Standing Desk vs Exercise Ball (Which is Better?)

You can work at a desk all day while also working on your physical fitness at the same time. Standing Desks and Exercise Balls are among the most popular choices for providing helpful remedies to an unhealthy sedentary work life. Both options claim outstanding benefits but, all things considered, the Standing Desk wins the day.

This article will explain what each of these interesting options to traditional office furniture is, and how they may help you stay fit without having to embrace a rigorous workout regimen.

standing desk vs exercise ball

How are Standing Desks and Exercise Balls different?

Standing Desks and Exercise Balls are two entirely different beasts because one is a surface upon which you work whereas the other is a substitute for an office chair on which you sit. Both claim to improve your ergonomic environment but approach your quest for a healthier work life in different ways.

The Standing Desk utilizes more muscles and addresses more of your body's systems - it can help you improve many more aspects of your overall health by adding both variety and flexibility into the ways that you use your body at work.

Substituting an Exercise Ball for a traditional chair will enable you to focus on your core muscles in order to help you improve your strength, balance, and posture.

Read More >> Top Best Standing Desk Exercises

What is a Standing Desk?

A standing desk may also be referred to as a stand-up desk, an adjustable-height desk, or a sit-stand desk.

This versatile piece of office furniture allows you to work while standing comfortably rather than sitting down for hours at a time. The best Standing Desks are the adjustable ones because they allow you to change the height of your work surface throughout the day depending on the task at hand and, best of all, allow you to alternate between sitting and standing.

The cost of a Standing Desk will vary and can range up to thousands of dollars. They can also be homemade. For instance, you can create your own Standing Desk by simply placing your computer on a pile of books.

What is an Exercise Ball?

An Exercise Ball is a soft elastic sphere that is filled with air. Some other names for Exercise Balls are yoga balls, Swiss balls, balance balls, Pilates balls, physio balls, or stability balls.

An Exercise Ball can be used instead of a traditional office chair. Ideally, when used in an office setting, the Exercise Ball will be incorporated into an office chair design, often with a back and armrests.

Some of these chairs feature an Exercise Ball that is seated in a stationery frame and others have wheels that allow you to roll around like a traditional office chair. The ones with wheels can often be locked to prevent slipping around while working.

Exercise Balls and Exercise Ball chairs are relatively inexpensive. You can usually purchase one for less than $100.00.

standing desk vs exercise ball

What are the pros of a Standing Desk?

There haven't been any rigorous scientific studies to document the advantages of working at a Standing Desk, but here are some benefits based on common sense and ergonomics:

  1. You burn more calories when standing vs when sitting. A Standing Desk isn't a substitute for a good exercise regimen, but you will burn about 10% more calories per hour by standing while working.
  2. Standing is better than sitting for controlling your blood sugar after meals. This is especially important for those with type 2 diabetes, who know that blood sugar spikes after eating. It returns to normal more quickly if you're standing rather than sitting. This can also help reduce heart disease.
  3. Studies indicate that using a Standing Desk can reduce back and neck pain within a few weeks of use because you can change positions and reduce the pressure on your spine.
  4. Standing and changing positions can improve your energy level and your mood. Being sedentary can contribute to depression and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on your productivity and quality of life.

Read More >> Best Standing Desk With Glass Top (2021 Review)

What are the pros of an Exercise Ball?

Fitness advocates have also embraced the notion of using an Exercise Ball as an office chair. Some people choose to simply place an Exercise Ball by their desk instead of a traditional office chair, while others (as noted earlier) purchase frames that essentially substitute an Exercise Ball for the customary chair cushions.

Fans of Exercise Ball chairs tout the following benefits:

  1. You increase your core strength because the Exercise Ball's instability forces you to continually flex and unflex your trunk muscles.
  2. You improve your posture because of your strengthened core muscles.
  3. You may improve your breathing because when you sit on an Exercise Ball you won't slouch the way most people do in a traditional chair.
  4. You burn more calories than you would when sitting in a traditional office chair because you are constantly using muscles to maintain your balance.

What are the main differences between a Standing Desk and an Exercise Ball?

The main differences between a Standing Desk and an Exercise Ball are:

  1. A Standing Desk allows you to change the height of your workspace throughout the day, whereas an Exercise Ball is stationary.
  2. A Standing Desk can have a positive impact on how quickly you reduce your blood sugar after meals and use several muscle groups as you alternate positions, whereas an Exercise Ball will help you improve your core strength.
  3. A Standing Desk is safer because of an Exercise Ball's inherent instability which forces you to continually adjust and can result in a fall.

Conclusion

So, in the Standing Desk vs Exercise Ball contest, which wins?

The Standing Desk is a better choice because it offers better stability and more options as you can adjust heights and alternate between sitting and standing throughout your workday.

Whichever you choose, you should work your way into them gradually so that your body can adjust. Many experts recommend using them for 30-60 minutes at first, then alternating throughout the day with your traditional furniture. 

It isn't a good idea to either sit or stand all day, so mix it up in order to enjoy better health and posture.

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Darryl Higgins

Darryl Higgins

Hi, I'm Darryl. I made this site to help share information & reviews about ergonomic desks, chairs & accessories to help others who want to work more comfortably. Learn more about my journey by reading my bio here. Enjoy!
Darryl Higgins

Darryl Higgins

Hi, I'm Darryl. I made this site to help share information & reviews about ergonomic desks, chairs & accessories to help others who want to work more comfortably. Learn more about my journey by reading my bio here. Enjoy!

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