Choosing a Ball Chair

Earlier this week we touched upon the benefits of “Active Sitting.” To participate people have increasingly been switching out their standard chair for a ball chair in efforts to improve posture, lessen back pain, and incorporate exercise into their daily activities.

Excessive sitting is associated with an array of health issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, back pain, joint soreness, and neck strain are all immediate issues experienced when participating in prolonged sitting. In addition to the more immediate pains experienced, sitting for over six hours a day leads to an increased risk of heart disease, increased blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels. For people in the office or school, sitting can be unavoidable but a ball chair is a potential aid.

Ball chairs are great seating alternatives because they help better focus, increase micromovements, and improve posture. Also, they encourage regular stretching and walking to stay active and healthy.

These chairs best accompany standard office chairs and should be used in intervals, rather than for long periods of time.

FEI Retail offers three different types of ball chairs. Here’s your guide to picking the best chair for you.

The CanDo® Metal Ball Chair is the only chair out of the three types that has an option that comes with arms. The arm rests provide added stability, serving as a great option for first time ball chair owners. The metal ball chair can also be purchased without arms. Locking wheels can be purchased separately for both chairs to add extra stability.

The CanDo® Plastic Ball Chair is the perfect option for children because it comes in a second smaller ball size, 35cm, as well as the standard 55cm. This affordably priced chair doesn’t feature arms, so it can be easily used for mid-day stretches.

The CanDo® Exercise Ball Stool/Trainer does not include arms or a back, making stretching and exercising very accessible. The ball stool features a slightly smaller 50cm ball for shorter adults. This versatile chair can be a replacement to an office chair, or an exercise aid in a gym.

All three options are great for when you’re ready to make the switch at work or at home. Note that a ball chair should be used intermittently with your standard chair. You should consult with your healthcare provider before making the switch to a ball chair.

For further information on these and other alternative seating products, contact your local sales representative today.