Yoga Ball Chair Buying Guide
Buying a yoga ball chair is a bit hard, especially with numerous brands on the market that almost look the same. If you want your first purchase to be successful, here are a few things you need to know:
Benefits of Using a Yoga Ball Chair
1. Relieve from back, shoulder, and neck pain.
The main benefit of using a yoga ball chair is to relieve back, shoulder, and neck pain that’s related to sitting for too long. With proper posture and frequent movements, you reduce the damage that can be caused by sitting for too long in the same position.
2. Improved posture and balance
You need to constantly balance your body because the yoga ball isn’t stable. This results in better spine alignment, proper posture, and improved balance.
3. Strengthened core
Sitting on a yoga ball puts your abs to work. It involves subtle contractions on the core muscles that’ll increase your core strength. Imagine using your core muscles for a long time. You might finally have the 6-pack that you always wanted.
4. Improved blood circulation
Using a yoga ball will improve your circulation as you move frequently and not stay in the same position. Good blood circulation also helps reduce the risk of any cardiovascular disease.
5. Improved focus
Since this type of chair lets you move easily while sitting, you stay awake and alert throughout the day. You’ll feel more focused and energetic in completing your work.
6. Better fitness lifestyle
There are lots of exercises and yoga routines that you can do with the exercise ball. When you’re on a break, you can always use the ball to do some basic exercise routines like ab crunches. It won’t cause any hip pain and mess up your hair like a mat would.
What to Look For
1. Design
If you want to move frequently while sitting, look for a minimalistic frame design. Look for a chair with an ergonomic backrest if you want to enjoy more comfort and back support. If you don’t want the ball to pick up dust and grime from the ground, look for a good chair base.
The ball can be unstable sometimes, so it’s good that the chair has a reinforced front bar to keep the ball in place. If you want to bring more color to your boring desk, look for yoga ball chairs that offer multiple colors.
2. Ball Size
It’s important that you get the right ball size or else you’ll aggravate your back-pain problems even further. To get the right size, sit on it or refer to your height.
Your thighs should be parallel to the floor and slightly bent to 90 degrees. The ball shouldn’t be too high that you need to balance it with your wrists on the table.
In regard to your height, get a 45-cm ball if you’re 5 feet and below. For those between 5’ to 5’11, a 52-55-cm ball is ideal. Opt for a 65-75-cm ball if you’re 5’11” and above.
3. Warranty
Warranty is important because it protects us from any defects. For your peace of mind, look for a long warranty that’s more than a year. With a long warranty, you can be sure that the product offers better quality.
How to Use a Yoga Ball Chair
1. Assemble the chair
Start by inserting the wheels into the legs. Next, insert the backrest into the base and secure it with the knob screws. If there’s a metal bar provided, screw it in front of the base.
2. Inflate the ball
Pump the ball to its maximum diameter and plug. You might need to re-inflate the ball twice if it’s new. Leave the ball for 24 hours after its first inflation, then deflate it to 50% and inflate it again to its proper size.
3. Sit up straight
Your legs should be perpendicular to your thighs and parallel to the yoga ball.
4. Bend your elbows
Your forearms should be at 90 degrees. Reach forward a bit and rest them on top of the table, without doing this your neck will be misaligned and the ball won’t help improve your posture.
5. Balance
This is the part where you practice active sitting and balance your body on the ball. For optimum results, tighten your core muscles and work your abs to get that six-pack.
6. Start using the ball for 30 minutes
If it’s your first time using the yoga ball chair, start with 30 minutes or less and increase your time every day. Don’t forget your office chair yet. Sitting on the ball can also put a toll on your lower back and cause discomfort over time. For better body mechanics, alternate between your desk chair and yoga ball chair.
Good article. I’m kind of thinking to buy a yoga ball chair at home.