In the world of office ergonomics, a standing desk balance board or an anti-fatigue mat are two options that may help alleviate your aches and pains while working.
Looking to discover which is right for you in the standing desk balance board vs mat debate? Today, we're going to fully explain each of these, along with the pros and cons they offer. By the end of this in-depth guide, you'll know whether to go with a balance board or anti-fatigue mat for your office setup!
When standing becomes uncomfortable or painful, you may benefit from a standing desk balance board to help you shift your weight while working. Balance boards can help improve your overall coordination and control when you’re improving your balance — both of which are useful in helping to manage stress and improve agility.
However, most balance boards tend to be complicated and tricky to master.
When shopping for a balance board, it’s also essential to consider the weight limits. Each type of balance board has a different weight limit.
Balance boards are also suitable for only some members of your family. Since there is an inherent risk of injury with balance boards, people with more mobility should be the only ones using a standing desk balance board for long periods of time.
Unfortunately, a balance board isn’t very versatile. If you want to use a balance board, you’ll have to maintain a certain degree of focus throughout the day.
If your focus wavers, you may end up falling and hurting yourself.
The best way to use a balance board is for a couple of minutes a day when your workload is somewhat lessened and you have some free time available.
An anti-fatigue mat serves a similar purpose to a balance board. It helps to make your standing experience a pleasant and comfortable one.
This material is great if you have to stand on a hard surface, such as concrete, timber or firm carpets. It’ll keep your sensitive feet feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Typically, these mats are also easier to use. They offer a less intense standing experience than ordinary balance boards.
You also don’t have to worry about weight limits when shopping for the perfect anti-fatigue mat. Since they aren’t an exercise tool, like a balance board is, they are safe for the entire family to use.
We find that anti-fatigue mats are perfect for anyone who isn’t allowed to use balance boards at the office. You don’t have to worry about falling when using an anti-fatigue mat.
Moreover, anti-fatigue mats provide fantastic benefits. Keep reading to see which of these are the most important to you.
Now that we understand the purpose and the benefits of each, let’s look at how versatile an anti-fatigue mat can be.
An anti-fatigue mat is far more versatile than a balance board. Unlike a balance board, you don’t have to maintain a certain concentration level when using it.
The anti-fatigue mat can also help you maintain a healthy posture. When using an anti-fatigue mat, you spread your body’s weight evenly throughout the feet.
Since these mats are pretty lightweight, it’s easy to pick them up and move them out of the way when you want to lower your standing desk to sit down. Even while sitting down, you’ll still be able to use an anti-fatigue mat.
Here’s a quick roundup of each:
Suppose you require an intense workout session while at your standing desk, then a balance board is a great choice. It can help you maintain your fitness levels and improve your agility.
However, for long periods of hard work, when you need to perform at your utmost best, you have no choice but to go with an anti-fatigue mat.
An anti-fatigue mat can help you perform at your best and increase your endurance over time. It’s also pretty accessible to a wide variety of people, no matter their fitness levels.