Best Balance Board For Standing Desk
Standing desks help professionals eager to break free from the chains of sedentary work lifestyles. However, optimizing an even healthier and more engaging work environment doesn't stop with just standing. Enter the balance board for standing desks — a revolutionary tool designed to keep you moving, engaged, happy and productive throughout your workday.
Key Takeaways:
- Balance Boards Integrate Motion: Balance boards for standing desks promote movement, enhance productivity, and support overall health by integrating subtle, continuous motion into the workday.
- Considerations For Balance Boards: To ensure safety and long-term usability, the focus must be on quality, stability, ergonomic design, size, and aesthetics.
- Innovation For Workstations: Innovative features such as adjustable difficulty levels, sleek designs, and eco-friendly materials distinguish modern balance boards as effective tools for active workstations.
What To Look For In A Balance Board
When it comes to selecting the best balance board for standing desks, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you find a product that not only enhances your workday but also supports your health and productivity goals. Here are the essential elements to keep in mind:
Quality And Durability
Your balance board should be built to last, capable of supporting your weight and handling daily use without showing significant wear and tear. Look for boards made from high-quality materials, like durable wood or strong, flexible plastic. Products that come with a warranty or guarantee also suggest confidence in the product's longevity and performance.
Stability And Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority. A good balance board will have features designed to prevent too much movement like balance boards made for the gym or therapy. These kinds of boards are made for short bursts of time versus a product like FluidStance that is designed for all-day use. In fact, the average FluidStance Level owner uses their board over 3 hours a day. Some boards also offer adjustable difficulty levels, like the Level’s optional challenge cap allowing you to gradually increase the challenge as you gain confidence and skill.
Ergonomic Design
An ergonomically designed balance board can help you maintain a comfortable stance throughout your workday. It should allow for a natural rocking motion and encourage subtle, continuous movements that keep your muscles engaged without causing strain or discomfort, but not too much to distract like is often found on a treadmill standing desk option. Third-party research found that user’s of FluidStance’s Level has less than a 1% impact on their keystroke productivity while increasing the caloric burn by more than 19%.
Size And Portability
Consider the size of the balance board to ensure it fits well with your standing desk setup. A compact, lightweight design makes it easier to move the board out of the way when not in use or to transport it between workspaces if needed.
Aesthetics
While not as crucial as functionality and safety, the appearance of your balance board can affect your satisfaction and willingness to use it regularly. Many users appreciate a board that complements their workspace aesthetic, whether a sleek, modern design or a board showcasing natural wood grain.
Top Balance Boards For Standing Desks Reviewed
When selecting the best balance board for your standing desk, it's essential to consider your needs for comfort, productivity, and overall health. Here, we've reviewed top options, focusing on how they foster a more dynamic and engaging workspace.
The Level
FluidStance's flagship product is The Level. Its gently curved base promotes continuous micro-movements, allowing you to sway softly, which helps reduce joint strain and increase circulation. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, The Level supports your health and productivity while aligning with sustainability values. Its sleek design seamlessly integrates into any professional environment, making it a stylish and practical addition to your active workspace.
Plane Cloud Balance Board
The Plane Cloud is the little brother of the category-creating Level. Slightly more compact, it offers a similar ride in a tighter, eco-friendly package. Fully recyclable, the base is molded from 100% post-industrial recycled materials using high-molecular HDPE, one of the strongest plastics available. The top deck is made of low-emitting foam for comfort and durability. Furthering our environmental commitment, the entire product can be recycled, reducing landfill waste.
The Original
The Original was our first board to market and is our most premium offering, differentiated from the rest of our line by its ultra eco-friendly Bamboo top deck and custom color base in Blue Coal. It features an aluminum base that is cast only two hours from our headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. We use an eco-friendly process that captures excess aluminum trimmings and puts them back into production.
Size Matters: Finding The Right Fit For Your Space
Size is critical in selecting the best balance board for your standing desk. The right balance board should fit your personal space while also complementing your standing desk setup without causing congestion or encroachment into your work area. It’s about finding that sweet spot between a board large enough to provide stability and freedom of movement and compact enough to store when not in use easily.
- Dimensions: For ergonomic and active workspace solutions, like those offered by FluidStance, the dimensions of the balance board are designed with the user's space in mind. Products like "The Level" are specifically crafted to balance efficiency with compactness, ensuring that even in smaller workspaces, users can enjoy the full benefits of an active standing experience.
- Easy Mobility: Shifting positions or gently rocking back and forth without stepping off is integral to maintaining engagement and focus. This dynamic movement is what sets active workspace solutions apart, offering a seamless blend of health benefits without interrupting workflow.
Novel Features In Modern Balance Boards
The evolution of balance boards for standing desks is ongoing, directly addressing the needs of today’s dynamic professionals. With increasing awareness around the significance of health and wellness in the workspace, manufacturers are designing balance boards with features to promote physical activity, productivity, and engagement. Here are some of the innovative features to look out for in modern balance boards that set them apart in supporting active work environments.
Enhanced Stability And Comfort
Modern balance boards are engineered to provide a stable yet challenging platform to encourage subtle movements and adjustments. This is crucial for extended periods of standing, ensuring users can comfortably shift their weight without straining. Advanced materials like high-density foam and non-slip textures are commonly used to enhance comfort and safety, even when used for long hours.
Adjustable Difficulty Levels
One size does not fit all when it comes to balance training. Recognizing this, some of the best balance boards for standing desks now come with adjustable difficulty levels. This allows users to gradually increase the intensity of their balance exercises, catering to all levels, from beginners to balance pros. Adjustability can come in various forms, like interchangeable bases, offering a customized standing desk experience that grows with the user.
Aesthetically Pleasing Designs
The aesthetic appeal of workplace tools can significantly influence their usage rates. Modern balance boards are not only functional but also designed with style in mind, aiming to blend seamlessly into professional environments. Companies like FluidStance, for example, prioritize elegant designs that complement contemporary office decor, making their products not just a tool for wellness but also a statement piece in any workspace.
Eco-Friendly Materials
In response to a growing consciousness about environmental sustainability, many modern balance boards are made from eco-friendly, recyclable materials. This reflects a commitment to not only the health of the user but also the planet. Companies are utilizing sustainable wood, recycled plastics, and non-toxic finishes to ensure their products are environmentally responsible choices for health-conscious professionals.
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A balance board for standing desks is an ergonomically designed platform that allows users to rock, tilt, and balance while standing gently. This motion engages the muscles, promoting movement and reducing the static strain associated with prolonged standing. Products like FluidStance's "The Level" bring a dynamic element to your standing desk, encouraging constant micro-movements that benefit your posture and energy levels.
A balance board enhances standing desk ergonomics by promoting an active stance rather than a passive, static posture. It encourages users to continuously shift their weight and balance, which can help in reducing the strain on specific muscle groups and joints. This dynamic standing can improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and contribute to a healthier working environment.
Using a balance board at a standing desk offers numerous health and productivity benefits, including:
- Improved Posture: By engaging core and leg muscles, balance boards encourage a more natural, upright stance.
- Increased Energy And focus: The gentle motion can help maintain energy levels and improve concentration.
- Enhanced Core Strength: Regular use helps strengthen core muscles, contributing to overall physical fitness.
- Reduced Leg & Back Pain: Balance boards facilitate movement and alleviate discomfort associated with prolonged standing.
- Increased Happiness: 83% of user’s on a FluidStance Level self-reported being happier at their desk on the Level.
Yes, using a balance board at your standing desk can significantly improve your core strength. The instability created by the board requires constant micro-adjustments from your body, engaging your core muscles to maintain balance. Over time, this can lead to stronger abdominal and back muscles, contributing to better posture and reduced back pain.
For optimal benefits, integrate the balance board into your daily standing desk routine. Start with shorter intervals of 15 to 20 minutes, gradually increasing usage as your comfort and balance improve. Listen to your body, and take breaks when needed to prevent fatigue. Regular, consistent use is key to experiencing the health and productivity benefits of a balanced board. A FluidStance user, on average works up to be on the board as much as three hours a day.
There's a variety of balance boards tailored to standing desk users, ranging from simple rockers and wobble boards to more advanced designs like FluidStance’s The Level. Options vary in terms of movement range, stability, and surface area, allowing users to find a balance board that aligns with their needs, space, and working style. Whether you're looking for gentle swaying or a more challenging balance workout, there's a balance board out there to suit your standing desk setup.
