Reina Myrtia

My Experience With Kneeling Chairs And Exercise Balls

As someone who spends a lot of time sitting at a desk, I’m always looking for ways to make my work environment more comfortable and healthy. Over the years, I’ve tried several different seating options, including traditional office chairs, standing desks, and even a balance board. But two options that I keep coming back to are kneeling chairs and exercise balls.

Kneeling Chair Vs Exercise Ball: What’s the Difference?

If you’re not familiar with these options, here’s a quick rundown:

• Kneeling chairs

  Kneeling chairs are designed to encourage you to sit in a more upright position, with your knees and shins resting on a padded seat and your weight distributed between your knees and your buttocks. This position is supposed to help align your spine and reduce pressure on your lower back.

• Exercise balls

  Exercise balls, also known as stability balls or Swiss balls, are large inflatable balls that you can sit on. They require a bit more balance and core engagement than a traditional chair, which can help improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles. Plus, they’re fun to bounce on during breaks!

Kneeling Chair Vs Exercise Ball: Which is Better?

As with most things, the answer is: it depends. Here are some things to consider:

Pros and Cons of Kneeling Chairs

• Pros: Kneeling chairs can help improve your posture and reduce pressure on your lower back. They also require some core engagement, which can help strengthen your core muscles.
• Cons: Kneeling chairs can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if you have knee or ankle issues. They can also be difficult to adjust to if you’re used to sitting in a traditional chair.

Pros and Cons of Exercise Balls

• Pros: Exercise balls can help improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles. They’re also fun to bounce on during breaks, and you can use them for exercise outside of work.
• Cons: Exercise balls can be unstable and require more balance than a traditional chair. They can also be too tall or too short for some people, depending on the size of the ball and the height of your desk.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

For me, I prefer the exercise ball over the kneeling chair. I find it more comfortable and fun to sit on, and I like the added challenge of balancing. However, I know that not everyone will feel the same way.

If you’re considering either option, my suggestion would be to try them out for a few days and see how they feel. You may find that one works better for you than the other, or that you prefer to switch between the two throughout the day.

FAQs

Q: Can kneeling chairs or exercise balls help with back pain?

A: Both options can potentially help with back pain, as they encourage better posture and engage your core muscles. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor or physical therapist before using either option, especially if you have existing back issues.

Q: Are kneeling chairs or exercise balls appropriate for all body types and sizes?

A: Not necessarily. Kneeling chairs can be uncomfortable for some people, especially those with knee or ankle issues. Exercise balls can also be too tall or too short for some people, depending on the size of the ball and the height of your desk. It’s important to find an option that works for your body type and size.

Q: Can exercise balls be used for exercise outside of work?

A: Absolutely! Exercise balls are great for a variety of exercises, including core work, balance training, and stretching. Just make sure to choose an appropriate size ball for your height and weight.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Try both options out for a few days to see which one feels best for you.
2. Make sure to adjust your desk height accordingly if you switch to an exercise ball.
3. Consider using a kneeling chair or exercise ball for only part of the day, and switching to a traditional chair for the other part.
4. Use a timer to remind yourself to take breaks and stretch throughout the day.
5. Try doing some simple exercises on your exercise ball during breaks or after work.
6. Make sure to choose an appropriate size ball or chair for your body type and size.
7. Consider adding a lumbar support cushion to your kneeling chair or exercise ball for added comfort.
8. Use good posture habits, such as keeping your shoulders relaxed and your feet flat on the ground.
9. Consider talking to a physical therapist or ergonomics expert for personalized advice.
10. Have fun and enjoy the benefits of a more active work environment!