The Best Exercise Chairs for Your Home Gym 2023

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This article is our review of the best exercise chairs for your home gym.

As a personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience, I thought I had seen every piece of fitness equipment out there. But until a few years ago, I never heard of an exercise chair.

I must admit that when I heard the term “exercise chair”, the first thing that popped into my head was a weight bench. But that’s not the case.

After doing some research, I learned that exercise chairs come in different forms. Think of it as any type of chair that helps you exercise.

In this article, we will cover the three most popular types of exercise chairs: exercise balls, chair gyms, and weight benches. There are other types of exercise chairs, like standard chairs or yoga auxiliary chairs.

1) Exercise ball chairs

Exercise ball chairs use an unstable exercise ball as the seat to engage your core, back, and leg muscles while sitting. You can sit on a plain exercise ball or choose a model with supports like chair frames. 

These types of exercise chairs are popular among pregnant women, seniors, and yoga practitioners. They can also serve as an alternative to traditional desk chairs.

In my personal training with clients, I also use the exercise ball to do all kinds of core exercises.

Top Pick
Exercise Ball Chair

Best Exercise Ball Chair

Machine

Non-surface glaze for a secure grip

600-pound weight capacity

Can be used as an office chair

Check on Amazon

My top pick for exercise ball chairs is the URBNFit Exercise Ball. It supports weights up to 600 pounds without bursting or losing shape.

The non-slip surface ensures a safe grip, and it comes with a dual-action ball pump so you can easily inflate it.

2) Chair gyms

Chair gyms allow you to perform resistance exercises while seated. They are ideal if you have physical limitations, are a senior, or prefer seated workouts. Unlike exercise balls, chair gyms are not suitable for a working environment.

Top Pick
Chair Gym

Best Chair Gym

Emson Chair Gym

50 exercises

Full-body workout

350-pound weight capacity

Check on Amazon

If you prefer a chair gym, I recommend the Emson Chair Gym. Offering up to 50 exercises, it provides a full-body workout from the comfort of your chair.

3) Weight bench

Weight benches provide a comfortable surface for performing exercises such as bench presses, dumbbell curls, and chest flies.

Weight benches are popular among weightlifters and bodybuilders, though anyone can use them.

Top Pick
Weight Bench

Best Weight Bench

FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench

7 back positions

3 seat positions

800-pound weight capacity

Check on Amazon

If you are looking for a weight bench, I recommend the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench. This bench offers 7 back positions, 3 seat positions, and a weight capacity of 800 pounds. 

Remember to do your research and seek professional advice before choosing an exercise chair.

For an in-depth review of these exercise chairs, keep reading below.

Table of Contents

• Best Exercise Ball Chair
  • Machine
• Best Chair Gym
  • Emson Chair Gym
• Best Weight Bench
  • FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench
• 9 Best Exercise Chairs
  • Exercise ball chairs
    • URBNFit Exercise Ball
    • Trideer Exercise Ball Chair with Base
    • Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
    • Vivora Luno Leatherette Exercise Ball Chair
  • Chair gym
    • Emson Chair Gym
    • LifePro Multipurpose Roman Chair
    • Aztra Ab Chair
  • Weight bench
    • FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench
    • Amazon Basics Flat Bench
• What to look for in the best exercise chair for your home gym?
  • Size
  • Adjustability and Comfort
  • Durability
  • Safety
  • Additional Gears
  • Price and Warranty
• Which exercise chair is best overall?
  • Exercise ball chairs
  • Chair gym
  • Weight bench
• FAQs About the Best Exercise Chairs
• What to Do Next?

9 Best Exercise Chairs

Exercise ball chairs

Exercise ball chairs feature an exercise ball as the seat. It provides an unstable surface that engages your core, back, and leg muscles as you sit. 

By constantly challenging your balance and stability, you can enjoy the benefits of active sitting while you work or exercise.

According to American Fitness Professionals & Associates, the benefits of using an exercise ball include:

• Burns extra calories
• Relieves back pain
• Tones your core muscles
• Helps you breathe better
• Induces the inspiration to stretch

Exercise ball chairs are a popular choice in offices and as an alternative to traditional desk chairs. They offer a comfortable and ergonomic solution if you want to stay active and healthy while you work.

Exercise ball chairs come in different styles, such as the following:

1. Plain exercise balls like URBNFit Exercise Ball
2. Exercise ball with ball ring bases, like Trideer Exercise Ball Chair with Base
3. Exercise ball with chair frames like Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
4. Exercise ball with ball covers like Vivora Luno Leatherette Exercise Ball Chair

I discuss all these products in detail below.

URBNFit Exercise Ball

If you want to use an exercise ball chair, my top pick is the URBNFit Exercise Ball. Even though it does not offer a base like a ball ring or base support, I believe it will challenge you more without these bases. 

This exercise ball doesn’t stop at being a fitness tool. It’s a total fitness package. You can use the URBNFit Exercise Ball for yoga, pilates, or physical therapy, and it excels in all those areas. 

Plus, here’s a little secret: you can also improve your posture and core strength when you use it as an exercise ball chair. Imagine turning your office or home into a gym, while simultaneously improving your posture. It’s a win-win situation.

The URBNFit Exercise Ball uses sturdy polyvinyl chloride material that can handle support weights up to 600 pounds. You can go all out during your workouts without worrying about the ball bursting or losing its shape. 

Now, let’s move on to safety. The surface of this exercise ball has a non-slip glaze, ensuring that you have a proper and safe grip. No more slipping and sliding while trying to maintain your balance.

This exercise ball chair comes with a quick, dual-action ball pump that allows you to easily inflate it by hand. Your workout ball will arrive deflated. But within minutes, you’ll have your exercise ball fully inflated and ready to go. 

And here’s the cherry on top. This exercise ball is incredibly versatile. 

Whether you want to use it for exercise, as a chair to improve your sitting habits, or even as a way to gently bounce your newborn baby to sleep, the URBNFit Exercise Ball has got you covered.

Trideer Exercise Ball Chair with Base

For an exercise ball with a ball ring base, the Trideer Exercise Ball Chair with Ball Ring Base is my recommendation.  This exercise ball chair uses eco-friendly, hypo-allergenic material that can support up to 330 lbs. 

Its ball ring base ensures stability, so you won’t have to worry about it rolling around while sitting or exercising. It’s a reliable companion that keeps you steady and secure. 

This exercise ball can accommodate users between 5′ 3″ and 5′ 10″ in height. It is available in two sizes, 65 and 75 cm in diameter, providing more options for various body types. 

Traditional chairs can keep you in the same position for prolonged periods, leading to poor posture and discomfort. However, with the Trideer Exercise Ball Chair, you can say goodbye to those issues. 

By using the Trideer Exercise Ball, you’ll not only improve your sitting posture, but also strengthen your core muscles. 

But that’s not all – this chair has even more to offer, especially for expectant mothers. Sitting on the pregnancy ball chair at home promotes micro-movements, constantly stimulating your body. 

This heightened sense of movement and flexibility can be beneficial during childbirth. 

Now, let’s talk about its versatility. During your breaks, you can use it to exercise and stretch, effectively combating fatigue and relieving stress. It’s like having a workmate and workout buddy simultaneously, supporting your well-being. 

In terms of inflation, here’s a handy tip. Because the ball uses polyvinyl chloride, it may initially be smaller than the recommended size. Inflate it to about 80% of the recommended size first, then let it sit for 1-2 days. 

After that, you can inflate it to the recommended size. The ring base follows the same inflation instructions as the ball, so be mindful not to overinflate. It’s a straightforward process that ensures optimal performance.

The Trideer Exercise Ball Chair offers an anti-burst and slow deflation feature. Its honeycomb structure allows the ball to deflate slowly and makes it burst-resistant if punctured. 

So, even if the ball comes into contact with sharp objects, you don’t need to worry about abrupt explosions.

When it gets punctured, the ball will gradually deflate within 3-5 seconds, which reduces the chance of injury. It’s a reassuring feature that puts your safety first.

Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair

If you’re looking for an exercise ball chair with a base and back support, this Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair is a winner. Let’s dive into the details!

This exercise ball chair is a reliable companion that supports your posture and encourages active sitting. With its back and stable base support, you’ll experience added comfort during your work or study sessions.

The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair can accommodate users ranging from 5 feet to 5 feet 11 inches tall. It is suitable for most standard-height desks. 

If you need a taller chair, you can even add 2 inches with the Gaiam Leg Extenders (sold separately). It’s all about customization and ensuring the perfect fit for your needs. 

Plus, it can support weights up to 300 pounds, so you can feel secure while sitting on it. It also comes with easy glide transportation wheels, so you can move your chair around while sitting. 

When you first inflate the ball, it’s essential to note that it may need some readjustment. The ball’s material needs time to stretch to its final size. To ensure optimal performance, inflate the ball with air, let it stand for 24 hours, then deflate it by 50%. After that, simply fill it again to the recommended 52-centimeter height. 

What do you get in the package? 

The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair includes a removable 52-centimeter exercise ball, chair base, support bar, metal ball holder, 4 easy-glide caster wheels (2 lockable), air pump, and a desktop exercise guide. 

Just a heads up, this ball chair requires minor assembly and setup. But don’t worry, the packaging provides detailed instructions to guide you through the assembly process. It’s a small effort for a big payoff.

Vivora Luno Leatherette Exercise Ball Chair

If you’re in the market for a stylish exercise ball chair, look no further than the Vivora Luno Leatherette Exercise Ball Chair. This chair not only adds a touch of flair to your space, but also provides a comfortable and engaging sitting experience. 

First off, let’s talk about the style of this exercise ball. The Vivora Luno is a stylish sitting ball chair that effortlessly complements any decor. 

Its sleek and modern design makes it a standout piece that adds that extra flair you’ve been looking for. 

This exercise ball chair features a premium anti-burst polyvinyl chloride inner ball that inflates to a size between 25 to 26 inches. 

The tightly fitting, meticulously crafted covers not only add to the aesthetics. But also ensure the pressure of the inner ball is contained, giving you peace of mind.

But here’s the best part – sitting on a Luno circle ball chair engages your abdominal and leg muscles. 

This means that while you’re sitting, you’re also toning and strengthening those muscles over time. It’s like getting a mini-workout while you work or relax. Who wouldn’t want that?

And if you’re not into leather covers, there is a felt version available too.

Chair gym

Chair gyms are compact exercise chairs that allow you to perform various exercises while seated. It usually comes with resistance bands, handles, or a pulley system attached to the chair.

Chair gyms are a great solution if you have health issues that make it difficult to exercise while standing. It offers a convenient way to incorporate strength training and resistance exercises if you have limited mobility or prefer seated workouts.

Emson Chair Gym

Who wouldn’t want a chair gym? The Emson Chair Gym is my recommendation if you are looking for chair gyms. This all-in-one workout system offers a convenient way to exercise nearly every muscle group. 

The Emson Chair Gym is a complete workout system that includes all the tools and equipment you need to target and strengthen various muscle groups. 

Offering up to 50 exercises, you can get a full-body workout, all from the comfort of your chair. It’s a versatile and comprehensive solution for a full-body workout.

What sets the chair gym apart is its mega bundle. You’ll receive workout bands with three levels of resistance, 5 instructional DVDs, a meal plan, and a workout guide booklet. And it even has a Twister Seat addition for incredible ab workouts. 

The Emson Chair Gym is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The revolutionary tension system band technology allows you to customize your workout to your specific strength level. You can gradually increase the resistance as you progress.

Not only is this chair gym effective, but it’s also compact and portable. You can assemble it in minutes and easily fold it up like a folding chair.

You don’t need a dedicated workout space or bulky equipment to get a great workout. With the Chair Gym, you can exercise anytime, anywhere.

Comfort and support are also priorities with the Emson Chair Gym. The padded backrest provides great support and comfort for your back. You can focus on your workout without any discomfort or strain.

When it comes to durability, the Chair Gym delivers. It supports up to 350 lbs and comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring years of worry-free use. 

Just a quick note: While the Emson Chair Gym is packed with everything you need for a fantastic workout, please be aware that the floor mat is not included. 

However, it’s a small detail compared to the value and benefits you’ll get from this incredible fitness system.

LifePro Multipurpose Roman Chair

Another chair gym option is the LifePro Multipurpose Roman Chair. This versatile exercise equipment goes above and beyond your regular Roman chair hyperextension bench.

With over 20 whole-body exercises at your disposal, you can switch between different workouts to challenge yourself. Whether you’re looking to work your core, upper body, or lower body, this chair gym has got you covered.

One of the standout features of the LifePro Multipurpose Roman Chair is its ability to reduce and prevent lower back pain. 

By using the chair for back extensions, you can straighten your posture and strengthen your lower back, which helps alleviate existing pain and prevents future injuries.

You can also sculpt your upper body with preacher curls and dumbbell rows and engage your core with crunches and side bends. 

Or target your lower body with Bulgarian split squats and lateral bench hops. With this chair gym, you have endless possibilities to work on your strength and fitness goals.

The LifePro Multipurpose Roman Chair uses a heavy-duty squared iron frame and high-quality, durable cushion. It can resist wear and tear, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Another impressive feature of this chair gym is its convenience. It easily folds for storage and travel, making it a space-saving solution for your home gym. 

The folding mechanism turns the hyperextension machine into a compact unit. So you can store it away when not in use or take it with you on your travels.

Aztra Ab Chair

If you want to focus on your abs, the Aztra Ab Chair might be what you need. The Aztra Ab Chair works as exercise equipment for your core and as an inversion therapy machine, making it a 2-in-1 exercise machine. 

In addition to strengthening your abdominal muscles with the standard crunch action, it can lean back more than 180 degrees. 

This unique feature enables you to stretch out your back and release tension with gravity. It’s like having your own mini inversion table to keep you feeling great.

The Aztra Ab Chair delivers support and comfort. This chair gym allows you to work out without stressing your knees, back, or neck. 

With its high-quality design, this ab sculpting workout machine is not only durable, but also capable of supporting up to 250 lbs.  

Plus, the moisture-wicking material ensures you stay clean and cool throughout your exercise sessions.

One of the standout features of the Aztra Ab Chair is its compact storage capability. This chair gym easily folds flat, allowing you to store it in tight spaces, such as the closet or under your bed. 

Weight bench

While not specifically designed as a chair, weight benches often feature a padded seat and backrest where you can sit during exercises. They’re perfect for various exercises, including bench presses, dumbbell curls, and chest flies.

Plus, sometimes they offer adjustments and attachments for customization. 

As you can see, I only included two weight benches, one adjustable and one flat-weight bench. For more weight bench recommendations, I encourage you to check out my articles below.

• The 7 Best Adjustable Weight Benches for Your Home Gym
• The Best Workout Bench For Your Home Gym – Reviews & Guide

FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench

If you are looking for an adjustable weight bench, I want to introduce you to the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench. Fast and effortless adjustment is a key feature of this weight bench. 

With 7 back positions and 3 seat positions, it offers full-body workout versatility. Adjusting the bench is a breeze – simply pull the fast bolt, find the perfect position for your exercise, and the automatic lock securely holds it in place. 

Featuring 2-inch soft foam padding, an upgraded 10.6-inch backrest, and a seat made of PU leather, this adjustable weight bench provides optimal support and comfort. 

The soft foam padding ensures a comfortable workout experience, allowing you to focus on your form and technique without distractions.

One of the standout qualities of the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench is its high-quality construction. 

Crafted from commercial-thickness steel, this bench underwent rigorous weight tests to ensure your safety during every workout. No more worrying about a mendacious bench that compromises your security. 

When it comes to weight capacity, the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench is truly impressive. With a weight capacity of 800 pounds, it’s built to handle intense workouts. 

The unique frame design, featuring a triangular structure and heavy-duty commercial quality steel, ensures exceptional sturdiness and durability. You can focus on pushing your limits without any concerns about the bench’s stability.

The FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench also features a foldable design, so you can easily store it. No assembly is required, and when folded, it takes up a fraction of its full size. 

Amazon Basics Flat Bench

If you prefer to use a flat-weight bench, take a look at the AmazonBasics Flat Bench. With this flat-weight bench, you have the flexibility to perform a wide range of fitness routines.

The AmazonBasics Flat Bench features upside-down T-shaped legs/feet to provide reliable stability, ensuring the bench stays firmly in place during your workouts. 

The solid foundation of this bench gives you the confidence to tackle your exercises with precision.

Made of rugged, high-quality materials, including a sturdy steel tube frame and a smooth PVC top surface, this bench can withstand rigorous workouts. Plus, it can support up to 220.5 pounds of weight.

Weighing in at 21.60 pounds, the AmazonBasics Flat Bench strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and portability. You can easily move this weight bench around your home gym, or even take it with you when you’re on the go.

What to look for in the best exercise chair for your home gym?

Size

When it comes to choosing a chair, size definitely matters.

You can check if the exercise chair fits you using the seat height. For chairs used in the office, Spine Health recommends a seat height ranging from 16 to 21 inches off the floor.

Ideally, a comfortable seat height lets you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. With your thighs parallel to the floor, and your arms aligned with the height of your desk.

Adjustability and Comfort

If you don’t find the right size for your body, looking for exercise chairs with height adjustments can be a good solution. Having adjustment features will also make the chair suitable for other people, like your family.

Since you will be sitting on the exercise chair for long periods, ensure it is comfortable and provides adequate support. Comfort features like foam paddings and back support are a plus.

Durability

When it comes to durability, the choice of materials is crucial. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and steel are commonly used materials for gym products due to their strength and resistance to wear and tear. Steel and PVC are also non-toxic and low in odor.

Additionally, check the maximum weight capacity of the chair to ensure it can support your weight safely.

Safety

In addition to the material, consider other safety features, such as an anti-skid base, leak-proof material, and a slip-resistant surface, to ensure you have the best exercise chair experience.

Another feature to consider is safety locks. Ensure that when doing some adjustments to the chair, the lock will not come off and cause you to fall.

For chairs with wheels, lockable wheels are a must.

For exercise ball chairs, I recommend looking for brands with anti-burst or explosion-proof features to prevent injury in case of puncture.

One thing to remember is that the exercise ball chairs require inflation before use. After inflating the exercise ball to a certain level, you may need to let it stand for up to 24 hours to allow the material to stretch and settle.

Once this initial period is over, you can then fill it to its maximum size for optimal performance. This step is important to ensure that the exercise ball chair reaches its recommended dimensions and desired level of support and stability.

Additional Gears

Many of these chairs require assembly. Unless you have tools like an air pump and screwdriver, ensure the manufacturer provides all the gear you need to set up the exercise chair.

Price and Warranty

Compare prices between different brands and models or exercise chairs to find the best value for your money. Remember to also factor in any additional costs when making your selection, such as shipping or assembly fees.

In addition to the price, you must also check the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period gives you peace of mind and ensures you are covered in case of any defects or issues with the chair. 

Be sure to read the warranty terms carefully, and understand what is and isn’t covered.

Which exercise chair is best overall?

Before purchasing an exercise chair, it’s important to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice. 

Exercise ball chairs

The best exercise ball chair, in my opinion, is the URBNFit Exercise Ball. It may not have a base like other chairs, but I believe this gives you a more challenging workout.

Made of sturdy polyvinyl chloride, it supports weights up to 600 pounds without bursting or losing shape. The non-slip surface ensures a safe grip, and it comes with a dual-action ball pump for easy inflation.

Chair gym

The best chair gym, in my opinion, is the Emson Chair Gym. With up to 50 exercises, it provides a comprehensive full-body workout from the comfort of your chair.

The set includes workout bands, instructional DVDs, a meal plan, and a Twister Seat for ab workouts. With a padded backrest, it ensures comfort and support during your workouts.

Weight bench

The best weight bench, in my opinion, is the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench. This bench stands out for its fast and effortless adjustment, offering 7 back positions and 3 seat positions for your comfort. 

With a simple pull of the fast bolt and automatic lock, you can secure your desired position with ease. This weight bench ensures safety and durability, with a weight limit of 800 pounds. And its foldable design adds convenience for storage without assembly.

FAQs About the Best Exercise Chairs

What to Do Next?

Exercise chairs can serve as a solution to a sedentary lifestyle. Although they won’t replace traditional workouts, they offer a convenient solution if you have physical limitations or time constraints.

If you’re interested in trying an exercise chair, do your research and ask for a professional opinion before making a purchase.