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Balance Boards for Active Standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Original
Our flagship product, The Original, is the perfect blend of sustainability and functionality. Crafted with a sustainable bamboo top deck and underpinned by a robust, military-grade aluminum base, The Original is engineered to support users up to 350 pounds. Its gentle slope promotes constant, subconscious movement, allowing users to engage their core and improve posture without disrupting their concentration on work tasks.
Level Balance Board
The Level Balance Board offers a step up in design aesthetic, featuring a premium wood top deck available in striking natural or rich walnut finishes. Supported by a sleek die-cast aluminum base, The Level Balance Board is a work of art and fully functional, supporting up to 300 pounds. This wobble board is ideal for users seeking a bit more challenge in their day-to-day desk routine, offering a higher degree of tilt and motion to keep your body engaged. Additionally, using a balance board increases energy expenditure by 19.2% compared to sitting, enhancing circulation and sustained focus throughout the workday. Essentially, using the Level Balance Board yields a higher caloric burn by allowing users more movement throughout the day.
Plane® Cloud Balance Board
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Plane® Cloud Balance Board is the perfect choice. This wobble board is constructed entirely from recycled materials and sports a cushioned foam top for ultimate comfort. Though lighter in capacity and supporting up to 250 pounds, the Plane® Cloud Balance Board is perfect for lighter movement and those occasional stretch breaks we all need throughout the day.
Springboard
Designed to keep you moving at work, Springboard’s step-on comfort and dynamic wood surface offer soft, spring-like performance. The flexible wood top of the Springboard keeps your body moving without you even knowing it, and the thick, cushy felt frame means you experience a subtle yet responsive bounce while standing at your desk or any work area.
Enhanced Physical Health
One of the most significant benefits of using a balance board is the positive effect on your physical health. Regular use can lead to:
- Improved Heart Rate: According to research by Heeluxe Lab, there’s a 15% increase in heart rate while using the FluidStance deck versus the same population sitting at a desk.
- Increased Energy Expenditure: The Mayo Clinic found that energy expenditure increased by 19.2% when using a FluidStance balance board compared to sitting. By allowing users more movement throughout the day, more calories are burned compared to staying static.
- Boosted Mobility: Movement on the board promotes flexibility and range of motion in the ankles, knees, and hips, leading to better joint health. Research on FluidStance’s Level Balance Board shows an average range of motion of 23.98 degrees, similar to the total ankle ROM experienced while walking.
Mental Clarity And Productivity
The use of wobble boards isn't just beneficial for the body; it has mental benefits as well:
- Reduced Mental Fatigue: Shifting and balancing can break the monotony of a stationary work stance, which helps reduce mental fatigue and keeps the mind engaged.
- Increased Productivity: Research has shown that decreased sitting showed a significant difference in improving worker’s health and productivity. Incorporating a mix of sitting, standing, and movements can be beneficial to your workday. 59% of participants surveyed in our user experience research attested to feeling more productive with our balance boards.
- Task Execution: Focusing on the task at hand is essential. In fact, with our balance boards, there is no statistical difference in the amount of typing errors that someone makes standing on a FluidStance deck compared to the same person in a seated environment.
Environmental Consciousness
In today’s world, making environmentally conscious decisions is more important than ever. By choosing FluidStance balance boards, you are supporting sustainable production practices.
- Sustainable Materials: Products like The Original and the Level Balance Board are made with sustainable bamboo and premium wood, minimizing environmental impact.
- Recycled Components: The Plane® Cloud Balance Board is crafted from recycled materials, emphasizing our commitment to reducing waste and promoting recycling efforts.
- Made In The USA: FluidStance’s balance boards are one of the few on the market that are made in the USA, with our manufacturing facility located in Santa Barbara, California.
Exceptional Durability
Investing in a FluidStance wobble board also invests in long-lasting wellness equipment. Our boards are designed for durability, ensuring that they can support a wide range of users for many years. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and further supports our environmental goals.
Choosing the right balance board requires careful consideration to ensure it enhances your work experience while promoting both health and productivity. To help you find the best option, here are the key factors to keep in mind.
- Quality and Durability: A high-quality wobble board should be built to withstand daily use without significant wear and tear. Look for durable materials like wood (Level), bamboo (The Original), or strong, flexible plastic (Plane® Cloud), that ensure longevity. A board base made of hardy materials like aluminum also adds to quality and durability. Products backed by warranties or guarantees, such as FluidStance’s Lifetime Warranty, indicate manufacturer confidence in their durability and performance.
- Stability and Safety Features: Safety is essential when selecting a balance board. Unlike gym or therapy balance boards designed for short bursts of use, standing desk boards should provide controlled movement that promotes stability throughout the day. For example, FluidStance boards are designed for prolonged use, with the average Level owner spending three or more hours per day on their board. Some models can also dial up the experience with add-ons like the Challenge Cap for the Original and Level, allowing you to increase movement intensity as your balance improves.
- Ergonomic Design: A well-designed wobble board encourages subtle, continuous movement without causing discomfort or distraction. The goal is to keep your muscles engaged while maintaining a comfortable stance. Unlike treadmill desks that can disrupt workflow, balance boards like FluidStance’s Level support movement with minimal impact on productivity. Research found that 76% of users reported that the Level increased their comfort, 59% were more productive, 51% were more focused, 57% felt increased core strength, and 83% had improved posture.
- Size and Portability: Consider the dimensions of the balance board to ensure it fits seamlessly into your workspace. A lightweight, compact design makes it easier to move when needed or transport between different locations. When not in use, invest in a stand such as FluidStance’s Holster, to store and keep your deck in pristine condition.
- Aesthetic Appeal: While functionality is the priority, design also matters. A visually appealing balance board can enhance your workspace and encourage regular use. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or the natural beauty of wood grain, choosing a board that complements your setup can improve your overall experience. FluidStance offers three premium wood top deck finishes for the Level and four base colors for the Original in both bold and neutral shades.
By considering these factors, you can find a wobble board that not only supports your health but also integrates seamlessly into your daily routine.
Incorporating a balance or wobble board into your standing desk setup adds movement to your workday, helping to combat the negative effects of prolonged standing or sitting. By engaging your core and promoting subtle motion, a balance board encourages better posture, increased range of motion, and improved focus—all while seamlessly integrating into your workflow.
- Better Posture And Stability: Introducing a balance board into your workspace can significantly improve your posture and increase your core strength, which are two goals desk-bound professionals need.
- Natural Range Of Motion: Research has shown that using a FluidStance deck encourages natural movement similar to walking, helping to keep your body engaged while you work. The board allows for a comfortable range of motion in your ankles, promoting subtle shifts in posture without straining your joints.
- Increased Energy And Focus: Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to fatigue and a lack of focus. However, standing on a balance board while working encourages gentle, continuous movement, increasing blood circulation and oxygen flow to the brain. 59% of surveyed participants reported feeling more focused at work with the help of our balance boards.
- Environmentally Friendly Exercise Option: FluidStance's commitment to sustainability means that incorporating our balance boards as an addition to your standing desk is good for your health and the planet. With products made from sustainable bamboo, recycled materials, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, choosing FluidStance means moving towards a healthier environment. Moving with a conscience has never been easier.
- Versatile And Convenient: Wobble boards offer a versatile and convenient way to add physical activity to your day, regardless of fitness level or age. Our boards are designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, allowing easy transition between tasks without sacrificing wellness goals. You can rest assured that FluidStance is one of the most researched balance boards on the market.
Enhancing your balance board experience with the right accessories can elevate both comfort and performance. Here are some top picks to complement your wobble board:
- Challenge Cap: Designed for the Level and Original balance boards, the Challenge Cap increases the balance point, offering a more demanding experience for short bursts of activity. It's ideal for users seeking to intensify their balance training during brief periods.
- Holster: This minimalist storage solution accommodates all FluidStance deck models, keeping your workspace organized. Made from 3/8" powder-coated steel, it ensures durability while maintaining your deck in pristine condition.
- UPmat: Specifically designed for the Level and Original balance boards, the UPmat adds extra cushion and comfort to your deck. Made from 5/8” thick foam, it's naturally non-microbial to prevent odor and is 100% recyclable.
- Base Mat: Designed for any flooring type, the Base Mat protects your floors from scratches and provides a firm surface for your balance board on carpet. Made from 100% virgin polycarbonate, it's supremely strong and fully recyclable.
- Springboard: An all-natural anti-fatigue mat, the Springboard features a flexible wood surface that offers a subtle, responsive bounce while standing. Made from eco-friendly materials, it provides comfort and encourages movement during long periods of standing.
- B+Ground™ Anti-Fatigue Mat: This eco-friendly mat is made from over 85% recycled content and provides a cloud-like standing experience. Its ergonomic design with a rounded beveled edge ensures high performance and style, making it a perfect companion for your balance board.
Incorporating a balance board into your daily routine can initially seem daunting. Still, FluidStance's range of user-friendly balance boards makes beginning your journey toward improved health and enhanced workplace wellness an exciting prospect. Starting slowly with these beginner-friendly exercises can help you develop your balance, core strength, and overall posture without feeling overwhelmed.
Standing Balance
Standing on a balance board like the Plane® Cloud Balance Board or Level Balance Board can kickstart your path to better health. Begin by placing the board on a flat surface, step onto it with feet shoulder-width apart, and try to maintain your balance as long as possible. Focus on a fixed point in front of you to help stabilize yourself. This simple exercise engages your core and leg muscles, improving your balance.
Gentle Rocking
Once you're comfortable standing on the balance board, start gently shifting your weight from side to side, causing the board to tilt in either direction. Keep the movements controlled and slow, concentrating on the sensation of your muscles adjusting to maintain balance. This exercise not only bolsters your leg and core strength but also enhances proprioception—your body's sense of itself in space.
Forward And Backward Tilting
Like side-to-side rocking, forward and backward tilting adds an incremental challenge to your balance training. Carefully lean forward, allowing the balance board to tilt towards you before gently tilting it back by shifting your weight onto your heels. This exercise helps improve your anterior and posterior balance, training your body to manage shifts in movement during daily activities.
Squats
Performing squats on a balance board elevates the exercise to a new core engagement and stability training level. Start with your feet parallel to the board, lower your body into a squat position while keeping your back straight, and return to the starting position. Remember to proceed comfortably, ensuring your safety while pushing your limits gently.
One-Foot Balance
For those looking to increase the difficulty, balancing on one foot challenges your body to adjust and stabilize using more subtle movements and muscle groups. Stand on the board with one foot, hold as long as possible, and switch feet. Maintaining a correct, upright posture is crucial to prevent strain and maximize the exercise's benefits.