Why a balance ball is a worthy purchase right now

The best balancing balls
A balancing ball doubles up as the supportive chair and an exercise machine. (Getty Images)

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The prospect of working from home sounded promising (for some) at first, with the freedom to wear our most comfortable loungewear, ditch the make-up and cut the commute.

But, after a few weeks, the novelty has started to wear off and most of us are starting to long for our desks and supportive seats in the office.

Working from the kitchen table, makeshift desks (hello, ironing board), or stretched out on the sofa, has started to wreak havoc with our back, neck and shoulders.

So it’s no surprise shoppers are on the hunt for an alternative seating arrangement. This is where balance balls come in.

Google Trends has seen a 200% rise in people searching for stability balls, also known as exercise balls, bosu balls and pilates balance balls, in the past week.

The inflatable prop has multiple functions: it can double up as your new desk chair, provide the necessary support your body craves and serve as a mini workout.

To stay upright, a balance ball forces you to engage your core muscles. This position will help align and straighten your spine.

Once you’ve finished your 9-5 there is still a lot of fun that can be had with the ball. It can be used in numerous workouts, from HIIT sessions to pilates and core toning.

Plus, they are available in different styles and levels.

Shop the top-rated balance balls

USA PRO Yoga Ball | £7.99 (Was £15.99) from House of Fraser

USA PRO Yoga Ball
USA PRO Yoga Ball

USA Pro’s Yoga Ball is an affordable desk and workout equipment, which works to tone our core, and help our posture.

The ball comes in two sizes 55cm or 65cm, depending on your preference, as well as a pump to inflate it and a guide with 12 exercises to help your fitness.

Yoga-Mad Swiss Fitness Ball and Pump | £16.99 from John Lewis & Partners

Yoga-Mad Swiss Fitness Ball and Pump
Yoga-Mad Swiss Fitness Ball and Pump

This yoga ball boasts an anti-burst design as it is made from strong and durable PVC material, and holds up to 125kg weight.

The prop, which holds up to 125 kg in weight, also comes with a pump so it is easy to inflate and top up when needed.

Mustard Leiv Seating Ball 60-65cm | £90.99 from Trouva

Mustard Leiv Seating Ball 60-65cm
Mustard Leiv Seating Ball 60-65cm

The Leiv seating ball is a higher price point than other balls, because it is made from a seamless material with an inner PHT-free PVC ball, which makes this design extra sturdy and durable.

The ergonomic design also features a double stitched outer lining, as well as handle and ring inside, which prevents the ball from rolling away when sitting on it.

Opti Peanut Gym Ball | £9.99 from Argos

Opti Peanut Gym Ball
Opti Peanut Gym Ball

The Opti Peanut Ball has received glowing five star reviews from customers, as customers claim it provides “more stability” during their work outs.

The larger gym ball is made from an anti-burst design, which measures 50cm in height, and 100 cm in width, and can hold up to 100kg in weight.

Reebok Gym Ball | £19.99 (Was £26.99) from Sports Direct

Reebok Gym Ball
Reebok Gym Ball

For those looking for extra stability when using a gym ball, this Reebok design is for you.

This prop has a weighted base to ensure you stay upright when sitting on it and have more control of your core during a workout.