Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair – Ergonomic Stability Chair for Desk & Office | Yoga Ball Seat with Base, Air Pump, & Exercise Guide | Improves Posture & Core Strength (300 lb Capacity)

When I started working from home I wanted a chair that would help me stay alert and comfortable when in long meetings and classes – the Gaiam Classic Balance Ball chair was such a hit that my wife got one too. The “Classic” model comes with an adjustable back support.The chair itself is easy to assemble and everything needed was included, including an air pump. The most challenging part was blowing up the rubber ball. We made my chair a little firmer, whereas my wife preferred hers a bit softer. This is easy to adjust – simply add or remove more air. Put together, the chair measures 22"W x 31"H x 22"D and weighs 13 pounds.The four rolling casters allow you to easily reposition the chair. Also, two of the casters can be locked. To prevent confusion, my wife selected purple and I selected green.The rubber ball simply sits inside the well of the chair and is held in place with a wire support. Note that if you would like to you can remove the balance ball from the chair and use it for exercising, or you can just leave the ball in the chair and exercise there as well–the chair comes with exercise tips and suggestions. The chair itself is made from molded PVC and the ball is a Latex-free rubber. The company suggests the chair is made for people 5’ to 5’ 11” and under 300 pounds.All in all, we are happy with our Gaiam Classic Balance Ball chair. The balance ball part of the chair is soft yet forces you to stay alert and active when sitting, which is perfect for long meetings or classes. In the evenings I have a three-hour class and this chair helps me stay comfortable yet engaged.

First be sure to put the back on correctly...it seems to LOOK like it should go the other way but then there is no back support if screwed on in reverse...like I did at first (oops!) So look at the photo as you put it on.I had read about these years ago and how they'd been shown to work your core--people were using just the balls without the chairs to do core work and balance work while at the desk, but the problem with that was the balls roll when you get up and are inconvenient. So I was reading several articles back when I was a diet coach and very into fitness at that time...and I really wanted once of these as they all raved about it in tests. Back then they were about 4 times the price they are now and so I passed because I was working in someone else's office then and had no desire to leave my nice chair there where things sometimes vanished at night anyway.So I am in the process of having a new office built (an expansion actually of an old one) and so it's time to also pick out some new furniture that works better for me. Why not feel better when I am working and have to sit? To be honest, I first chose the chair because I had an issue with my tailbone after a cycling accident and I wanted more cushion or "give" without an ugly coccyx donut that move around. This actually is SO comfortable--but it does work your core too. I mean, let's face it, it will not replace pushups but when I am doing lots of different things at my desk and moving my arms around (twists) I am forcing my core to maintain balance rather than my bum as I would on a regular chair.Plus the color is hip and fun too since I painting the office a very pale yellow on board-paneled walls and very pale green shelving. Fun and happy room for fun and happy work! Plus I am self-employed now so it's my office---unfortunately I clean it myself now, but I also can leave cool things in it too like my hip chair.

Awesome chair, love having it at work. Easy conversation starter with all who come into my office.

I was very concerned I would fall off first time trying to sit on never having been on a Balance Ball before and no reviews seem to mention that. Did not happen, it was easy to get used to sitting on it. I was sure to pump the ball to the recommended 22, but then when I went to place it in the chair, it was too large to get in without removing the bar in front. Thought maybe I had the back reversed as that was stated as something to be very careful about, but I did not. It actually took 2 of us to get the bar back in place with the ball in. I checked my measurement and it was at the recommended size. I started at the full recommended size, and used a foot rest to have my legs at the 90 degree angle. The hardest part about that was getting on the chair. Once on (by placing chair against wall), I could easily balance and roll to my desk.I am 5.2 and have actually let air out as my feet did not touch the floor and I felt like I was not sitting up properly. I am actually higher at my desk using it, than a regular chair. I have had it for over 2 weeks and have had no desire to return to my regular chair. I am still getting used to it and at times feel some discomfort in my back probably because I am not always sitting properly, but I think this is just a matter of time and it does make me sit better than what I did before. I do not find myself twisted, no longer sit on my foot and go home in less pain. Before, I could not wait to get the heat from the seat of my car on my back. When you feel discomfort, it makes you reposition and think about it.When assembling, it says to put the locks on the back wheels but I did install in the front as I prefer to lean over to unlock if needed, rather than not be able to reach the locks at all when sitting. I am not on carpet and can still roll slightly, just with difficulty. With the wheels not locked, need to be careful how far I reach as a sudden roll is somewhat unexpected. I get lots of comments and everyone loves the purple.

I got this during pandemic when I had to work at home, and it’s now my craft room chair. Really helps keep my lower back from tensing up. And is better than just sitting on a ball on the floor, that little extra height is nice. I’ve disassembled and moved this chair three times. It comes apart and reassembles easily, and you can inflate the ball quickly with one of those air mattress blower up thingees. The chair frame is on wheels so you can still roll around and play office games.