The top benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball

The benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball

Sitting behind a desk for long periods can be physically taxing. Fortunately, there are solutions like the ergonomic sitting ball that help you stay active and dynamic while sitting. This offers numerous benefits:

  1. Improved posture: Due to the constant movement, you have to correct your posture, which leads to a better sitting position.
  2. Increased concentration: Active sitting keeps your brain active as well, which improves your concentration and productivity.
  3. Healthier back: Experience less neck and back pain through proper posture and movement.
  4. More calorie burning: By moving, you burn more calories compared to sitting on a regular chair.
  5. Stronger core: Your abdominal and back muscles become stronger by constantly balancing on the stability ball.

Using an ergonomic sitting ball can therefore provide significant benefits for both your physical health and your work performance. In the rest of this article, we will delve deeper into these benefits and explain exactly why a sitting ball is an excellent choice for your workspace.

infographic explaining benefits of ergonomic sit ball such as improved posture, increased concentration, reduced back pain, calorie burning, and core strengthening - ergonomic sit ball benefits infographic pillar-5-steps

 

Zitbal ensures an open hip angle

One of the biggest advantages of an ergonomic sitting ball is that it ensures an open hip angle. But what does that mean exactly?

What is an open hip angle?

An open hip angle means that the angle between your back and your thighs is greater than 90 degrees. This is important because it helps to reduce pressure on your lower back. On a regular chair, you often sit with your hips at an angle of 90 degrees or smaller, which can lead to discomfort and back problems.

Different sizes for different people

Exercise balls are available in various sizes, usually ranging from a diameter of 45 cm to 75 cm. Choosing the right size is essential for achieving the open hip angle. Here is a handy table to help you choose the right size:

Diameter Body length
45 cm
Up to 155 cm
55 cm
155 to 165 cm
65 cm
165 to 178 cm
75 cm
178 to 195 cm
90 cm
From 195 cm

Correct height for optimal posture

To find the right height, you need to ensure that your pelvis is higher than your knees. This causes your thighs to slope slightly downwards, which contributes to the open hip angle.

ergonomic sitting position - benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball

When you are at the right height, you prevent yourself from leaning forward, which often happens with a seat that is too low. This is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing back pain.

Hips higher than knees

The importance of an open hip angle cannot be emphasized enough. By positioning your pelvis higher than your knees, you distribute the pressure more evenly across your spine. This can help reduce the strain on your intervertebral discs and decrease the likelihood of back pain.

In the next section, we will discuss how a sitting ball enables dynamic sitting and what the benefits of that are.

Zitbal allows dynamic sitting

A sitting ball makes dynamic sitting possible, which simply means that you stay in motion while sitting. This is a great benefit for your health and productivity.

Small pressure differences

When you sit on a stability ball, you constantly create small pressure differences in your body. These pressure differences cause your muscles to constantly work to maintain your balance. This keeps your body active and prevents you from remaining in a static, unhealthy posture.

Feeding mechanism

The nutritional mechanism of your body also plays a role. By maintaining continuous movement, you stimulate blood circulation, which helps in the supply of nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and brain. This can improve your concentration and productivity, as shown by multiple studies.

Movement

Movement is the key to a healthy work environment. The exercise ball encourages you to move and change your posture. This reduces the risk of neck and back complaints and keeps you more alert during your workday.

In the next section, we will delve deeper into the benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball.

No back support

One of the striking features of an ergonomic sitting ball is the absence of a backrest. This may seem strange at first, especially if you are used to a traditional office chair. But there is an important thought behind it.

Stabilizing muscles

Without a backrest, your body must provide stability on its own. This means that your stabilizing muscles in your back and abdomen are continuously active. This helps to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles.

Scandinavian philosophy

The Scandinavian philosophy of ergonomics emphasizes the importance of movement and active postures. Traditional chairs with backrests can lead to a passive sitting position, which can be harmful in the long run. By omitting the backrest, you are forced to move more and use your muscles.

Research

Research shows that dynamic sitting, such as on a sitting ball, can help reduce the strain on your back. A study published in the European Spine Journal found that using a sitting ball reduces pressure on the spine and increases muscle activity. This can help prevent back pain and improve your overall health.

In the next section, we will further discuss the benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball.

ergonomic sitting ball benefits

 

Good pressure distribution

One of the most important ergonomic sitting ball benefits is the good pressure distribution. The sitting ball is air-filled, which means it adapts to your body. This ensures an even distribution of pressure over your sitting area.

Air filled ball

The air in the ball ensures that you are not sitting on a hard surface. This reduces pressure points on your body and makes sitting more comfortable. Moreover, it helps to maintain the natural S-shape of your spine.

Safety

The exercise balls are often made of anti-burst material. This means that the ball cannot just explode, even if it gets damaged. This makes it a safe option for daily use.

Instability

Although instability may sound negative, it is actually an advantage when using a stability ball. The slight instability causes you to make continuous small movements to maintain your balance. This activates your stabilizing muscles, such as your core and back muscles.

A study by Gregory, Dunk & Callaghan (2006) showed that after about an hour of sitting on the stability ball, users prefer to alternate with standing work or an ergonomic office chair. This underscores the importance of dynamic sitting and regularly changing positions.

In the next section, we will further discuss the specific benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball.

The top benefits of an ergonomic sitting ball

 

Benefits of ergonomic sitting balls

Healthy sitting posture

An ergonomic sitting ball helps you adopt a healthy sitting posture. Because the ball has no backrest, you receive immediate feedback if you are not sitting upright. Your back and abdominal muscles have to work harder to keep you balanced. This strengthens your muscles and improves your posture.

Improved concentration

Sitting on a stability ball keeps your brain more active. Your body is constantly in motion to maintain balance, which stimulates your brain. This leads to a more effective workday and better performance. You are able to concentrate better and can stay focused for longer.

Reduced neck and back complaints

Prolonged sitting can cause neck and back problems. A sitting ball forces you into a proper sitting posture, which reduces these complaints. Your back and neck muscles remain active, which helps to prevent stiffness and pain.

Calorie Burning

Sitting on a stability ball ensures that you move regularly. This keeps your body active and helps you burn calories. It's a simple way to integrate some extra movement into your day without really noticing it.

Core training

The constant movements you make to stay balanced train your core muscles. These are the muscles in your back, abdomen, and pelvis. By regularly using a sitting ball, these muscles become stronger, which contributes to better stability and posture.

Pregnancy

For pregnant women, a sitting ball can be a solution. It helps to sit pain-free while simultaneously training your pelvis. This can be especially useful during the last months of pregnancy, when traditional chairs become less comfortable.

In the next section, we will discuss how you can adjust your environment to make optimal use of an ergonomic sitting ball.

The environment must be adapted.

To optimally benefit from the ergonomic sitting ball advantages, your workplace must be properly adjusted. Here are some key points to consider:

Limited duration

It is important to know that a sitting ball works best when you limit its use to short periods. Experts recommend not sitting on a sitting ball for more than one hour at a time. Alternate it with a regular office chair to prevent overloading your muscles.

Variety

Variety is crucial. Regularly switch between your exercise ball, a regular chair, and a standing workspace. This helps to relax your muscles and prevents you from adopting a poor posture. As Backerz indicates, changing chairs ensures that you maintain an active posture.

Adjustable table

An adjustable table is essential when using a sitting ball. Because you sit higher on a sitting ball, your desk must also be adjustable to a higher position. This prevents you from leaning forward, which is bad for your back and neck. The HomeFit home office from Backerz is a good example of an electrically adjustable table that you can easily adjust to your sitting height.

Higher desk

When using a sitting ball, you need to ensure that your desk or computer table is higher than normal. This is necessary because your pelvis rises above your knees, which creates an open hip angle. A higher desk helps you maintain a good posture without having to bend.

ergonomic sitting ball benefits

Frequently Asked Questions about ergonomic sitting ball benefits

How long can you sit on a sitting ball?

An ergonomic sitting ball is a great addition to your office chair, but you shouldn't sit on it for more than one hour at a time. This is because your muscles can become fatigued without back support. Alternate your sitting ball with a regular office chair or standing workstation to give your body the necessary rest.

Is a sitting ball better for the back?

There is no conclusive evidence that a sitting ball is significantly better for the back than a conventional office chair. However, it can help to stay active and create small pressure differences in the intervertebral discs. This can contribute to better circulation and less stiffness.

Why use a sitting ball?

A sitting ball encourages movement and allows you to move more freely than a regular chair. This helps you adopt a correct sitting posture. By constantly correcting your posture, you train your back and abdominal muscles. Moreover, you can burn calories through the active way of sitting.

In the next section, we will delve deeper into how you can adjust your workspace to make optimal use of an ergonomic sitting ball.

Conclusion

At Backerz, we believe in the importance of healthy work environments. That’s why we offer a wide range of ergonomic furniture that contributes to an active and healthy working posture. Our products, such as the ergonomic sitting ball, help you make your workspace more comfortable and healthier.

We understand that choosing the right ergonomic solution is important. That's why we offer a 30-day trial period. This gives you the chance to try our products and experience how they can improve your posture.

Moreover, we offer free shipping on almost all our products, so you can enjoy a healthier workplace without extra costs.

Do you want to know more about our ergonomic sitting balls and other products? Discover our range and find the perfect solution for your workplace.

Together we can create a healthier and more productive work environment!

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