Did you know that sitting for long periods increases the risk of chronic diseases? According to the WHO (World Health Organization), sedentary behavior causes 3.2 million deaths worldwide each year. Other studies show that 70% of office workers suffer from back problems due to poor posture.
Ergonomics plays a crucial role in your health, well-being, and performance. Using a Swiss ball at the office is an excellent alternative to a traditional office chair. Sitting on a gym ball at your desk has numerous benefits for your posture and productivity.
Why use a ball chair in the office?
Although using a Swiss Ball as an office chair may seem uncomfortable at first, it offers several advantages, both for your well-being and your performance.
The dangers of prolonged sitting
Most employees today work at least 8 hours a day behind a desk.
While working in an office may seem more appealing than spending your day in the fields or on a construction site, sitting for several hours a day has devastating effects on your health, but also on your well-being.
Here are the main harmful health consequences of prolonged sitting :
- obesity,
- musculoskeletal disorders,
- diabetes,
- cardiovascular problems,
- metabolic syndrome
- altered posture…
A sedentary lifestyle and poor posture also lead to a decrease in concentration and productivity.
Whether you are an employee or a business owner, the balloon chair is an option that might interest you.
The benefits of the exercise ball chair in the office
The benefits of using an exercise ball in the office are numerous.
By replacing your traditional office chair with a ball chair , you benefit from active sitting, which contributes to:
- reduce muscle tension,
- prevent back pain
- and to promote better concentration and productivity.
By incorporating a Swiss Ball into your work , you avoid the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting.
Advantages of sitting on a gym ball at the office
The main advantages of sitting on a gym ball at the office are as follows:
1. Posture improvement
This large exercise ball naturally encourages proper sitting posture.
Its moderate instability encourages your body to continuously adjust your posture to maintain balance. This promotes spinal alignment and even weight distribution, thus reducing pressure on joints and muscles.
2. Muscle strengthening
When you use a yoga ball at the office , you are constantly engaged in a dynamic posture.
This stimulates the activation of abdominal, back and stabilizing muscles, thus strengthening the deep trunk musculature.
This muscle strengthening helps prevent back pain and posture problems often associated with prolonged sitting.
3. Stimulation of blood circulation
Unlike a traditional office chair, the Swiss ball promotes movement and mobility.
Its use encourages better blood circulation, thus reducing the feeling of fatigue and promoting better concentration.
Improved circulation also means an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and brain, which increases mental clarity and productivity.
4. Improved concentration and attention
The instability of the Swiss ball stimulates the activation of stabilizing muscles, which promotes concentration and maintaining attention over long periods.
A dynamic posture on this ball seat engages the mind and improves productivity at work.
5. Combating sedentary lifestyles
Thanks to its dynamic design, the Swiss ball encourages continuous micro-movements and regular changes of position.
By avoiding stagnation and lack of movement, the exercise ball at work helps to reduce muscle tension and prevent pain related to a sedentary lifestyle .
6. Improved balance and coordination
Using a Swissball in the office engages the stabilizing muscles and promotes balance and coordination.
By adapting to the instability of the ball seat , its users develop better body awareness (proprioception) and better coordination, which is beneficial in the long term for their health and well-being.
7. Increased workplace productivity
By promoting a dynamic posture, blood circulation and better concentration, the use of a Swiss ball in the office has a positive impact on workplace productivity.
Employees feel more energized, focused and motivated, resulting in improved overall performance.
8. Stress reduction and a feeling of well-being
By encouraging an active posture and deep breathing, the Swiss ball helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
This dynamic seating promotes the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which can lead to a feeling of calm and relaxation.
This reduction in stress helps to improve morale and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Testimonials: Using a gym ball in the office
Using a gym ball at the office is sometimes described as a miracle cure for muscle and joint pain caused by prolonged sitting at a desk.
So, myth or reality? Those who use a Swiss ball at work can explain it better than we can…
Like Stéphanie, who resolved persistent back pain by using a Swiss ball at the office :
“I work sitting down for 8 hours a day. I used to have severe lower back pain due to poor posture throughout the day. Now I use the exercise ball. It forces me to maintain a dynamic posture all day long. And in the evening, miraculously, my back doesn't hurt. I'm thrilled and I share my enthusiasm with my colleagues.”
Or take Yvonne, who was able to continue sewing without back strain:
“I no longer have that back fatigue when I sew since I started using my Bloon ! Not only is it very pleasant to use, it's also aesthetically pleasing!”
Or take Véronique, who saw her back pain decrease with the use of a gym ball at the office …
“I appreciate its look and stability. After a short adjustment period, necessary to find the best posture, it allows me to sit upright while working on the computer. I experienced less back pain due to its flexibility, which allows for posture readjustment. A very good product that I recommend . ”
The introduction of a Swiss ball in the office has transformed the daily lives of Stéphanie, Yvonne, and Véronique, significantly improving their comfort and health. To discover the Swiss ball they used, click here .
Transform your workspace now and improve your well-being with a Bloon exercise ball chair .
Conclusion
A Swiss Ball is an excellent alternative to classic office chairs provided you opt for an ergonomic ball specifically designed for sitting, such as the Bloon ball seat.
Sitting on a ball at the office has many benefits for your physical health (muscle strengthening, blood circulation stimulation, improved posture, better proprioception, continuous movement), your well-being (stress reduction) and your performance (increased productivity, boosted concentration).
FAQ: Everything you need to know about using a ball chair in the office
Interested in using a ball to sit on at work ? We answer all your questions about using a ball in the office and its benefits .
How to use a gym ball in the office?
To use a gym ball at the office , sit on it with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent at 90 degrees, and back straight. Use it as an alternative office chair and perform gentle movements to strengthen muscles and improve your posture.
What are the benefits of sitting on an exercise ball at work?
- Posture improvement
- Muscle strengthening
- Stimulation of blood circulation
- Better concentration
- Combating sedentary lifestyles
- Improved proprioception
- Increased productivity
- Stress reduction and improved well-being
Which ball is best for working in the office?
To work at the office with a ball , choose an ergonomic office ball that is suitable for your size and needs.
Choose a model specifically designed for professional or everyday use. Bloon ball chairs are designed for extended use at work and are available in various sizes to suit everyone.
How to sit properly on a ball?
To sit correctly on an exercise ball, position yourself in the center with an upright posture, keeping your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at 90 degrees. Engage your abdominal muscles to maintain balance.
How to choose the right size office balloon?
To choose the right size office ball , measure your sitting height and choose a ball with a diameter that matches or is slightly larger. Make sure your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle when you sit on it.
For simplicity, Bloon balloons come in two different sizes: for those who are more or less than 1.80m tall.
Can using a yoga ball completely replace a traditional office chair?
A ball can partially or completely replace a traditional office chair provided it is an ergonomic office ball, such as a Bloon.
However, in certain work environments or situations, the office chair remains more suitable.
It is recommended to use it alternately with an ergonomic chair to avoid excessive fatigue.
What precautions should be taken when using a Pilates ball in the office?
When using an exercise ball at the office , make sure to inflate it correctly and maintain proper posture to avoid muscle strain.
Start with short sessions to give yourself time to adapt, find your balance and the right posture.
Can using a gym ball lead to increased muscle fatigue?
Using a gym ball may initially cause increased muscle fatigue, as the stabilizing muscles are more engaged. However, this should decrease as your muscles adapt to using the gym ball .
What is the recommended duration for sitting on a ball chair during a workday?
The recommended amount of time spent sitting on a ball chair during a workday varies depending on personal preference and comfort level. It is recommended to take regular breaks to stretch and change position.
Can using an office ball cause pain or discomfort?
While using an exercise ball may cause some initial pain or discomfort, this should lessen as your body adjusts to the posture and movement. If pain persists, consult a healthcare professional.
Are there people for whom using a gym ball in the office is not recommended?
People with severe back problems, dizziness, or other significant health issues should consult their doctor before using a gym ball in the office .
How to properly inflate and maintain a balloon seat?
To properly inflate and maintain a ball seat , use a suitable pump to achieve the correct air pressure. Regularly check its firmness and avoid placing it near heat sources or abrasive surfaces. If you purchase a Bloon ball seat , the pump is included.
What is the typical lifespan of a gym ball and when should I consider replacing it?
The typical lifespan of a gym ball depends on the quality of the material and how often it's used. Generally, it's recommended to replace it every 1 to 2 years, or as soon as you notice signs of wear such as cracks or loss of firmness. If you're looking for a high-quality ball , Bloon's exercise ball seats are among the best on the market.
