Wobble chair or exercise ball for prolonged sitting at the office desk? - Project Sports
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Wobble chair or exercise ball for prolonged sitting at the office desk?

3 min read

Asked by: Kate Olsen

Is it good to sit on an exercise ball at work?

Two studies that measured the difference between sitting on a regular chair and on a stability ball concluded that the difference was approximately four calories per hour, Lowe wrote, which works out to only about 30 calories over an eight-hour workday.

How long should you sit on an exercise ball at work?

Only use the equipment for a maximum of 20 minutes and alternate between an ergonomic office chair. Focus on pulling the tummy button in to keep the ball stable and keep feet flat on the floor.

Are balance ball chairs effective?

The bottom line: Sitting on a stability ball doesn’t automatically improve core strength, but when used correctly and with good posture it offers subtle benefits as an alternate desk chair.

How do you use a stability ball as an office chair?


When you're in front of your desk. Be sure that you're sitting upright on your exercise ball and not slouching. Your back should be straight and your abdominal muscles should be engaged.

Is it better to sit on a ball than a chair?

The increase in the calorie burn is real but small. According to a 2008 study, performing clerical work at a desk while sitting on an exercise ball burns about four more calories an hour than the same activity in a chair, or roughly 30 extra calories in a typical workday.

How can I exercise at my desk?

Other options

  1. Go for a short walk on your breaks.
  2. Replace your office chair with an exercise ball.
  3. Use the stairs regularly.
  4. Consider a standing desk.
  5. Consider walking or biking to work if practical.
  6. Keep some exercise equipment at work so you can exercise during your lunch break.
  7. Walk while on the phone.


What size stability ball should I get for my desk?

Get a 26 inch (65 cm) ball if you plan to use it in place of an office chair and your desk height is between 29 and 30 inches (74 to 76 cm). Because the ball will deflate when you sit on it, choose a ball that has a diameter which is 4 inches (10 cm) larger than the height of the chair you are replacing.

What can I use instead of a stability ball?

Small pilates ball



For those who like to use a small workout ball during sweat sessions, Nolden says she uses a circular pillow that provides a similar result. Or, if you don’t have a pillow that works, roll up a towel and use that instead.

What is the best office desk chair?

And since 2015, we’ve found that the Steelcase Gesture is the best office chair for most people.

  • Our pick. Steelcase Gesture. The best office chair. …
  • Runner-up. Herman Miller Aeron. Iconic, comfortable, and more breathable. …
  • Also great. Herman Miller Sayl. …
  • Budget pick. HON Ignition 2.0.


What is the best chair for sitting long hours?

10 Most Comfortable Office Chairs for Long Hour Sitting

  • ErgoChair Recline. …
  • NEO Office Chair. …
  • Herman Miller Aeron. …
  • SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair. …
  • Steelcase Leap Chair. …
  • Serta Big and Tall Executive Office Chair. …
  • Homall Gaming Chair PU Leather Desk. …
  • Steelcase Gesture Chair.

Why are mesh chairs better?

The Mesh chairs allow air circulation between the body and the chair seat and back. The fabric and the leather chairs create a lot of heat accumulation when used them for a longer time period. The mesh chairs give a lot of free space and free flow air thus helping the skin breathe.