Exercise balls enhance balance and cardio endurance. They engage your core and teach you to find a neutral spine position for good posture. Plus, they can also be helpful in an office space.
Unlike traditional office chairs, an ergonomic ball chair allows you to exercise your core and leg muscles, which offers more mental energy to get more done. If you want one, here are the best in Australia.
Our Top Picks
Can't wait to try out the best ergonomic ball chair in Australia? Here are our top picks for a quick purchase:
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
Best overall balance ball with a 52 cm exercise ball, 130 kg weight capacity, adjustable backrest, and ergonomic support.
Humanscale Ballo Active Sitting Chair
Best active-sitting ball chair with a 136 kg weight capacity and two inflatable plastic domes on both ends to promote movement while sitting.
Enovi ProBalance Ball Chair
Best ball chair for heavy users with a 272 kg weight capacity, lightweight, and quality build to relieve fatigue and promote proper posture.
5 Ergonomic Ball Chairs for Aussies
Our review evaluated each ball chair's ergonomic design, durability, user comfort, and overall functionality to provide a comprehensive overview of the best ball chairs available to Australians.
1. Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
Best Overall Ball Chair
Diameter: 52 cm
Product weight: 6 kg
Weight capacity: 130 kg
The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball changes how you sit and provides all-day ergonomic support for long hours. It enhances your mood, encourages wellness, and soothes the pains and aches caused by prolonged sitting. Gaiam's classic ball chair also promotes micro movements and constant body stimulation, which improves the mind's focus and concentration.
The ball chair features an adjustable back support, which isn't common with most ergonomic ball chairs. When you purchase it, you get the 52-cm exercise ball, an air pump, four easy-glide casters with two lockable back wheels, and an exercise guide to keep you active. To get the best results with the extenders, re-inflate them once or twice after the initial inflation.
We recommend it for people between 152 and 180 cm tall, as it can be uncomfortable for very tall people. If you need extra height, the Gaiam chair has leg extenders, which add 2 inches to the ball's height.
Pros
- Easy one-tool assembly
- Ergonomic back support and spinal alignment
- Strengthens your core
- Stable and lightweight base
- Moulded PVC build
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable for tall users
2. Humanscale Ballo Chair
Best Ball Chair for Active Sitting
Diameter: 45.2 cm
Product weight: 6 kg
Weight capacity: 136 kg
The Humanscale Ballo Chair is a unique and fun chair for active sitting for short periods, whether at the office or home. It has two inflatable plastic domes on both ends of its central column, which creates a lot of movement. This build design makes it not only functional but also fun to use.
The Ballo Chair adds a playful aesthetic to any environment while encouraging healthy movement. It is perfect for pulling up a quick seat, using around a conference table, or seating visitors in a reception area, as its playful aesthetic complements any space. The ball chair has a white central column and a wide variety of colour options for its air-filled domes. Thus, you'll find the appropriate colour match for your home office.
You get an air pump and a 3-year warranty when you purchase the product. In addition to homes and offices, the Ballo Ball Chair is ideal for lounge areas, cafeterias, and open and touchdown spaces.
Pros
- Playful productivity
- Lightweight and flexible
- Helps with posture and strains
- Eco-friendly build
Cons
- Pricey
- Not stackable
3. Enovi ProBalance Chair
Best Ball Chair for Heavy Users
Diameter: 65 cm
Product weight: 2.6 kg
Weight capacity: 272 kg
Physical therapists recommend the Enovi ProBalance Yoga Chair to relieve fatigue and promote proper posture. Like the Gaiam Classic, it concentrates the mind on work while freeing the body to move.
The yoga ball is best for heavy users, supporting up to 272 kg user weight capacity. The ergonomic ball chair has no back support but is lightweight at 2.61 kg. With its self-standing design and machine-washable slipcover, there's little not to appreciate about it.
Enovi's ProBalance Chair has anti-burst protection. So you can pump it to your ideal height and comfort level. Likewise, you can assemble it in under five minutes, and it is suitable for repeated heavy use.
Pros
- Comfortable and safe to use
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Relieves stress and improves focus
- Non-toxic and free PVC material
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Not stackable
4. Trideer Exercise Ball Chair
Best Comfortable Ball Chair
Diameter: 65 cm
Product weight: 2.27 kg
Weight capacity: 150 kg
The Trideer Exercise Ball Chair improves your posture, strengthens your core muscles, and reduces lower back pain. It encourages micro-movements that boost your flexibility and heighten your focus. Its gentle movements help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
The yoga ball chair is made of eco-friendly, hypoallergenic material. The quality of its PVC build is evident in the yoga ball's thickness. The anti-slip matte surface provides a secure grip and good stability. The chair also includes a base to keep the ball in place and prevent unwanted rolling.
Trideer's honeycomb structure is an excellent safety feature. If punctured, it deflates slowly, minimising the risk of injury. The anti-burst testing, which can withstand up to 907 kg, is impressive. When purchased, you get a 12-month warranty and other essential accessories.
Pros
- Slow deflation for safety
- Eco-friendly, hypoallergenic build
- Extra thick PVC and anti-slip surface
- Anti-burst design
Cons
- Initial inflation takes time
5. PROIRON Yoga Ball Chair
Best Budget Ball Chair
Diameter: 55 cm
Product weight: 1.42 kg
The PROIRON Exercise Ball is best for fitness, yoga, and pregnancy workouts. It's made from thick, anti-burst PVC, ensuring safety and durability. The non-slip surface maintains stability during exercises, whether you're using it for pilates, core training, or as a chair to improve posture.
The budget-friendly ball chair has a quick pump, so you can inflate it easily. It's available in many different sizes, but we recommend choosing a larger size if you plan to use it for sitting in an office space.
PROIRON's exercise ball is a reliable and versatile addition to any home gym or office setup. It offers excellent value for money, and its durability and safety features make it a worthwhile purchase.
Pros
- Strong anti-burst material
- Non-slip surface for safety
- Includes a quick pump
Cons
- Inflation takes time
- May roll on smooth floors
Benefits of Exercise Ball Chairs
An exercise ball has several benefits, including better posture, increased energy, and improved overall balance. Since the ball necessitates regular position changes, it may also increase energy expenditure, which implies that you'll burn more calories.
In a 2016 study, researchers observed how bodies physically reacted over a 10-minute sitting period and inferred that sitting on a stability ball activated lower body muscles. The study also discovered that sitting on an exercise ball chair might increase core endurance.
Many proponents also believe that sitting on a ball encourages exercise. Once you get used to it, rolling back from the desk is much easier, as is making a few core-strengthening moves between tasks.
Exercise Ball Chairs Safety Precautions
If you have chosen to purchase an exercise ball for use at your desk after considering the above benefits, then you'll need to keep these factors in mind. They'll help you get the most out of your exercise ball chair and ensure safety.
#1. Consider the Size
The inflation level, height, and angle of your exercise ball chair make a difference. Your thighs should slope downwards slightly and not be at 90 degrees. The ball should be lowered so that you find that you are balancing your wrists on the keyboard.
#2. Create a Safe Space
Especially when you have just begun using it—and if you have the freedom to personalise your workstation—it may be useful to keep your ball in front of a wall to catch you if you roll. Placing an exercise mat beneath your exercise ball chair can also provide cushioning and support for the same reason.
An alternative is to use a frame or base to keep your ball chair in place. Some models come with legs, which can help keep your ball stable. Some even provide lumbar support, which may help your lower back by promoting a healthier posture. However, this support should not significantly alter your posture and strain your lower back.
#3. Add Time Gradually
We advise using your newly purchased exercise ball chair for half an hour or less. Then, slowly increase your time daily to observe how your body responds. This way, you can adjust accordingly and avoid injuries.
Darren Sherwood
Wrapping Up
Both a ball chair and an ergonomic chair can help promote good posture. However, an ergonomic ball chair can function in several capacities.
From keeping your mind sharp and providing core strength to offering comfort during extended work hours, these ball chairs offer innovative solutions for those seeking a balance between health and productivity.
Ultimately, the best ball chair for you will depend on your specific requirements and personal preferences. There are various quality options available to enhance your overall well-being and work experience. We hope you found the best pick from our evaluated options above.
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