If you’re looking for a balance board for your standing desk, chances are you’re looking to burn a few calories while working.
Before being sold on them, we decided to consult a few experts on the health benefits of balance boards. More on this later in the article.
We also spoke to a few industry experts on what to look for when buying a balance board.
Below you will find out what we discovered along with our favorite balance boards on the market.
Our Favorite Balance Board
The Plane by FluidStance
- Made of recycled rubber tires
- Features rubber bumpers
- Patented rocker edge
- Holds up to 200 lbs
If you’re new with balance boards and wish something that would be slightly less of a challenge, check out The Plane by FluidStance balance board.
This is a one piece minimalist design that should provide benefits similar to a treadmill desk.
The manufacturers of Fluidstance made 90% of the product using recycled materials and can be further recycled by you if desired.
The material
The upper side is made of low-emitting tires and the base from recycled plastic.
The price of this model is a bit higher that the Revolution focus, but you’re leaving a smaller carbon footprint with this one.
Aside from being environmentally aware, the company also donates 1% of profit to charity. You will need a hard surface to use your Plane board safely.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Nice looking design
- Environmentally aware product
- Good for beginners
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Higher price rang
Other great balance boards
Indo Board For Standing Desks
- Birch wood base
- Many exciting graphics
- Mouth inflatable cushion
- Supports up to 275 lbs
If you’re into doodle artwork, and wish to customize your board, take a look at the Indo Board For Standing Desks. This model is very similar to the Focus board as it works on the same 2 piece principle.
You get a wooden base to stand on, and an air cushion underneath that you can adjust.
With one major difference – you’ll be able to purchase a completely white or natural wood board that you can draw on, and protect it with a coat of grip spray that is included in your order.
The standing platform was made of birch wood and the air cushion base is mouth inflatable. Use less air if you prefer more stability, and vice-versa.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Customizable
- Adjustable air cushion
- Company with long tradition
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Lack of rubber bumpers
Gaiam Evolve Balance Board For Standing Desk
- Rocker balance design
- Honeycomb textured platform
- Holds up to 300 lbs
- Good for beginners
The Gaiam Evolve Balance Board For Standing Desk is a great beginner board that also comes with a friendly price.
It doesn’t require any ‘real’ balancing as it tilts slightly to allow body movement and leg stretching.
Extremely comfortable
Unlike the other products on our list, the Gaiam board comes with slight cushioning that prevents fatigue. It is recommended for anyone whose job involves standing for longer periods of time.
The top of the board was made with honeycomb texture that should give you sufficient traction, and the bottom part is rubberized so you won’t have to worry about scratching the floor.
Ideal for long hours standing
On the other hand people that are required to stand all day at work, or wish to rest their feet after using a more demanding board will fully appreciate this one.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Budget price
- Good for beginners
- Great for standing jobs
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Not challenging enough
StrongTek Anti-Fatigue Wobble Board
- Light-weight design
- Non-slip & anti-scratch materials
- Massage points
- Holds up to 320 lbs
If you liked the idea of having cushioning below your feet, take a look at the StrongTek Anti-Fatigue Wobble Board.
The wobble board has a slightly different design than the balance boards, but its purpose is the same – to keep you moving while you work.
Very portable
This one has a very light-weight design which you’ll appreciate once you start carrying it around with you. The massage trigger points are a nice touch to keep you energized.
The middle of the StrongTek wobble board is made with natural hardwood. It features a non-slip upper surface and a rubber base that is floor friendly.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Budget friendly price
- Small compact design
- Comfortable after long hours
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Small standing surface
Uncaged Ergonomics Base+ Balance & Stability Board
- Natural bamboo top
- Aluminum base
- Corner protectors
- Holds up to 250 lbs
The Uncaged Ergonomics Base+ Balance & Stability Board offers a design that is supposed to keep you balanced without tipping over.
It is medium-hard to get used to it, and comes with a natural bamboo platform. The bottom is made of aluminum and the base underneath is rubberized.
You will also get corner bumpers that should protect your floors. Besides standing still, you’ll be able to tip and twist, rock or balance while you work. No cushioning on this one.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Unique design
- Sturdy aluminum construction
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Design flaw
Revolution Focus Standing Desk Balance Board
- 2 piece board
- Adjustable air cushion base
- Heavy Duty Materials
- Holds up to 450 lbs
The Revolution Focus Standing Desk Balance Board was made in the USA and features a unique design made of 2 pieces: Top platform and an air cushion base.
The upper platform has a layer of duragrip material on the surface. This will give you enough traction to keep you stable.
You can wear any kind of shoes, and even high heels on this board. The top deck also comes with stop bumpers that will allow you to use the board on any surface you choose.
The air cushion base is adjustable and was made for office work. Once you get used to a certain difficulty you can add air to it to make it more challenging.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Innovative design
- Protects your floors
- Holds a lot of weight
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Board is not cushioned
Whirly Board Spinning Balance Board
- Challenging for athletes
- Good for practicing balance and agility
- Rotates on three balance points
There are many different boards on the market these days, but at least the inventor of the Whirly board addressed his clients with an honest message, letting them know what to expect from it.
Do not expect to get fit with the Whirly board. It is a fun device to pass the time indoors while challenging yourself, learning how to maintain balance, and improving your agility.
What We like
- Good quality
- Lots of fun
- Good trainer
What We Don’t Like
- Takes some time to get used to
- Tough for beginners
Fully Floatdeck Balance Board
While the Whirly board was created to improve your athletic skills, the Fully Floatdeck was created to keep you active in your office or home.
It features a sleek bamboo platform placed on a durable aluminium base. The base includes a protective floor mat.
The main purpose of the Fully Floatdeck is stated in its name, it will bring a feeling of ease and floating while you stand. It moves with you, engaging your core, hips and knees.
What We like
- Highly durable
- Good for beginners
- Keeps your body active
What We Don’t Like
- Not challenging enough for some people
Casper Boards - Standing Desk Balance Board
- Made of Birchwood
- Holds up to 300lbs
- 2 in 1 standing board and active footrest
- 3 year warranty
Casper is an interesting balance board that can be used both standing and sitting.
If used as a footrest you’ll be able to rotate it at 360 degrees. It comes with a surface grip which should provide better stability.
Fezibo Standing Desk Wooden Wobble Balance Board
- Low Impact rocker
- Massage points
- Holds up to 320lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Fezibo balance board was made from high density natural rubber, and will not draw a lot of attention to it. It gives you low-impact rocker movement.
The massage points will help you relieve stress and relax your back and legs while you’re standing. The makers of Fezibo state it feels better than sitting, and the customers agree.
Well Desk Premium Balance Board for Standing Desks
- Safe for kids
- Holds up to 625lbs
- Rocker motion
This premium balance board is great for every day use regardless if you’re a kid or an adult.
It is compact and durable- the upper layer of the platform is an anti-fatigue mat, the core is made with solid plywood, and it comes with a natural rubber base to keep your floors and yourself safe on any surface.
FluidStance Grade for Kids Balance & Motion Board
- Subtle motion
- Great for homework and gaming
- Keeps your child active
- Holds up to 125lbs
The Grade board was made for kids. It gives them focus when doing homework and it helps them stay active while gaming (or any other activity that involves longer periods of sitting).
It is eco friendy and was made almost completely from recycled materials.
You can see some creative minds were behind this project, judging by the names of the available colors: Rocket red, Galactic Green and Space Blue.
This product is mostly bought by parents but it is also used by office workers that are pettite in size.
Some school-teachers allow students to take breaks on the Grade which increases the student’s concentration allowing them to remember things better.
Victor Steppie Balance Board
- Low impact movement
- Engages core and improves posture
- Supports up to 440lbs
- Non-slip surface
Meet Steppie, a stylish looking balance board that was a nominee for a European office product of the year 2019.
It has a patented design that is supposed to improve your overall health while you work, thus making it a perfect rocking companion to your standing desk.
Unlike other boards, Steppie was created to prevent over pronation – uneven distribution of weight that can cause further damage to feet and ankles.
This is achieved with its side-to-side motion. People that got Steppie say it is a steal.
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The Lucky Zero balance board comes with and ergonomic design that will be useful in your workspaces and at the gym.
It can be used both by beginners and athletes. What you get is a wooden rocker board that helps you improve your agility and strengthen your core.
The surface of the board features a non-slip surface that’s both gentle on bare feet and gives enough traction for your shoes.
UPLIFT Desk - Fit Motion Board
- Easy to use heel grab
- Compact size
- Adjustable tilt
- Supports up to 250lbs
If your office space is limited, or you just prefer a compact motion board for your travels, than the Uplift desk might be a good choice for you.
The Uplift motion board is easy to use, simply reach with your foot and slide the board towards you using the heel grab. You can choose the level of tilting, depending on your needs.
Matladin Premium Standing Desk Wobble Board
- Compact and portable design
- Massage points
- Supports Up to 45lbs
- No hassle guarantee
The Matladin comes with a budget friendly price that surprises most people, but after giving it a try most of them are happy with the product.
This is a compact wobble board that’s on the shorter side and can be carried around with ease.
The base is made of non-slip and non-scratch material and the base is made of wood and the platform features massage points that help relieve tension and stress.
Benefits of using a balance board
- Strengthens your core muscles – sitting all day causes certain muscles to atrophy. This can be avoided by using a balance board that will constantly challenge your muscles to move;
- Improves your posture – Standing all day is also bad for you especially if you start leaning on one foot too much. By engaging in micro-movements you give flexibility to your spine, while keeping it upright.
- Helps with joint movement – The same micro-movements that are good for your posture help prevent joint damage.
- Gain increased focus – Standing still for a longer time can lower your blood pressure and slow down circulation. By constantly moving throughout the day you improve your focus and become more productive.
Different types of balance boards
Roller Boards are difficult to master and won’t be good for your office space. This type of board is used for serious balance training at home or in the gym. Wobble Boards come with a medium difficulty and might feel a bit unstable for some people. They will be a great option for the hyperactive type as they give you a 360 degrees freedom of movement. Balance Boards are usually a great choice for beginners as they’re easier to work with. This helps people that work in the office focus on their job without getting distracted by the motion. Rocker Boards do exactly what they promise – they will allow you to rock back and forth, or side to side. It is not challenging getting used to the rocker boards and they are usually recommended for rehabilitation after injury or surgery.
Is there a difference between normal balance boards?
The basic difference between all balance boards on the market lies within their purpose, and we have identified 3 of them:
- Rehabilitate and treat injuries;
- Training aid for fitness, skateboarding, surfing, or snowboarding;
- Standing desk companion that gives life to your workday by improving posture and strengthening core muscles.
If you liked our best balance boards for your standing desk review feel free to browse our site for more ergonomic products that keep you healthy and happy while you work.
References
https://fluidstance.com/pages/science
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323507232_The_Effectiveness_of_Standing_on_a_Balance_Board_for_Increasing_Energy_Expenditure
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021929013003928
http://www.physiosupplies.com/blog/ps/171/choosing-a-balance-board/
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Balance_Boards