Nasa / Space

Geek Gifts 2011: UltraFit Anti-Burst Stability Ball from Gopher



UltraFit balls come in four sizes


  • Company: Gopher
  • Product: UltraFit Anti-Burst Stability Ball
  • Cost: $31.95 (22")
  • Additional information

What I like


What I don't like


Caveats to consider


Geek Gift bottom line


Geek Gift Score (out of 5)

  • Fun factor: ***
  • Geek factor: ****
  • Value: ***
  • Overall: ***







Do Not Taunt Ultrafit Anti-burst Stability Ball.


As a programmer, I tend to be in my chair most of the day, with a few stretches and lunch. I recently bought a replacement chair that had good lumbar support, but had to take it back. The padding compressed and did not recover during lunch, let alone during the stretches, so it was less comfortable than the old chair it was to replace. How about other comfort factors, like heat/cold. On a side note, I learned that you are supposed to keep your feet out from under yourself, otherwise circulation is dimished.


For me, a ball is superior to a chair. My back doesn't ache, my ankles don't swell (which they do with sitting) and I do stay more alert. But as Mark states, it is essential to get a ball large enough, which can be a challenge. They are definitely worth trying, and are a heck of a lot cheaper than a Herman Miller ;-)

Mark W. Kaelin
Mark W. Kaelin

Have you tried using a stability ball as a desktop chair? Tell us about it.


on which body part you land on... and what's in the way of your fall :) But generally, the human body is made for work, not lounging. Working in a non-harmful way is generally... not harmful. Whereas loafing about certainly can be :)

Editor's Picks