What is a Stability Ball Chair?

The Stability Ball Chair, also know as a Swiss Ball Chair is a uniquely designed chair that when used properly can profoundly improve not only an aching back, legs, and arms, but also those typical conditions associated with sitting a work desk for extended periods of time.  Unlike conventional chairs where a person normally sits on a padded cushion, with a Stability Ball Chair the padded cushion is replaced with a stability ball (like those found in fitness centers and gyms).  As with an Exercise Ball Chair, the inflatable ball is usually around sixty-five to seventy-five cm in diameter and is available in a wide variety of color choices – black and purple being the most common colors.

Because there is a natural tendency to make small rocking movements when sitting, using a Stability Ball Chair works a person’s core muscles and provides a small amount of exercise even while just sitting around.  While the chair was originally developed for use in the workplace, this chair would make a great addition to your home office.  Since the Stability Ball Chair gives flexibility to a person through “active sitting,” this chair helps with coordination.  Moreover, with strengthened core muscles an individual’s body posture is also strengthened thereby helping to guard the back against injuries normally associated with poor back muscle strength.

Although some people can get intimidated when first considering using a Stability Ball Chair, once they’ve had a chance to experience it, they realize just how easy it is.  The reason for this is that by sitting on a stability ball you are giving your body the opportunity to sit naturally.  With a normal chair (even ergonomic ones), the chair shifts beneath a person’s weight such that it prevents them from actually sitting the way their body naturally wants to.  Because of the design of the stability ball, however, it forces the body to support itself to help achieve proper spine alignment.

Stability Ball Chair recommendations

It is recommended that to properly adjust to the using the Stability Ball Chair a person use it periodically throughout the day in small intervals.  For the first few days, use the chair in 10-minute increments until such a time when you feel comfortable enough to sit on the chair for an hour or so. As with every piece of equipment or device that can put a strain on your body, always consult a health care practitioner should you find yourself experiencing back problems.

Benefits of a Stability Ball Chair

• Supports the body in active sitting
• Strengthens the back
• Improves the body’s posture
• Easy to put together
• Can be inflated to different heights
• Easy to inflate with air pump that is provided
• Improves the body’s overall balance
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves coordination
• Prevents pain in the neck, back and shoulders
• Increases muscles strength

While Stability Ball Chairs are available from many manufacturers so be sure to check out different kinds, we have found that the Stability Ball Chair available from DynaFlex to be a good option.