It has helped my lower back pain immeasurably! I can wake in the morning with a muscle spasm in my lower back but after sitting at work in my "ball chair" for a bit......IT'S GONE! It has also helped tone and strengthen my core! Double benefit!
I bought this over a year ago because my antique chair was hard on my tailbone and now my back pain has eased up. I am on my feet all day and need a good chair to help my back. I am 5' and have a high desk and have no problem reaching and typing. The ball has needs more air periodically to make sure it does not sink down in base.
I have lower back trouble. I bought this to strengthen my core. It is working. Back pain is much reduced. When I am sitting on it, if I feel back discomfort I realize I am not sitting straight and not contracting my abs. Its like a reminder to check my position. I get fewer "reminders" every day. At work I can also lift my legs and do more ab work at my desk with no one noticing. I love this chair. It does take a few days to get used to. Also inflation is trial and error. You just have to inflate and deflate until you find the best hight and firmness for you. Be patient. You'll get used to it.
Overall, this chair works well and is exactly what I wanted. I just wish there was more size options for people in the office that are taller than me since this is a little short for them.
Definitely more comfortable than any other chair in it's price range. It's not going to build up back and core strength for you without you putting in the intention and work (if you are an inveterate sloucher you can still get away with it), but I find I tend to sit better for longer and enjoy bouncing a bit as I work. I'd buy it again.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting gaiam.com
Customer Rating
5
I love this chair!
on October 7, 2015
Posted by: LJ77
from Ellington, CT, USA
Verified Purchase:No
I purchased this chair about two years ago and I love it. It took about a week to get used to it, but once I did I noticed a big difference in my back pain - which was greatly reduced. I work from home and sit in the chair for 8-10 hours a day. I would never want to go back to sitting in a regular chair for that amount of time. The only thing that I noticed is that the balls seem to get a slow leak in them over time. The one I have now lasted about 6 months and started to slowly leak. But, the customer service is fantastic and I was able to get another replacement ball sent to me at no cost. I also purchased the cover which I highly recommend. In the summer time my legs felt sticky against the rubber ball, but the cover keeps it nice and cool and smooth. I highly recommend this chair!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting gaiam.com
Customer Rating
5
just what the doctor ordered
on August 22, 2008
Posted by: yazheirx
from Chicago IL
Verified Purchase:No
After sitting at a desk job for 8 years I had nearly doubled in weight. My wife and I found an excellent solution - Kick Boxing and Krav Maga. This worked very effectively in reducing my weight and increasing my lean muscle mass. It, however, pin pointed a major weakness of mine - core strength. This manifested itself as a minor bulge in my lower lumbar vertebra. After several weeks of physical therapy and education my doctor told me to aid in preventing a similar issue I should sit on a balance ball at work. This was unacceptable. Then I found this chair. It rolls so I can maneuver around with out killing myself (or others). It aids me with proper posture and allows me to strengthen my core all day. If you do use this chair and move from one area to another you may want to install the locking casters on the back to prevent them from inadvertently locking as you move the chair.
Pros: Easy Assembly, works well in an office environment
I love my balance ball chair. It helps me to sit up straight and I love bouncing to my music as I work. My co-workers think it is a hoot too! Problem is that the bar that goes across the front to help hold the ball broke immediately. The screws snapped on one side and were about to snap on the other when I just removed it. The chair still works without it.