Interested in learning about the best balance boards for standing desks? In this product review guide, I will go over some of the best balance boards for standing desks of 2023.
Have you recently transitioned to a standing desk?
Standing desks have a ton of great health benefits, and a balance board can add even more benefits to keep you moving and strong.
A standing desk alone can add increased productivity and adding a balance board to your daily routine can increase your focus and strength.
A balance board, combined with your standing desk, offers an effective combination of strength training and consistent movement that will be seamlessly added to your daily work routine.
Balance boards may take a little bit to get used to, but once you get on and practice with it for a while, you’ll see why a balance board is a natural choice to add to your standing desk.
In this review, you’ll learn about:
- What is a balance board?
- Are balance boards good for your knees?
- How to choose the best balance board
Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Balance Boards
- Ergohead (Our Top Pick)
- Amazon Basics(Best Budget)
- FEZIBO (Best High End)
What Are Balance Boards?
Balance boards are typically used to improve balance and posture, increase core body strength, and even assist with rehabilitation.
It’s a challenging, fun, and different way to increase your balance and your health. It impacts muscles that have a huge impact on your balance and joints.
Back in the day, balance boards were primarily used for skiers and surfers to improve their skills during the off-season. Today, many athletes still use it to improve their overall performance.
It can even be used with children and developmental disorders. Balance boards are a great way to expand your strength training with a low-impact exercise.
Balance boards used to be made of wood which had a flat top and an unstable bottom. These days they can be made of just about anything and be any size or shape.
The most common balance boards you’ll come across are made of plastic, wood, or a combination of both. Wood is typically used as the platform.
No matter how they’re made or what they look like, the basic function of a balance board is to force you, the user, to balance on a board that has a domed shape, or uneven, bottom.
It’s easy to use a balance board! You stand on the board and try to balance. Some balance boards are more challenging than others. We’ll discuss the different types of balance boards down below.
Balance boards are easy to acquire and can be moved easily from space to space, making them an ideal fitness accessory for home, office, or even travel.
What Are The Different Types of Balance Boards?
A balance board is a very simple device that can be made of wood or plastic.
Some are considered to be more like ‘rockers’ rather than balance boards, but the concept remains the same; maintain balance.
Though maintaining balance isn’t always easy with balance boards, that’s all part of what makes them so appealing!
Some balance boards offer a simple back and forth, while others offer a more vigorous workout.
When searching for a balance board specifically for a standing desk, you may want to consider something a bit simpler so you can continue to work while you balance.
There are a few main types of balance boards:
A rocker balance board is essentially one piece that allows the user to gently rock from side to side. This can be beneficial for a standing desk situation as it would allow for increased motion and flexibility and allow you to focus on work.
This is a good starter board as it’s easy to rock from side to side, though it will still engage your muscles and increase your health.
The wobble balance board usually has some type of secure ball on the bottom and can sometimes wobble in all directions.
Wobble balance boards could prove to be more difficult for some and even too distracting for a standing desk situation. It just depends on what you want to get out of it while you work at your standing desk and also how distracting it might be for other coworkers, or even yourself.
Sphere-and-ring balance board is one of the hardest boards and probably wouldn’t be used along with a standing desk. However, a sphere-and-ring board has an unattached base and the board can move in all directions.
Because it moves in all directions on an unattached ring, it can be quite challenging for many people, especially when working at a standing desk.
To figure out which is best for you, ask yourself, what is your objective when using a balance board with a standing desk?
Do you want something to keep you active and focused? Or are you looking for something that will challenge you and give you a solid workout while you work?
There’s a balance board that is sure to fit your needs.
How Do Balance Boards Work?
The concept of a balance board is to focus on improving our overall balance and flexibility. Balance is a huge part of life; if we can achieve balance while exercising or working, we have truly achieved something great.
Balance is something natural to us all, but many of us are missing it entirely. Our sedentary lives don’t allow many opportunities for balance.
Our bodies should be able to act and react to variable motions, but the more we sit at our desks or on the couch, the easier it is for us to lose that natural ability for our bodies to find balance when we need it.
Read More >> Do Standing Desks Help with Sciatica?
A balance board can act as a supplement to improve your balance, especially when used in tandem with a standing desk. You’re already standing, so add in a balance board to help maintain the proper balance in your life.
Through the small, basic movements of balancing or tilting, the balance board works to increase health through progression and consistency.
In addition, by staying active during your workday, a balance board can also help you achieve better mental health. By consistently trying to balance, it improves the neural networks between the mind and body, thus improving our mental and physical well-being.
You’ll notice an immediate benefit when using a balance board as it activates all of your tiny muscles that you never even knew you had.
When you’re first using a balance board, caution should be exercised. Take it slow when you’re getting to know your balance board. The last thing you want is an injury caused by improper use of the balance board or doing something outside your skill level.
Test it out and try out new techniques slowly. If you need to, brace the desk for a while before you’re fully used to it. For some time, you may need to pay close attention to what you’re doing on the balance board before using it at work.
Taking it home and practicing it there before using it while you work may be a good idea.
If you’re using a balance board that isn’t right for you, don’t continue to use it. Find a balance board that is going to fit your needs and your lifestyle.
Are Balance Boards effective?
Balance boards can be quite effective to improve balance, increase strength and improve overall joint functionality and support. But to be effective, it might be a good idea to develop a goal and plan of action.
If your goal is to simply increase movement in your day, then it will certainly offer that, especially when combined with a standing desk. You’re already standing so why not add some deliberate action to your movements instead of aimless shifting?
Balance boards are designed for rehabilitation and training for athletes, so when combined with your everyday life, they can have great health benefits.
What are the benefits of using a balance board with a standing desk?
Using a balance board with a standing desk seems like a match made in heaven.
While a standing desk is a great start to improving your health and productivity by getting up instead of sitting down all day, adding a balance board to your workday could help to improve your health even more.
Let’s look at a few benefits of using a balance board with a standing desk:
#1 Keeps you alert:
Though it’s probably unlikely that you’ll fall asleep while standing, by consistently moving on the balance board, you’re maintaining a sense of alertness.
Being alert will also help increase your work productivity and overall awareness of your surroundings. You’ll feel more focused and energized because of the progressive, consistent movement.
#2 Offers consistent movement:
Standing may be better than sitting, but fatigue can still be an issue with a standing desk.
Adding in the little bit of movement that a balance board offers, can relieve some of that fatigue. In addition, consistent movement is great for your joints, as mentioned earlier.
#3 Relieves fidgeting:
If you’ve ever experienced fidgeting while at your desk, fidgeting can be attributed to anxiety, nerves, or simply a tick that you’ve unconsciously developed. A balance board can be the answer to your fidgeting!
The balance board gives your mind and body somewhere to focus on so instead of fidgeting with your hands or having to chew gum, the balance board focuses that attention because you’ll be too busy trying to balance on the board, while also working on your desk, to do anything else.
#4 Better posture:
Have you ever noticed that sitting all day can have adverse effects on your back? More specifically, sitting all day can have drastic effects on our posture.
Poor posture can cause problems with your neck, back, and other joint pain.
Believe it or not, when you use a balance board with your standing desk, it can help build and strengthen the muscles needed to create better posture.
In addition, you may also want to consider doing some stretching exercises to improve your posture.
#5 Low impact:
One of the reasons a balance board is used so often for rehabilitation is because of its low impact.
Low impact is perfect for people of all ages and abilities. It uses little movements here and there while you’re already standing.
They’re not huge leaps and bounds; they’re small adjustments of your weight from side to side or back and forth. Strengthen your muscles and abilities with a low-impact balance board!
#6 Exercise without a gym:
While at your standing desk, you may not be breaking a sweat, but you will be actively engaging your mind and muscles, which is a huge benefit and can reduce your time at the gym.
When you’re not using the balance board at your standing desk, you can use it for a variety of exercises that we’ll talk about later to increase your movement and activity level.
Using a balance board almost forces you to consistently move which keeps you active and activity is always going to be good for our health.
A balance board also increases your focus, offering consistent movement and strengthening muscles, which all lead to much better overall health.
Any movement is better than no movement!
#7 Reduces chances of injury:
No matter your age, we can all be injured at any stage of our lives. Functional strength is the key to reducing the chances of injury.
By using a balance board, you’re improving your functional strength by strengthening your core, leg muscles, back, and much more, which all help to encourage better balance and stability.
The stronger your muscles are, the quicker and easier you’ll be able to react or act and prevent the chances of injury.
Using a balance board means that the muscles you use quite often are getting developed and being improved upon. This will all help to strengthen your muscles and reduce your chances of injury.
#8 Better coordination:
If we think about what we’re doing with the balance board and standing desk, we realize that the more we use it, the better coordination we’ll have.
It takes an incredible amount of concentration to balance on a board while also working.
All of this will help to increase coordination and overall stability.
#9 Reduce back pain:
Improving your core can help to improve or correct your back pain issues.
If your abs are weak, that can contribute to back pain and a balance board can improve all of your core muscles, which in turn, would improve back pain.
#10 It’s fun:
Using a balance board is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. It can be challenging at first, but it’s also a lot of fun and you’ll see improvements quicker than you realize.
The more often you’re on your balance board, the stronger you’ll get and the more focused you’ll become. Have some fun with it and find exercises that are going to be best for you and your life.
Your health sees huge benefits by adding a balance board to your standing desk. You don’t need to be an athlete to use a balance board, it can benefit every single individual at any skill level. The more you use it, the more benefits you’ll see in your everyday life.
Are balance boards good for standing desks?
A standing desk alone is a good start, but adding a balance board to your standing desk will help to increase your overall health and strength without ever stepping foot into a gym.
You’re already standing, so why not add something a little extra to increase your balance, focus, and movement?
A balance board could be the answer you’ve been looking for when it comes to adding a bit more activity to your work day.
You can step off and on at any time, you’re not stuck to anything.
A balance board offers very little disturbance to your everyday routine, this includes while typing. Some other exercises might create too much movement, but a balance board can be as subtle or extreme as you wish it to be.
Read More >> Are Standing Desks Better Than Sitting?
It can easily be moved from place to place and safely stowed away under the desk. In some instances, you may even be able to store it away on a desk or even hang it on the wall for added convenience.
Balance boards tend to look good and because they don’t take up a lot of space, they won’t be a nuisance to anyone else.
Most businesses will be thrilled that you’ll want to add a little more exercise to your daily routine. If they’re already on board with a standing desk, then chances are, they’ll be happy to allow a small, compact balance board.
A balance board can also be a lot of fun and add a little bit of excitement to your everyday. You’re already taking a step in the right direction with a standing desk, now it’s time to add a little bit extra to the mix with a balance board.
There’s very little, if any, a sound that balance boards make and if there are any clunking sounds from the board hitting the floor, the sound could be minimized with extra padding, if needed.
Balance boards are a great option for standing desks, as long as everything is sized correctly. Balance boards can offer a little bit of extra height and could be uncomfortable if not sized properly.
What do you do with a balance board?
Depending on which type of balance board you get, there are several options when it comes to activities.
If you want to simply stand at your desk and work, all you may want to do is rock side to side or simply make small, micro-movements every once and a while. What you do with a balance board is completely up to you and your needs.
In addition, you may want to take a few breaks to do some quick exercises. Several 1-minute exercises can get your heart pumping!
Here are some ideas:
- Softly shift your weight from side to side
- Tilt your weight backward and forwards or side to side
- The slight tilt to either right or left, maintaining balance
- Single foot balance
- Single foot tilts to either left or right, maintaining balance on one foot
- Round the clock with one or both legs
- Squats, while maintaining balance on the board
- Catching a ball while maintaining balance (think a coworker would want to do this with you?)
- Lunges
- Calf raises
- Planks
The ideas are endless. You could even incorporate push-ups with your balance board if you’re looking for an even greater challenge.
The only thing you may want to consider is your space, your coworkers and in general, what you should and shouldn’t be doing in a professional setting. In general, many of these ideas can be done without anyone ever noticing.
If the main reason for using a balance board with your standing desk is to simply maintain movement, then do just that.
Do slight movements and balancing exercises throughout the day. Step on and off the board and try to re-balance. Make it a fun game and let your imagination run wild with the possibilities.
When you use a balance board, don’t forget to bend your knees as you move from side to side or back and forth. By bending your knees, you’ll be able to gain better balance and confidence.
As you become more comfortable with your balance board, you can increase the intensity and find your comfort zone.
How many calories does standing on a balance board burn?
A balance board may not replace a dedicated workout, but rather it’ll be part of your overall health and exercise routine. When incorporated into your work life, it can have even greater impacts on your well-being, both mentally and physically.
Though some balance board activities can indeed burn some serious calories, if you’re primarily using this with your standing desk, you may not be burning as many calories as you may see other people burning.
In general, standing burns more calories than sitting. Standing alone can help you burn up to 200 calories. While sitting will only burn about 130 calories.
Standing at your desk isn’t just standing, you’re constantly adjusting and stretching and shifting weight and that’s all extra calories that are being burned.
In saying that, there are still many other variables to consider, including your weight. How much you currently weigh will have an impact on how many calories you’re burning.
Instead of just standing and aimlessly shifting weight, when you add in a balance board with simple movements, you could burn anywhere between 30-250 calories, or more! Again, there are many variables including how much you currently weigh.
In general, standing on a balance board will burn more calories than standing or sitting alone.
Are balance boards good for knees?
Yes! A balance board is very good for the knees. Many of us should be concerned about our joint health, especially with our sedentary lives.
The good news is, one of the ways a balance board is used is in rehabilitation to help increase knee strength after a knee injury. So it only makes sense that a balance board would be good for your knees.
Using a balance board for everyday purposes at your standing desk can improve power and coordination as well as increase the general strength of your knees. The more often we move our joints, such as our knees, the stronger they’ll remain.
If you’re unable to get out on walks regularly, a balance board can be a great way to keep those joints moving.
Lack of physical activity on our joints can have drastic effects. Since the balance board is a low-impact exercise, it’s perfect for a consistent activity to improve knee health.
By using a balance board, you may even be able to prevent knee injury because you’re actively engaging your joints and making them stronger.
How do I choose a balance board?
If you’re planning to use a balance board exclusively with your standing desk, there are a few things we need to keep in mind when looking for the best balance board.
Tilting degree:
While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, when it comes to a standing desk, it can make a big difference, especially when you’re trying to actively get work done.
A 20-degree tilt is recommended for a standing desk. It’ll offer the same benefits of increasing your core, while also keeping you focused on your work.
Board size:
Your height and desk size can have an effect on which size board to choose from. Shorter people should consider a narrow board while taller people should consider a wider board.
In general, you should be able to place your feet shoulder-width apart on the board without being too close to the edge or center.
Surface:
if you’re going to be using the balance board exclusively with your standing desk, consider the type of surface. There are grip and slip surfaces.
Consider a grippable surface so you can focus on your work instead of consistently sliding around.
Height:
Height may not be a huge issue for most, and in general, a balance board won’t add a ton of extra height, but it will add a little bit. Do keep in mind that a balance board will add a few inches to your overall height.
If your standing desk can’t be adjusted, try to find a board that will fit your standing desk without having to adjust anything.
Price:
Which balance board fits your budget? There are boards for every price range. Some balance boards can be ranged upwards of $100 or more.
Sound:
Most balance boards are quiet, but some may make a slight noise when you move them. Keep sound in mind when thinking about a balance board for your office setting.
Weight:
Many balance boards these days are lightweight and easily moveable, but again, just be sure to look at the weight and make sure you’ll be able to easily move it.
Size:
While many balance boards are ergonomic and don’t take up a lot of space, some of them may be more difficult to fit into certain spaces.
Figure out where you might want to store your balance board when not in use to determine the best size.
In general, take a close look at the features of whatever balance boards you’re looking at and make sure it’s going to fit you and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at some of the best balance boards on the market today.
Best Balance Boards Reviewed
#1 Ergohead
- Ergonomically Engineered Balance Board--Simple, low-impact movement helps strengthen and stabilize muscles in the core, lower back, hips, legs, and ankles. You can also benefit from it by improving postures and joint mobility, increasing circulation,
- Fun and Healthy--Balance board provides a fun and healthy way to stand at work, the healthy alternative to anti-fatigue mats, and a must-have for any standing desk risers workstation, home kitchen, gym, and more.
Ergohead is a wooden wobble balance board that offers an anti-fatigue non-slip mat. The mat itself has massage points which help to relieve a bit of stress while standing on it.
It offers an 8.5-degree tilting angle with a weight limit of 440 lbs. It’s one solid piece so your feet can comfortably sit anywhere on the board.
It weighs 5.79 pounds and has a gel handle so you can comfortably move it.
This board will only tilt from left to right.
- Pros: Non-slip mat, massage points for added circulation
- Cons: Only moves side to side
#2 Amazon Basics
- Black balance board can help improve core strength, coordination, posture, and balance
- Suitable for a wide range of exercises, including push-ups, plank, standing balance poses, and targeted workouts for strengthening specific muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints
The Amazon Basics wooden wobble balance board has a solid wood top that supports up to 265 pounds. It offers a non-slip surface with a 20-degree tilt.
The board is round and can support a wide range of activities and full-circle movement. The board measures 15.5 inches around, so it might be a bit small for taller people.
It weighs 3.2 pounds which makes it lightweight and extremely portable.
- Pros: Non-slip surface, full movement
- Cons: Small board
#3 FEZIBO
- Ergonomically Engineered Design: The standing Anti-fatigue mat remains steady with an 8.5° tilting angle. You will get the real benefit of standing!
- Innovative Concept: The perfect rug with a new generation of features, and its ergonomically engineered design.
This balance board has an 8.5-degree tilt with a non-slip surface. It has a weight limit of 320 pounds and weighs 6.39 pounds.
It has massage points so it can easily be used barefoot and in general, helps to relieve a bit of pressure on your feet.
There is no assembly required and it’s incredibly easy to move. Has great stability while you’re working and you can shift weight as needed.
This balance board is wide enough and large enough to accommodate taller people.
- Pros: Great for tall people, no assembly required, non-slip surface
- Cons: Only an 8.5-degree tilt
#4 StrongTek
- ✓ IMPROVE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING: Our wooden rocker board is designed to stimulate your core and improve agility, reaction time, and stamina. This low-impact exercise board is great for all.
- ✓ COMPACT AND PORTABLE: At 17.5” x 13.5” x 3” in size, our lightweight balance exerciser/fit tilt board can be used for therapy or training at home, the gym, or while traveling. A perfect standing desk accessory.
This balance board offers a wide platform that can accommodate any size person. It can allow people to up to 350 pounds.
It offers a slip-resistant surface, gentle enough for bare feet but stable enough to keep you in place.
The total height is 3 inches and weighs 5.07 pounds which makes it easily moveable.
This is a rocker so it can move side to side, but not in full circles. In addition, this balance board has rockers that are almost to the edge, which doesn’t allow for a lot of a challenge.
- Pros: Lightweight, slip-resistant, large platform
- Cons: Not much of a challenge
#5 Seville Classics
- TILT, WOBBLE, ROCK - Active your core muscles and burn calories without moving from your desk! Our board rocks up to 8. 5° from side to side. It’s perfect for at-home exercise and physical therapy.
- FOOT-MASSAGING COMFORT MAT - Take advantage of the uniquely textured surface to massage your feet and improve circulation. The raised terrain is designed to release pressure points in your feet for ergonomic comfort.
The Seville Classics balance board comes in a few different sizes; 20”, 32”, 36”, and 39”.
This would be considered a tilt, wobble, or rock platform with an 8.5” side-to-side tilt. It offers a non-slip surface and ergonomic design.
It’s made of durable wood with a compact design for easy mobility weighing in at 5.3 pounds.
It will only wobble from left to right. In addition, this can be used on carpet, but because of the small wobble, the carpet may cut down on the amount of wobble.
- Pros: Comes in different sizes, non-slip surface, lightweight
- Cons: Only rocks back and forth
Final Thoughts On Balance Boards for Standing Desks
While there are certainly a few aspects to consider when it comes to finding the right balance board for your standing desk, in the end, a balance board can add a lot of benefit to your overall work life and health.
By adding in those extra movements during your work day, you’ll be creating a stronger mind and body.
What’s great about a standing desk is that you can use a variety of accessories and a balance board is just one of those many accessories that can be used with it to increase productivity and balance.
Balance boards are affordable, lightweight, and compact. Since balance boards are low impact, they can be learned and used by anyone at any age. This also includes being used by anyone of any skill level.
Though it may take a little bit of time to get used to it, balance boards come in all skill levels. Start with an easy balance board that only moves from left to right then when you feel more comfortable and are looking for something more, move onto a more challenging balance board.
You’ll be the envy of your coworkers as you’re balancing and creating stronger core strength while increasing your overall health.
