Are you working long hours? How much do you exercise? If your desk job and the time spent in an office prevent you from working out, you should look for an alternative. What you need is the best balance board standing desk. You no longer have to go to the gym after spending the whole day in the office.
This simple board can help you kick in some exercise while you’re working, so you’re killing two birds with one stone. Balance boards are used in rehabilitation after some knee injuries and other similar problems. Some people use them to train for skateboarding or surfing.
In the office, these help with core stability and posture while bringing some movement to your job.
We’ve researched and reviewed some of the highly-rated stand up balance boards on the market. Continue reading to find more info on these boards, as well as how to choose the right one for you.
Table of Contents
Why Using Balance Boards for Standing?
The infographics from LifeSpan, an under-desk treadmill company, shows some of the benefits that can happen when you’re using a standing balance board. Using a balance board can help:
- Keep you more alert
- Aids in rehabilitation
- Prevent injuries
- Reduces back pain
- Improves posture
- improves coordination and awareness
- Makes work more fun!
8 Highly-Rated Balance Boards for Standing in 2022
Revolution FIT 3-in-1
If you’re looking for something to improve your time at the desk, you should check out the 3-in-1 package by the Revolution. It comes with the board, extra grip roller, high-density rocker, 360 air cushion, and an exercise guide.
It’s ideal for improving flexibility, stability, and balance. However, it’s also suitable if you’re going through some recovery as it will speed up the process for you.
The whole package is quite fun and simple to use in the office, sleek and stylish, great for any student studying at their desk. Still, it might be a bit tricky for total beginners to master, but you should see some progress quite quickly. Make sure to use some carpeting or a yoga mat under the balance board if it’s your first time using it.
It’s important to mention that the board is made of high-quality materials that are durable and won’t break under you. Its total weight capacity is somewhere between 220 to 240 pounds.
Features:
- Three stages of balancing
- Speeds up recovery time
- Suitable for athletes training
The Plane by Fluid Stance
If you want something compact and easy to store away, this one is among the best options. It’s lightweight, small and you can fit in anywhere once you’re done with it.
It features a clean and sleek design so that you can use it at the office as well as the gym. Because of its overall design, compactness, and ease of use, most people love using it when working long hours at the desk.
One of the most exciting things about the Plane is that it’s made of recycled materials. This means the board itself is recyclable which is a significant benefit. Also, it’s made in the USA, in California.
Its weight capacity is somewhere at 200 lbs. It measures 24x12x2.5 inches and weighs about 9.6 pounds in total. You should use it with a yoga mat underneath or at least a thinner carpet, so the board isn’t too wobbly at the beginning.
Features:
- Eco-friendly
- Compact and easy to carry around
- High weight capacity
Whirly Board Spinning Balance Board
This attractive looking board is among the best ones to make your time at work more fun. It’s versatile and challenging for beginners as well as those who have already tried this type of exercise. You’ll notice it’s tricky to master, which is precisely what makes it as fun.
It’s recommended for all the people who sit at their desk for hours every day. All you have to do is get yourself a standing desk, and you’ll be able to enjoy the Whirly Board.
It allows you to improve your flexibility, balance as well as core stability. Not only it’s suitable for office, but it’s also ideal if you’re an athlete training for a particular board sport.
This one features a cork rubber grip tape for the best traction. This also allows you to use it with socks or barefoot depending on your preference and office dress-code.
Features:
- Versatile
- Attractive design
- Three balance points
StrongTek Professional Wooden Balance Board
This one looks entirely different, and it’s the first thing people usually notice about it. It measures 17.5×13.5×3 inches in total, and it’s quite lightweight. This makes it simple to carry around and store away when not in use.
The board is designed primarily for physical therapy. It helps improve your stamina, agility, reaction time, flexibility, and much more. Its unique design and compactness make it suitable for an office just as well.
Each board has an easy-grip surface that’s quite gentle so you can use it barefoot. This surface is there to help keep your feet firmly in place. For more stability, use it with a carpet underneath if you’re a beginner. You can remove the mat as you build your skills and abilities.
It’s made of Lauan hardwood plywood, so it’s durable and strong. Plus, its total weight capacity is up to 320 lbs. which is pretty unheard of.
Features:
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile
- Durable and has a great weight capacity
Pono Ola Board
If you’re a beginner and find balancing boards intimidating, you should consider the Pono Ola board. It’s designed for beginners, but it still provides great exercise and challenges to those who stand on it.
It challenges to the core the most, but it’s also popular for is its ability to boost productivity. Because it’s not too hard to balance on this one, you get to focus better on your work. Still, your muscles are working even though you may not feel that right away.
Office people find it especially useful to decrease back pain that you get from sitting or standing still for too long. With just a few hours of using the Pono Ola, you’ll experience less fatigue and a better mood.
This one has four balancing points. The balls are not inflated because most people have different preferences when it comes to the amount of air. Nonetheless, it comes with a pump.
Features:
- Easier to balance on
- Allows you to focus on other things
- Great for core strengthening
Yes4All Balance Board
Yes4All is among the best ones for sports performance enhancement. It improves your posture, core strength, balance, coordination, and visual sense. You’ll be able to strengthen targeted ligaments, muscles, joints and tendons.
This one provides 360-degree rotation ad 15-degree tilting angle. This allows front-to-back and side-to-side performance as well as circular drills.
The board is covered with a non-slip surface for a safe grip. It supports up to 300 lbs. and measures approximately 15.75” in diameter. This allows you to store it away in the office, so you don’t have to carry it around all the time.
Most people choose this one for its versatility. It’s a great combination of home/office exercise, portability, weight, and efficiency. You can use it if you’re recovering from an injury and you’ll notice a shorter recovery time thanks to the stability board.
It comes in several light and attractive colors to choose from.
Features:
- Lightweight and compact
- The shape allows circular movements
- Non-slip surface
Modern Movement
If your office is more modern looking, it’s only logical you want a sleek and contemporary stability board. This one looks simple so it will match your office with ease.
Now, it’s more than just looks as this one can be synced with M-Trac app that brings the best of its strength and technology. This way, you get to track your results, log your range of movement and reps. You can also always go back to your workout history.
Its 13 training options make it fun and versatile so your hours at the office won’t be as tedious and boring. The three height pads are designed for three levels of skill which makes this board suitable for beginners and those with a bit more experience.
It features a textured surface for better grip and more traction. Still, you’re advised to use it with a carpet or a yoga mat underneath. As you progress, you can remove it for more challenging stability.
Features:
- Syncs with M-Trac app
- 13 training options
- Has three height pads
Licloud Wooden Board
If you don’t want anything too tricky to balance on, this might be the best for you. It’s not as wobbly, but it still provides all you need to make standing at the desk more comfortable and fun.
It’s designed to reduce fatigue as its motion helps to massage your feet. This gives you a sense of relief by taking away the soreness. The gentle pressure is quite pleasant even after a few hours.
The base is made of wood, but it features an anti-slip PU surface for more comfort and safety during your time on the board. It’s portable and easy to carry around, so you won’t struggle to carry it from home to office and back as many times as you like.
It comes in black and gray measuring 19.9×13.9×2.24 inches in total. Its weight capacity is 320 lbs.
Features:
- Lightweight
- Gentle workout
- Massaging
How to choose the a balance board?
Quality
Only those that are high-quality last a long time, so this is something you should pay attention to. Look for a board that’s made of durable materials that won’t break as easily.
Make sure that it also has a non-slippery surface. Since these boards are already unstable, you want to have a good grip so you can’t slip and potentially injure yourself.
High-quality boards are a combination of all the best features and specifications. For this reason, you should consider all from performance, comfort, stability level and durability of its materials.
Balance
Some of the boards above are quite tricky to balance on because of the way they were built. However, the market is packed with different models so you can choose one based on your preferences and needs.
The higher the ball under the board, the harder it will be to balance on it. Make sure to also think about how many balance points it has. One point is the hardest to balance on while four are the easiest.
The instability level you choose depends on your skills and how well you think you can balance. Luckily, there are boards for both beginners and more advanced people.
Cost
The cost depends on many factors, but the overall quality and durability are the two biggest ones. Durable materials are usually more expensive, so these boards also come at a higher price. Some eco-friendly models aren’t cheap either, but you’re getting a recyclable board for the money.
The non-slip surface also affects the overall cost, and so does the quality of the entire construction. Is it glued on? What materials are used? These are only a few questions you could ask yourself if you’re trying to determine if the board you like might be too pricey.
Technology
You’d think there’s no way to incorporate technology in this since we’re talking about a wobble board. It turns out, there is a way, and some brands have done it.
More modern models can be connected to an app or even projected to your TV. This innovative technology allows you to track your results, reps, and history of your performances.
Of course, something like this isn’t appealing to most office workers, but it’s quite useful to people who are also into board sports.
Stand Up Balance Board FAQs
Why use a balance board when standing?
A balance board at a standing desk can be a real game changer for people who work long hours by their computer. The little bit of movement you get to do while just standing on this board makes all the difference.
You engage several muscles and work towards improving your posture and core strength. The more unstable the board, the more workout you kick in, all while working on your computer at the same time.
It’s a quick and innovative way to throw some exercise into your daily routine.
How does a balance board work?
It’s a board placed on a ball or a roller which causes it to be quite unstable. From the moment you step on it, you have to work your muscles in order to remain on top of it.
Though this sounds quite simple, it’s really not, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. For this reason, there are several types of boards to choose from based on your needs and skill level.
They all work the same or quite similar. The important thing to note is that you’re doing the work and you’re the one that’s in charge and not the board.
What muscles does it work out?
The most significant benefit of a stability board is its ability to improve your health. It helps you improve your posture, reduce neck and back pain, as well as pain in weight-bearing joints. By balancing this way, you work all those muscles.
You get to improve your core strength, abs, and back muscles. All of those muscles work together as you try to balance on a wobble board every day while at work.
Overview
Standing at the desk can often be hard and overwhelming especially if you do it every day for an extended period. Changing your position from sitting to standing and back can only do so much before the whole thing becomes too dull. Do this five days a week for years to come, and you’ll feel tired before you even get to work.
Still, this time spent in the office can be more interesting and used for a bit of balance, flexibility and core training. By choosing the right balance board, you get to improve your posture and muscles that are otherwise not used in office jobs.
Reduce your sitting time, and take the time you spend standing to another level. All of the boards we’ve reviewed are high-quality and have many benefits to offer to beginners and those with a bit more experience.