Benefits of Using a Yoga Ball Chair

With more people using yoga than ever before, there seem to be new accessories appearing daily. While some of the props may be unnecessary, others can drastically improve your practice when used correctly. One of these is the yoga ball chair. Best described as an air-filled ball that sits inside a frame, the yoga ball chair has a variety of great benefits including improved balance and a stronger core. Better still, the ball can be removed from the chair and used on its own. All you need to get started is a flat surface and some comfortable yoga leggings. In this article, we explore the benefits of using a yoga ball chair in more detail.

What is a Yoga Ball Chair?

A yoga ball is made up of a yoga ball that sits inside a frame. To allow the chair to move around easily, many of the frames have wheels. Additionally, the frame often has an adjustable back to accommodate users of different sizes. This makes them perfect for use in the workplace or a home office.

The ball itself is crafted from durable vinyl and filled with air. As the ball is curved, users may feel slightly unstable on the chair; however, when used correctly this isn’t a bad thing. To stabilize the ball, practitioners will need to engage their core muscles. Subsequently, this offers a passive workout which can help to tone the abdominal muscles.

The great thing about a yoga ball chair is that the ball is removable. When removed, practitioners can use the ball alongside their yoga workout.

Benefits of a Yoga Ball Chair

So now we know what a yoga ball chair is, but what are the benefits? Below, we discuss some of the most popular ones.

Encourages Correct Posture

To stabilize yourself on a yoga ball chair, you need to sit up straight with correct posture. While this may feel uncomfortable when you first start, it won’t be long before the position becomes second nature. Over time, using a yoga ball chair can lead to improved posture, correct spinal alignment, and better back health. With this in mind, users are less likely to suffer from pain and discomfort in the back.

Reduces Pressure

On a regular chair, it’s easy to become lazy and remain in one position for most of the day. When using a yoga ball chair, however, small adjustments need to be made to maintain balance. This regular movement helps to reduce the pressure caused by sitting in the same position for a prolonged duration.

Convenient

When using a yoga ball chair, it’s easy to fit in a quick workout during the day. As the ball is right there, you are more likely to use it while waiting for someone to return your email or phone call. Using the ball for just a few minutes can prevent the stiffness and bad circulation associated with working at a desk.

Improves Balance

Using a yoga ball chair can drastically improve your balance. Better still, all you need to do it sit on it! Keeping the ball stable throughout the day will gradually improve your balance whilst also strengthening the core. This makes the ball ideal for anybody who is unsteady.

Strengthens the Core

To balance on a yoga ball, you need to engage your abdominal muscles. Although this cannot be compared to an intense workout, over time your core strength and muscle tone will improve. Not only can this help to tone the stomach, it can also improve your overall balance.

Improves Circulation

When sitting at a desk for a prolonged period, your legs can start to feel tingly or numb. This sensation is the result of poor circulation which can occur when sitting still for too long. When using a yoga ball chair, small adjustments need to be made to maintain balance. As your body is moving regularly, you are less likely to suffer from bad circulation and the associated symptoms. For best results, it’s important to find a yoga ball chair that is the right size for you. If you can, it’s always best to go for an adjustable frame so you can discover what height works best.

Boosts Energy Levels

When sitting in the same position for a long time, you can start to feel tired and lethargic. As you are moving regularly on a yoga ball, the chair will boost your energy levels and keep you feeling healthy throughout the day.

Burns Calories

According to research, sitting on a yoga ball chair for 8 hours can burn up to 350 calories. Compared to the number of calories burnt when sitting on a regular chair, this is an impressive number. If you swap your regular chair for a yoga ball, you don’t need to worry about missing your morning workout occasionally.

Affordable

Another great thing about yoga ball chairs is that they’re affordable. Typically, you can pick up a good one for under £100. Compared to the price of an ergonomically correct office chair, this is an absolute bargain!

In Summary

Whether you’re hoping to tone your stomach or improve your circulation, a yoga ball chair can help you to achieve your goal. Better still, the chair can be used anywhere! Sitting on the ball for 8 hours a day can burn up to 350 calories more than using a standard office chair. This means you can burn those extra calories throughout the working day. When removed from the frame, the ball can be used with a variety of yoga poses. Providing many of the same benefits as when used in the frame, the ball can help to align the spine and support the body whilst you work-out. When using the ball alongside your yoga practice, remember to wear a tight-fitting yoga top to prevent the material from getting caught on the prop.