The Best Balance Ball Chairs for Your Desk

People sit a lot during their lifetime, whether in traffic, at home in front of a favorite TV show, or behind a desk. With all that sitting, you’re bound to deal with some consequences. Beyond affecting your posture, sitting for long periods can put stress on vital organs and can result in neck and shoulder pain. Enter the balance ball chair: a way to reduce the pains of prolonged sitting by swapping out your desk chair for something better. Here are some we recommend.

Purchasing a Balance Ball Chair

The use of a balance ball chair can promote various benefits, so when you’re looking to replace your old office chair, be sure to consider a few things before you go shopping:

• Durable: For your balance ball chair to be effective and durable over a long period of time, it needs to be made with quality materials. Anti-burst stability balls are the way to go.
• Size: Look into the size of the ball chair you’re purchasing. You don’t want to get a ball chair that is too short or small for you. Conversely, a ball chair that is too large for your height and weight will be uncomfortable and annoying. Pay attention to the suggested weights and heights listed.
• Adjustable: Finally, make sure your chair provides a custom fit for your body. If you can adjust the chair to change the placement of the back support or the height of the chair, it will allow for proper comfort and back alignment.

Now let’s take a look at some of the best balance ball chairs!

Best for the Office: Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair

One of the more popular balance ball chairs comes from Gaiam and is an excellent choice for replacing your tired old chair. This beautifully designed chair comes in various colors and with an adjustable back support bar, a ball holder, easy-glide wheels on the bottom, and an air pump. It’s constructed for people under 6 feet, but for a taller chair, you can add 2 inches with the leg extenders (which are sold separately). The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair will help promote micro-movements and constant stimulation of the body. Its weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Best Ball Stool: Gaiam Balance Ball Chair Stool

Gaiam also provides the best ball stool available on the market. This anti-burst, half-dome, inflatable cushion works as an active seat and helps improve posture and boost circulation. The stool comes in two different sizes and includes lightweight, lockable, easy-glide caster wheels and an easy-inflation pump. Its swivel base allows for 360-degree movement. The height is also adjustable to accommodate any workspace.

Best Color Options: Safco Zenergy Ball Chair

This stationary ball chair from Safco provides one of the largest color selections available. You can get the chair in 12 colors, with legs, or as a swivel option. Its max weight recommendation hits the 300-pound mark, but what’s interesting about this chair is that it lets you select one of two heights to install the feet during assembly, providing both adjustability and comfort. Its durable polyester fabric is also easy to clean, and it helps reduce indoor air pollution with its rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards.

Best Backless: Gaiam Backless Balance Ball Chair

Gaiam’s backless balance ball chair is one of the best of its kind. It comes in a variety of colors and features a yoga ball that boosts energy, increases productivity, and keeps you focused on the task at hand. It employs the same characteristics as the Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair but without the adjustable back support bar.

Best Weight Capacity: ProBody Pilates Sitting Ball Chair

Because the ProBody Pilates Sitting Ball Chair doesn’t have an adjustable back or wheels, it forces your body’s core strength to remain balanced, improving flexibility, body alignment, and proprioception. This posture-improving ball is intended to engage your abs and core muscles, gently working out your body as you sit and do your work. It supports up to 400 pounds and includes a machine-washable cover, inner inflatable ball, a pump, spare plugs, and instructions. Its geometric appeal and modern look are also wonderful pluses.