The Top 5 Exercise Ball Chairs
Have a seat. As Winston Churchill said, "Never stand up when you can sit down." Yet sitting still for long periods of time can cause serious physical problems, from muscle soreness to joint pain. These issues can get worse over time, such as for people who have jobs that require sitting at a desk all day. Enter the exercise ball chair. They've taken the big, inflatable exercise ball and added a base to keep it stable, so you can use it as a chair. Sitting on an exercise ball chair forces your body to constantly make tiny movements. These micro-movements keep your muscles engaged, preventing soreness and strengthening your core. In addition to just sitting on it, you can use exercise ball chairs to do a number of strength and flexibility workouts. It's incredible how much use you can get out of this one ball. Read on for our reviews of the Top 5 Exercise Ball Chairs.
RGGD&RGGL Exercise Ball Chair
Heavyweight Champ
Our pick for best exercise ball chair is this one from RGGD&RGGL. This company has been around for 14 years and made over 80 million exercise balls; they clearly make a quality product. Let’s start with the construction. The exercise ball is made from heavyweight vinyl, with multiple layers that make it one and half times as thick as the standard exercise ball. This makes it resistant to punctures and able to hold up to 2,200 pounds. The inflatable stability ring that comes included will hold the ball in one place, for increased stability during workouts, or so you can use it as a chair at your desk.
Pros
- Thick, heavyweight vinyl
- Puncture-resistant
- Holds up to 2,200 pounds
Cons
- Inflating can be a little tricky
Gaiam Kids Exercise Ball Chair
Child's Play
For kids who have trouble sitting still, consider this exercise ball chair from Gaiam. It’s really a great solution for active kids who have a lot of energy but need to sit and focus on homework or the like. Not only does this chair reduce fidgeting and increase focus, but it develops healthy posture and increases core strength at the same time. Not bad for a little chair. This chair has five soft legs that will keep the chair in place when it’s not in use but also bend, so as not to prohibit movement when kids are sitting on it.
Pros
- Keeps active kids seated
- Improves posture
- Increases focus and core strength
Cons
- Limited to ages 5 – 12
SpoxFit Exercise Ball Chair
All-Inclusive
This is a spectacular exercise ball chair from SpoxFit. It is the fairly standard height of 26 inches, which is ideal for people with heights between 5’2″ and 5’10”. The exercise ball is made from top-grade PVC that is still eco-friendly, as well as hypoallergenic. It is strong and durable, with an anti-burst rating of 660 pounds. The surface of the exercise ball has a honeycomb design, which prevents slipping while sitting or working out. The separate stable base holds the ball steady when you want to use it. Also included with this chair are professional resistance bands and a poster with 38 exercises you can do with this chair.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic
- Non-slip honeycomb surface
- Resistant bands and workout poster included
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
Gaiam Classic Exercise Ball Chair
The Cadillac of Exercise Ball Chairs
This is another incredible exercise ball chair from Gaiam, but this one is for adults and teens. More specifically, it is designed for anyone between 5’0″ and 5’11”. If you are taller than 5’11”, you can get Gaiam Leg Extenders to make this chair taller. They are sold separately, but they are a good option for taller people. In this chair, the ball itself is a little smaller, at about 20.5 inches, but the base is much bigger. The base is actually more than just a base; it has a backrest and wheels, which makes this chair ideal for your work or home office. The backrest is 2.5 feet tall and provides extra back support for when you need it.
Pros
- Backrest for extra support
- Wheels on the base
- Great for the office
Cons
- Wheel locks can get flipped accidentally
Vivora Luno Exercise Ball Chair
Got It Covered
For another excellent exercise ball chair, check out this one from Vivora. One of the issues that can arise over time with exercise balls is that they start to flatten out and lose their round shape. Vivora has solved that problem with their sphereform case. It is a tightly-fitting cloth cover that encases the whole exercise ball and keeps it perfectly round, even when used daily. The ball doesn’t get deformed, and it’s much more comfortable to sit on. The cover is made from the same material used to make outdoor recliners and sun umbrellas. So it is extremely durable and water-resistant, allowing you to use this exercise ball chair outside as well as inside.
Pros
- High-quality cover
- Keeps ball perfectly round
- Can be used outdoors
Cons
- Though the anti-slip cover keeps the ball in place, there is no base included for extra stability
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am shorter than the minimum height?
If you are shorter than the minimum height or close enough to it that the ball feels too high, you can let a little air out of the ball, which will make it smaller.
How do I inflate the exercise ball chair?
Each exercise ball chair comes with a hand-operated manual air pump that you can use to inflate the chair.
How do I use the base?
It depends on the base. Some are inflatable and need to be inflated with the same pump that you use to inflate the chair. Other bases need to be screwed together. Once you have the base set up, you simply place the exercise ball on top of it. And voila, your exercise ball chair is ready to use.
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