy way to do so.
Why Use a Ball Chair Instead of an Office Chair?
Unlike traditional office chairs that promote a static position, a ball chair encourages dynamic sitting, which counteracts the dramatic consequences of the "sitting disease."
Replacing your desk chair with an ergonomic ball offers several benefits. It gently engages your core muscles as you naturally find your balance, which effortlessly improves your posture. This strengthens the muscles supporting the spine and helps prevent back pain and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The micromovements also promote better blood circulation and oxygenation of the brain. As a result, you feel less fatigued, more focused, and more productive.
Is a Ball Chair a Safe Alternative to an Ergonomic Desk Chair?
Yes, when used correctly, a ball chair is a safe alternative to conventional office chairs.
Seeing the lack of backrest, armrest, and height adjustment, you might struggle to see how a ball chair could compete with an ergonomic desk chair. But its simplicity is actually its strength. You won’t feel it, but your supporting muscles will be working the whole time, keeping your posture correct and your body healthy.
However, to fully enjoy these benefits and ensure long-term comfort, you must choose a high-quality ergonomic ball and use it properly. Otherwise, there may be a risk of muscle fatigue or falls. Here is our advice on how to get the most out of your Bloon-style ergonomic office ball.
Who is the Office Ball Best Suited For?
The ball chair is suitable for everyone, though it is more or less adapted to certain tasks. It is particularly appreciated by office employees, remote workers, and freelancers who spend long hours sitting and suffer from the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, especially lower back pain.
How to Use a Ball Correctly to Maximize Benefits
Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Ball
To pick the right ball to use as an office seat, there are five things to consider.
- Size
- Stability
- Fabric and Composition
- Design
- Practical Features
Regarding size, ergonomic balls generally come in three dimensions to fit different body types:
- Under 5'5" (165 cm): 55 cm diameter
- 5'5" to 5'11" (165–180 cm): 65 cm diameter
- Over 5'11" (180 cm): 75 cm diameter
While you should primarily choose based on your height, you must also consider your desk height, especially if you do not have a height-adjustable desk.
To ensure stability and avoid the risk of falls, opt for an office ball with a weighted base and a non-slip coating.
Using Your Ball Correctly as an Ergonomic Seat
After choosing the right ball, you need to learn to use it correctly and make the most of your active seat™ .
A Gradual Adaptation
Take your time. You should not completely replace your office chair with a ball chair on day one. An adaptation period is necessary. Start by finding your balance and the correct posture, using the ball for short sessions of 30 minutes to 2 hours. Gradually increase the time. There is no strict limit; you can sit on it as long as you feel comfortable.
Alternating Between a Ball and an Ergonomic Chair
While many users adopt the office ball as a permanent solution, others prefer to use it alongside their usual chair. Alternating between the two is an excellent option. In addition to replacing your chair for work sessions, the ball chair is an ideal accessory for "active breaks."
Tips for Sitting Correctly on Your Office Ball
To ensure your ball chair is a safe seat, you must maintain the correct posture:
- Place your ball 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) from your desk.
- Sit right in the center.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor, anchored.
- Your knees and elbows should be at a 90° angle.
- Keep your back straight and your head in natural alignment with your spine.
Read more about the right way to sit in a ball chair.
Comfort is also affected by the ball’s inflation. It should be firm without being fully inflated, and you can adjust the air level to better match your desk height.
The Bloon: a Ball Chair Designed for the Office
Unlike standard gym balls found in sports stores, the Bloon is specifically designed for a professional environment.
Instead of a basic PVC surface, the Bloon is covered in high-quality fabric with a choice of textures and colors to match your office decor.
Designed by an osteopath, it ensures comfort and safety with an anti-burst system and a stable, non-slip, weighted base. Built to support up to 330 lbs (150 kg), it is a durable ergonomic solution for long workdays.
Conclusion
Replacing your office chair with a ball is a great way to introduce movement and protect your back, provided you choose the right one.
While a classic gym ball is useful, it is not ideal for long hours of work. In contrast, office-specific balls like the Bloon, with their breathable, washable cover, weighted base, and expert-led design, constitute a true ergonomic and durable alternative to conventional chairs.
The key is to choose the right size and listen to your body. Gradually introduce the ball into your routine and alternate whenever you feel the need.
