A ball chair can completely replace your traditional office chair , provided you choose it carefully and use it correctly.
It provides an interesting ergonomic alternative to conventional seats , making the sitting position more active.
Indeed, working consecutive hours sitting in front of a desk has detrimental effects on your health and productivity that the Bloon-type balloon chair manages to circumvent.
If you are looking to replace or supplement your ergonomic chair with an office ball, read this article carefully.
Why would you want to replace your traditional office chair?
If more and more workers are looking to replace their office chair, it is to combat sedentary lifestyles .
Indeed, the situation is alarming. We spend an average of 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), sedentary lifestyles are the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading preventable cause . Between healthcare costs, lost productivity, sick leave, and absenteeism, they cost the global economy nearly $70 billion. Given this reality, it is clear that sedentary lifestyles are no longer simply a risk, but a major public health issue .
It is therefore becoming urgent to take matters into one's own hands and make one's working days more active.
Why use a ball chair instead of your office chair?
Unlike the traditional office chair which promotes a static position, the ball chair allows for a dynamic sitting position , which counteracts the dramatic consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.
Replacing your office chair with an ergonomic exercise ball offers numerous advantages . By actively engaging your core muscles to maintain balance, you effortlessly improve your posture. This strengthens the muscles supporting your spine, preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and back pain. The movement and physical activity provided by the exercise ball also promote better blood circulation and brain oxygenation. As a result, you feel less tired, more focused, and more productive.
Discover here all the benefits of the Swiss ball in the office .
Is a ball chair a safe alternative to an ergonomic office chair?
Yes, when the ball is used correctly , it is a safe alternative to conventional office chairs .
Although some reluctant people see some constraints in the specifics of the office ball, such as the lack of support from a backrest and armrests, instability and the impossibility of adjusting the height, they are, in reality, its strength.
However, to fully enjoy its benefits and for your long-term comfort, it's essential to choose a high-quality ergonomic exercise ball and use it correctly . Otherwise, it can lead to fatigue and falls. No worries, we're sharing all our tips to help you get the most out of your Bloon ergonomic exercise ball.
Who is best suited for the office ball?
The ball seat is suitable for everyone , but proves to be more or less suitable for certain tasks.
It may be particularly appreciated by office workers or those working remotely , as well as freelancers , who spend long hours sitting, suffering from a sedentary lifestyle and its harmful effects, including lower back pain.
How to use the balloon properly to fully benefit from its advantages?
Choosing the right ergonomic office ball
To use an exercise ball as an office chair without any problems, it's important to choose the right one. Five criteria require your attention when purchasing your office ball:
- the size,
- stability,
- the coating and composition,
- the design,
- and other practical amenities.
Regarding size , ergonomic balls are generally available in several dimensions to best suit your body shape :
- Less than 1.65 m: diameter of 55 cm
- From 1.65 to 1.80 m: diameter of 65 cm
- Over 1.80 m tall: 75 cm in diameter.
If you need to choose your ball based on your own height, you should also take into account the height of your desk , especially for those who do not have a height-adjustable desk.
In this article, you will find all our advice on choosing the right size exercise ball chair for working .
To ensure your stability, avoid the risk of falls and discomfort, opt for an office ball with a weighted base and a non-slip coating .
Using your exercise ball correctly as an ergonomic office chair
After choosing the right office ball, you need to learn how to use it correctly to get the most out of this active sitting experience .
A gradual adaptation
Give it time. You shouldn't completely replace your office chair with a ball chair in the first few days.
An adjustment period is often necessary.
Start by finding your balance and the right posture, using your ball during short work sessions between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Gradually increase the time you spend sitting on your exercise ball. There is no time limit for its use . You can sit on it for as long as you like, as long as you are comfortable.
Alternating between the exercise ball and an ergonomic office chair as a relevant option
While many users have adopted the office ball as a long-term solution instead of a traditional office chair, others prefer to use it in addition to their usual chair .
Indeed, alternating between an ergonomic office chair and an exercise ball is a viable and interesting option. In addition to replacing your chair during short work sessions, the exercise ball seat is the ideal accessory for your active breaks .
Everyone reacts differently. The key is to listen to your body and go at your own pace.
Tips for properly using and sitting on your office ball
One of the essential conditions for making your exercise ball chair a safe alternative to ergonomic chairs is to sit correctly and find the right posture :
- Place your balloon 5 to 10 cm from your desk.
- Sit right in the center.
- Place your feet flat on the ground, firmly planted.
- Your knees and elbows should form a 90° angle.
- Keep your back straight and your head in the natural extension of your spine.
Find all our tips on how to sit properly on your ball .
Your comfort and stability on the ball also depend on its inflation . It should be sufficiently inflated, but not to 100%. You can slightly adjust the inflation of your ball to adapt its size to that of your desk.
The Bloon office balloon, so you don't make a mistake
Unlike classic gym balls found in all sports stores, the Bloon is a ball specifically designed for the office .
Instead of a PVC coating, the Bloon ergonomic ball is covered with a high-quality cover with textures and colors that can be infinitely varied to perfectly match your tastes and the layout of your office.
The Bloon exercise ball chair, designed by an osteopath , guarantees your comfort, safety, and stability thanks to its burst-resistant design and stable, non-slip base. Designed to support a load of up to 150 kg and equipped with a weighted base, it offers a safe and ergonomic solution for long workdays.
It's the combination of all the qualities of the Bloon that convinced Alexandre Dana, author of *The Chair Kills* . He describes it as follows: “The Bloon makes movement simple, pleasant, and fun, while its design integrates perfectly into a professional environment. It's not about athletic performance, but about micro-movements throughout the day, repeated gestures that have a lasting effect on the back, alertness, concentration, and mental energy.” Discover our article *The Chair Kills, the Exercise Ball Chair Doesn't* .
Conclusion
Replacing your office chair with a ball is an excellent idea to introduce movement and protect your back , provided you choose the right seat.
While a traditional gym ball remains useful, it's not the most suitable for long periods of sitting. It should be used for short periods and placed on a non-slip surface.
Conversely, exercise balls are specifically designed for work and can be used indefinitely. The Bloon exercise ball chair, with its breathable, washable, and non-slip cover, weighted base, anti-roll and anti-burst system, and design developed in collaboration with an osteopath, offers a truly ergonomic, comfortable, and durable alternative to conventional office chairs .
The key is to choose the right exercise ball and listen to your body. Gradually use your ball instead of your chair and alternate as soon as you feel the need.
