A stability Ball Chair is the term we use to describe specially made balls designed for ‘active sitting’.
Ah, so many uses...
The stability ball chair generally requires a little less 'burst-resistance' given you won’t be moving as much, nor will you be subjecting the ball to the extra weight of dumbbells, so they may cost a little less.
Generally, anywhere around a burst rate of 285 lbs (130 kg) and a 1100 lb (500 kg) load rate will suffice for active sitting.
Technically, they’re made to allow for ‘shape resilience’ but frankly, you can use any stability ball you like. Just don’t inflate it as much.
Some sources recommend different sizes for your height when you plan to use it as a chair rather than for exercise.
Here are some general ball-size recommendations...
Medium - 55 cm (22 in.)..........For people up to 5 ft 2 in. Large - 65 cm (26 in.).............For people 5 ft 2 in. to 6 ft. X-Large - 75 cm (30 in.)..........For people over 6 ft.
Active sitting simply means you sit on the ball instead of a regular chair that has a solid surface for your back.
By not having the privilege of resting your back against the surface of a regular chair, you are forced to apply yourself to maintain proper posture, thus activating your core musculature for the duration of the time you sit.
This is postulated to train for stability, strength, balance and awareness as you sit at your desk in your home or office.
In fact, there’s a whole engineering discipline devoted to maximizing productivity by reducing employee fatigue and discomfort at the workplace called ‘ergonomics’.
Maybe that’s pushing it a little. Still, some folks like to encourage their kids to sit on a stability ball chair instead of being sprawled out on the couch when they watch TV or play video games.
I have to admit, I do like stability ball exercises. Especially for home fitness use.
But as much as I am a proponent of incorporating swiss ball exercises in specific cycles of a workout fitness program, I can’t say I’m a very big fan of using a stability ball chair for active sitting.
One thing that may be useful if you do like the concept of using the ball as a chair however, is to perhaps consider purchasing a ‘ball stabilizer’.
This is a small round and flat plastic base placed on the floor on which your ball can rest. If you have to concentrate on the work piled onto your desk, this will prevent the ball from rolling and drifting afar…
Caveat: shop around, this small device can sometimes cost just as much as the ball itself...
