Man sits at his desk on an exercise ball Exercise balls are a trendy choice for an office chair alternative in an effort to embrace better posture at work. This is because correct posture can boost creativity and help employees avoid health problems associated with sitting for extended periods of time. But it begs the question: is an exercise ball really the best option? Or is an ergonomic chair a better choice? Let’s compare the two.

What are the Benefits of an Exercise Ball?

Exercise balls were created for the purpose of – you guessed it – exercise. The idea behind using an exercise ball instead of a standard office chair is that it forces you to sit up straighter and to engage your core muscles. Then the act of sitting becomes an exercise in balance and core strength. So while sitting at your desk, you are exercising throughout the day. But while an exercise ball encourages you to improve your posture and to engage your core, the effect is only beneficial for a brief period of time. One study compared the effects of using office chairs versus exercise balls in the workplace, and the results showed that the test subjects actually experienced more pain when sitting on an exercise ball for an extended period of time. This is not terribly surprising when you consider that exercise balls were designed for short-term use while working out, not as a replacement for traditional seating. There are select chair models, such as the Ballo Stool Chair, that emulate the basic principles of exercise balls in actual office furniture, but these are intended for short-term sitting rather than eight or more hours per day.

What are the Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair?

Instead of repurposing a tool with a different intended function (ie. exercise balls), ergonomic chairs are specifically engineered to support the body’s natural design, with the intended goal of providing long-term comfort and support for the user. An ergonomic chair is the result of scientific study and innovative engineering, and aims to provide the support and functionality for correct posture. Correct posture can not only help you to be more focused and productive in the workplace, but it can also assist your personal health, too. Studies have shown that any musculoskeletal pain that respondents suffered from was reduced when an ergonomic chair was used in place of a standard office chair. One of the best benefits of using an ergonomic chair is that it is adjustable. Because each person’s body is different, it is crucial to be able to customize and adjust the chair to correctly fit the user. Your unique height, arm and leg length, and other physical aspects cannot be catered to when you choose a “one-size-fits-all” approach.   Ergonomic chair models all are designed with long-term comfort and functionality in mind, but they vary when it comes to their level of customizability. For instance, you can choose to add arm rests, decide whether you want they should be height-adjustable or fully adjustable, and even pick the type of upholstery you want. You also may add a headrest, additional lumbar support, or a longer or shorter pneumatic seat height adjustment. Some models offer a number of different choices for the cosmetic and structural elements of the chairs, like the Freedom Task Chair with Headrest from Humanscale, allowing you to add your unique touch. Other models have fewer options overall, but still are quite customizable in both their look and feel.

So Which is the Better Option?

The overall consensus is that a well-designed ergonomic chair is the better option for long-term office use when compared with an exercise ball. Ultimately, the ergonomic chair’s adjustability and supportive design cannot be matched by an exercise ball, and an ergonomic chair that has been fitted for your comfort is the best option for your health. You should keep in mind that no matter what type of chair you choose, it is still important to stand up and move around in regular intervals. Researchers recommend adjusting your posture at least once every 30 minutes, and suggest that you take a break to stand, stretch, or walk at least 15 minutes out of every hour to prevent body stiffness and strain on your spine. Want to learn more about ergonomic chairs? The staff at The Back Store is ready to assist you!