When you’re sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day 5 days a week it’s pretty tough to keep up with an active lifestyle. If you don’t already have one, I strongly recommend you pick yourself up a standing desk. Seriously, they’re amazing! But just standing isn’t enough (and might even hurt your feet). That’s where these balance boards for standing desks come in handy; you can keep moving all day long.
Best Balance Boards for Standing Desks
The idea behind a balance board is while you’re standing on it you have to work to keep your balance. If you’ve ever tried one before you know how tricky it can be! It’s a bit reminiscent of balancing on the playground or even logs as a child. Unlike that stuff, though, these balance boards are made for adults.
You could use these balance boards if you’re working from home and want to get a workout in. Or take one to the office and get fit on company time! Believe it or not, there’s more benefits to balance boards at standing desks than just fitness, though.
Balance boards help with focus and productivity
Just the sheer fact that you have to physically work to keep yourself upright is going to improve your overall alertness at work. No more wanting to fall asleep at your desk! If you can’t get up and walk around throughout the day a bit of movement on a balance board will at least help you feel refreshed.
Usually it’s a bad idea to multitask, but not in this case. You can work on your core and improve your level of physical fitness while working on your, well, work!
It’s better for you than standing (and especially sitting)
Of course, we all know sitting is bad. But standing all day is bad for your body, too. The micromovements that you do while using a balance board at your standing desk helps shift your body weight around and keep you from putting too much pressure on your feet.
That means they’re a great solution for someone who doesn’t want to be sitting all day but has trouble standing in one place.
If fitness is your goal, this type of movement also helps to work your core muscles. Working your core is super important for your overall fitness level and to make doing other exercises easier.
AmazonBasics Wood Wobble Exercise Balance Board
I love Amazon Basics, so of course, I was going to check out their balance board choices. This is one of the more budget-friendly balance board options, so it’s a perfect choice if you’re just exploring this whole balance board crazy. I love that it doesn’t take up a lot of space and can be used for other workouts too.
Pros:
- Non-slip grip helps keep you from falling
- Compact and easy to transport to work or store
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Weight limit of 265lbs might not be enough for heavier folks
- Small surface area might be hard for some people to use
- Might slip on some surfaces
Licloud Wooden Balance Board
This balance board has the classic teeterboard shape where you have to stop your body from leaning too far side to side. I love the large surface area to stand on and the massage points feel nice when not wearing shoes. If you’re seeking out the balance boards for standing desks in the office this one is a strong contender. It’s pretty subtle in design so you don’t have to advertise you’re using a balance board to everyone in the office.
Pros:
- Discreet design
- Comfortable to stand on for long periods
- Large surface area works with even larger feet
- Weight limit of 320lbs
Cons:
- Might slip on some flooring
- Not as durable over the long term as more expensive models
- The curved board may cause strain on the ankles or knees
Revolution 101 Balance Board Trainer
This one isn’t quite as practical to use at a standing desk as some of the other balance boards on this list but I wanted to add it because of the cool design. It mimics balancing on a skateboard, snowboard, or surfboard which is perfect if you’re training for one of those sports. It also provides more of a core workout than typical balance boards.
Pros:
- Heavy duty and gives a great workout
- Can be used on any surface with or without shoes
- 400+lb weight limit
- More of a challenge than other balance boards
Cons:
- Not that easy to use at a desk while working, especially for beginners
- Wouldn’t be suitable for those with mobility issues
- More of a fall hazard
EveryMile Wabble Balance Board
This round balance board is kind of a fitness accessory and standing desk balance board all in one. A handle makes this lightweight board easy to carry to and from work, the gym, or to travel with. I love how it’s made from durable plastic so it’ll tolerate a lot of standing and exercising with it. Plus the large surface area and lower tilting angle are great for folks of all ages.
Pros:
- Light and easy to transport
- Versatile for standing on during work and exercise
- Affordable
Cons:
- Surface is a bit slippery especially when wearing socks
- On the smaller side (not reflected well in pictures)
- Difficult for beginners to use
Professional Wooden Balance Board
You can’t get any more “balance board” than this wooden one! The simple design means it’s easy to keep under your standing desk and use it while working. I like how the slip-resistant top makes it easy to stand on with shoes. It also doesn’t have a huge wobble so it’s really great for those micro-adjustments.
Pros:
- Durable and holds up to 350lbs
- Low impact and perfect for beginners
- Safe for those with balance issues
Cons:
- Might be too easy for someone who already has a good balance
- Does not have 360-degree rotation
- Not as versatile for exercising
Pono Board
This balance board has a unique design compared to other models. Instead of having something in the middle that shifts your balance, it instead has small balance balls at all four corners. It’s always level so it’s easier to work while using it. Plus you can shift your feet around without worrying about falling and get on and off easily.
Pros:
- Comfortable to use
- Does not feel as unstable as other balance boards during use
- Level, great for standing desks
Cons:
- Not as deep of a workout as other options
- Better for beginners
- Would like it to be wider
Honorable mention: Topo Comfort Mat by Ergodriven
Although it’s not actually a balance board, this anti-fatigue mat does provide some of the same benefits as one when used at your standing desk. The ridges of this mat are designed to let you stretch and move while you stand. If you’re someone with mobility or balance issues, this is a great way to avoid strain at your standing desk without the stress of a typical balance board.
Pros:
- Does not require as much skill or focus as a balance board
- Helps prevent fatigue at your standing desk
- Durable
- Suitable for a wide range of people
Cons:
- Does not provide the fitness benefits of a balance board
- Can only be used for standing, not walking in place or other exercises
- Will not work your core
So what is the best balance board for standing desks?
It’s a tough call here. All of these will help reduce strain on your ankles, knees, feet, and back while using a standing desk. They’re also all portable enough to bring into the office, although maybe not take to and from work each day.
Because I was looking for the best balance boards for standing desks, the Licloud Wooden Balance Board was the clear winner. It’s designed with the workplace in mind, which means it’s easy to use while multitasking.
The design
The board design, colors, and low profile make it perfect for working at home or the office. You can use it without drawing a lot of attention to you. Something that might happen if you choose one of the round designs. Plus it fits under most desks easily and can stay there without taking up too much space.
I also love the large surface area. I don’t have to worry about my legs having to be too close together (including my thighs rubbing) while I stand on this balance board. For those with larger feet, you’ll still be comfortable standing on this even with bulky shoes. I also like that it has a slightly higher weight limit (320lbs). People trying to get fit come in all shapes and sizes!
Durability is a bit of an issue with this model, especially if you’re using it for long periods every day. Still, the price tag is reasonable enough that I wasn’t too worried. After all, I’ve had office chairs wear out just as fast!
Working out while working
It’s not a huge workout, but you still get some benefits while you’re at your standing desk with this balance board. Especially in the core region. This one can’t be used much for other workouts, but that’s not what I was looking for in this case. I love that I can at least get a bit of training in even on days where I can’t make it to the gym.
A balance board is a great addition to a standing desk
Regardless of which one of these balance boards for standing desks you choose, know that you’re making a good decision picking one up. They’re great for improving your core muscles, helping with balance, and reducing physical strain as opposed to standing all day. Plus you get to exercise while working… Win-win!
