How many calories does a balance board burn at a standing desk?

Standing at your desk, pondering that latest spreadsheet, do you ever imagine the numbers reflected as calories burned? Then, you introduce a balance board under your feet.

Suddenly it's a dual challenge—balance and brainpower—and you might wonder, just how many calories does a balance board burn at a standing desk?

Does standing on a balance board burn calories?

Indeed, standing on a balance board does contribute to calorie burn. A study lends some insight that incorporating a balance board with your regular standing desk routine can marginally boost energy expenditure by more than 19% compared with sitting alone.

These findings suggest an active calorie burning process while maintaining your normal work flow.

Amount Of Calories You Burn At A Balance Board

To determine just how many calories a balance board could burn, we need a comparison. In engaging a balance board, standing increases from the sedentary 80 calories per hour burn rate of sitting, according to a study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, to around 88 calories per hour—a slight but not insignificant increase.

Most crucial to note is that this heightened calorie burn occurs during work activities previously considered inactive.

Combination Of Balance Boards and Standing Desks 

While calculating calorie expenditure, another significant aspect to think about is the health efficiencies of using a balance board at your standing desk. Not only does a balance board intensify calorie burning, but it also accentuates the health gains already associated with standing desks.

Balance boards encourage whole body movement, muscle activation, and blood circulation, all of which are immensely beneficial for cardiovascular health.

How To Use Set Up Balance Board At A Desk

Incorporating a balance board at your workstation implies utilizing it as part of a standing desk setup. Placing the board flat on the floor, you position yourself on top of it with your feet shoulder-width apart.

To maintain an upright position, you shift your weight subtly side-to-side or front-to-back to sustain balance.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Lay the balance board on the floor.
2. Position yourself on it, keeping feet parallel.
3. Maintain a straight posture while swaying subtly to maintain balance.

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Can Balance Boards Help with Weight Loss?

Balance boards may not be explicitly designed for weight loss, but they can undeniably contribute to it. Utilising a balance board involves extensive muscle engagement—both superficial and deep structure—which consequently expedites calorie burning. This efficiently helps, albeit subtly, in weight management.

For Strengthening Core

Think one needs gym equipment or an intense workout to build your core strength? Reconsider that thought. Achieving an engaged, sturdy core has become simpler with balance boards.

From the moment one steps onto this board, our core muscles get called into action. Maintaining balance requires a constant stabilization effort from your body, specifically your core muscles. This "engaging and balancing" regime helps to strengthen your core and stabilize your spine simultaneously.

How To Work Abs At Balance Board

Without a doubt, utilizing a balance board can lead to substantial abdominal muscle strengthening. Consider a fitness routine that includes performing a plank on a balance board, a potent method for targeting the core region.

In this motion, your hands take on a slightly wider position than your shoulders, while your feet maintain their position at the rear. This plank presents an undoubted challenge or can be adjusted for stability, offering a comprehensive workout for multiple muscle groups, including arms, back, and legs.

Effectiveness Of Balance Boards

Balance boards function as versatile fitness tools, providing whole-body training. Their usage boosts stability, strength, and endurance and reduces the risk of injuries and chronic back pain, effectively improving posture.

Both professional athletes and fitness beginners reap these exceptional benefits, attesting to the balance board's effectiveness.

How long should you be able to stand on a balance board?

Set your goals high. Strive to balance on a wobble board without allowing the edges to touch the ground. Proper and regular use of a balance board can increase one's ability to balance over time. A good start for beginners is to aim for maintaining balance for at least 2 minutes at a stretch.

Recommended Time In Using A Balance Board

Balancing on these tools all day might not be suitable for everyone. Certain people, particularly those with great mobility, might comfortably use this tool for extended periods.

However, it's a common cautionary note that balance boards carry, despite their numerous benefits, a potential risk for injury. As such, users should assess their balance and mobility before using a balance board with their standing desks for extended periods.

Key factors to consider:

• Mobility: Ensure you have good balance and mobility before using a balance board for extended periods.
• Breaks: Regularly alternate between standing on and off the balance board to avoid stress and strain on your joints.
• Risks: Be aware of the inherent risks and practice safety precautions, such as wearing appropriate footwear and using the balance board on a non-slip surface.

Can you use a balance board while sitting?

While the primary use of a balance board is for standing exercises such as those you can perform on standing desks, the scope of its application does not extend to seated positions.

The purpose behind these contraptions is to challenge one’s ability to maintain balance, engage core muscles, and improve strength, which are elements not typically achievable while in a seated pose.

Disadvantages Of Balance Boards

Balance boards boast several health benefits, including enhanced posture, back strength, and overall balance. However, individuals must approach them carefully, considering potential drawbacks, primarily for those with existing mobility issues.

People with ankle weakness, knee issues, or balance problems may find balance boards challenging to use, potentially raising the risk of falls. Always use your standing desk correctly and consult a healthcare professional prior to integrating a balance board into your routine.

Individuals at Risk

• People with injured or weak ankles
• Those having hip or knee-related problems
• Individuals with balance limitations

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding a balance board to your standing desk routine can ignite a host of health benefits, including a subtle rise in calories burnt. It additionally stimulates muscle activity and improves cardiovascular health; all while lending a helping hand towards weight management.

While it's clear that a standing desk combined with a balance board is valuable in terms of health benefits and calories burned, it's also important to remember the importance of regular movement and not just rely on standing.

Take the first step today towards a healthier work routine, with Desky's range of ergonomic office solutions, including our beneficial balance board.