Are balance boards good for standing desks? (Explained)

By Rob Toneward •  Updated: 01/30/22 •  7 min read

Standing desks are all the rage these days, and for good reason – they offer a lot of health benefits.

If you want to get the most out of your standing desk, using a balance board can take your experience to the next level.

Balance boards are used to improve body awareness and increase focus, but did you know they can do the same for your desk?

They encourage movement, which means you’ll be more alert throughout the day.

But how well does a balance board work for a standing desk? Let’s investigate.

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Are balance boards good for standing desk?

What is a balance board?

A balance board is a training tool used to help improve coordination and stability.

It is usually a flat, round board with a raised edge that enables users to rock back and forth while performing different balancing exercises.

Balance boards can be used to develop skills in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, surfing, and skateboarding.

They are also great for developing general body awareness and core strength while promoting healthy posture.

They’re typically made of hard plastic and have four vertically curved pieces.

This exercise makes you use both halves of your body equally and builds concentration and coordination.

It’s also a lot of fun!

How can you use balance boards with a standing desk?

Well, firstly it’s important to place the board just below your usual desk surface.

Putting it at ankle height will allow you to stand on the board while typing or eating at your desk.

It’s important to remember that balance boards are not for everyone, so it’s worth initially performing a simple test to check if you can use one safely.

Simply stand on the board with both feet while making sure the board is flat against the ground.

If you feel that you’re at risk of losing balance or it feels unsafe, try a different board.

It’s important to remember that balance boards are not for everyone, so it’s worth initially performing a simple test to check if you can use one safely.

If you don’t feel comfortable standing on the board, try walking on it while you hold onto a wall or your desk for support.

Once you’ve got the hang of walking around on the balance board and feel confident enough not to fall over, get ready for an exciting new experience.

Simply stand on the board while working at your standing desk and pay attention to how your body feels.

You’ll likely notice your balance improve over time, meaning you can stand on the board for longer periods of time without feeling unsteady or wobbly.

Exercising this way also has a positive impact on your brain. It makes us constantly use and build neural networks, which, in turn, help coordination between the mind and body.

How to choose a standing desk balance board?

Standing desk balance boards continue to gain popularity and it seems like these trends won’t end at all.

If you’re planning to buy one of them, there are a few things you need to know.

Size and material:

A balance board should be portable and lightweight, so choose the smallest size possible.

Make sure it’s made of sturdy plastic or rubber so it will last for a long time. If possible, go for a product that has no metal parts.

Functions:

Balance boards are usually equipped with additional features, which can increase their functionality.

For example, some models have an incline function, so you’ll be able to perform exercises when you stand on them in different positions.

Adjustable design:

If possible, choose a product that can be adjusted in height. This will allow you to use it while standing and sitting at your desk.

Take a look, if there are any holes or small metal pieces used for fastening the legs of the balance boards. Try to avoid products that have sharp features, which may damage your flooring.

Price:

Balance boards vary greatly in price and the more expensive ones usually offer additional features.

It’s worth noting that cheaper products may not be as effective as those which are more expensive, so consider your budget before making a purchase.

Safety:

If you’re planning to buy a balance board for work or school use, it’s important to consider the safety of the entire product.

The safest option is to choose a model that doesn’t require any assembly, has an anti-skid surface, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

For example, boards that are made of rubber or plastic are perfect for using on different surfaces without damaging them.

If you’re looking for a balance board that can be used at school or work, it’s best to choose one of the latest balance boards on the market.

They provide extra balance and stability due to their double-balanced design and anti-skid rubber pads on top and bottom.

It’s likely that more new types of standing desk balance boards will be introduced in the future, so it’s a great idea to do a bit of research before you decide to buy one.

Are balance boards good for a standing desk?

Yes, balance boards are good for a standing desk because they help you improve your balance and focus.

Here’s are a few other benefits:

Also, balance boards are portable and compact, so they’re the perfect solution for people who spend most of their day at work or school.

How much space is required?

Balance boards are small and compact, so you don’t need to have a lot of space in order to use them.

However, it’s important to first measure the size of the workspace at your workstation before choosing a product.

Keep in mind that most balance boards are between 8 and 12 inches wide, so they’re the perfect size for desks.

How often should I use my balance board at work?

It’s best to use your balance board at work for a few minutes every hour.

Using it too much, however, can be bad for your joints and muscles.

If you’re using a balance board for the first time, start with just a few minutes every day and gradually increase the length of your sessions.

Do balance boards make noise?

Most balance boards do make a bit of noise, but it’s nothing to worry about.

They’re perfect for use at work or school because they won’t distract your co-workers or classmates.

However, there are some types of balance boards that aren’t very noisy due to their specifically designed rubber feet.

Final Thoughts

Using a balance board at work is an effective way to improve your focus, coordination, and balance.

In addition, they’re great for burning more calories by increasing the intensity of your movements.

They’re also small and compact, so you don’t need a lot of space to use them.

Balance boards make a bit of noise, but it’s nothing to worry about.

If you’re using a balance board for the first time, start with just a few minutes every day and gradually increase the length of your sessions.

Photo by TheStandingDesk on Unsplash

Rob Toneward