If you like to shop fair trade and also have that extra boho flair that brought you to Global Groove Life’s website then you probably already have an unique home design theme going on. Cheers to that - good for you!

Circular seating continues to build interest in your space and provides seating options that alter from the norm (always a good thing with the bohemian crowd).

Functional And Fun

Need additional seating? Roll in some balance balls from the office or studio instead of having your guest “pull up a chair.” This is way easier to do than carrying chairs around to move them - and it works especially well if you have multiple areas of the house that are used for socializing with people.

Red Flower of Life Cover

Gone are the days of uncomfortable office chairs. If you work from home or are otherwise spending a lot of time sitting at a table or desk then you should really try sitting on a yoga ball. They’re quite comfortable and you can easily find wheeled bases that keep them more stable beneath you if straight up sitting on a ball sounds like a bit of a challenge.

Here are three of our top reasons why we recommend using a balance ball as your new favorite chair:

1. You’ll experience a new level of comfort while sitting on a balance ball! 


Say goodbye to uncomfortable wooden chairs and other unforgiving materials and hello to a flexible, responsive seat. The slight bounce that the ball provides allows you to make constant micro-adjustments instead of stagnating in the same position for hours at a time.

Although sitting in one single position may seem like it would be more comfortable, studies have proven that staying sedentary hour after hour (for example while working, watching TV, or scrolling through the internet) can lead to potentially lethal complications! Sitting on a yoga ball is a simple way to keep your body and life force energy moving.

2. It’s good for you!

We know, we know - we sound like your mother responding to child you when you asked her why you need to eat your vegetables! We’re not trying to dredge up old memories … but just like your mama we see the importance of looking out for your health and wellbeing!

Balancing on a yoga ball strengthens your core muscles. You know, the ones in your stomach, sides, and back that keep you moving around with ease (or not depending on the state of your core). Maintaining a strong core is very important to your overall balance and range of motion. So we’re big fans of anything that can be done to keep this part of the body toned.

3. A new perspective!

You probably know by now how passionate we are GGL are about gaining new perspectives - on everything from style to life. If you are desk-bound for a large part of the day then you could probably benefit from the change of perspective that replacing your desk chair with a balance ball will bring you.

Cobalt Geometric Cover

Changing your point of view can really transform your whole mindset and therefore your entire day! You can funnel your newfound energy and enthusiasm into more productivity and efficiency.

Style It

Naturally as a bohemian (i.e. individual with a strong sense of self and personal expression) you’ll want to explore the unique style opportunities that come along with using yoga balls as seating. Global Groove Life has so many options to transform your balance ball from blah to chic.

Plum Geometric Ball Cover

Want to use your ball as an accent piece? Choose a brightly colored or a boldly patterned yoga ball cover. Here are a few of our favorites below.

Orange Rhapsody cover

Tribal Sand Cover

Alternately, you may want to be able to use the balance ball as a chair in multiple rooms and as a workout tool in your studio. In that case you couldchoose a few different covers - or - go for a more neutral tone.

Black Flower of Life Cover

Olive Geometric Cover

We’re sure that you’ll find your perfect groove however you choose to use and decorate your balance balls. Send in photos of how you’re using your yoga ball in your space - we’d love to see it!

Amara Evans is a vibrational healer, collective consciousness-raiser, writer, and devotee of the Goddess. She loves to connect with her global community through writing and speaking about important topics like the environment, spirituality, and fair trade.

It’s no secret that sitting in a chair all day is terrible for your spine (and soul). Solutions to this problem vary widely, from obscenely expensive ergonomic chairs to standing desks to fake sick days. Using a yoga (or exercise) ball is a popular trend, but what are the actual reasons to give one a try besides introducing a “conversation piece” to your office decor?

1. Low Cost

A decent yoga ball can cost as little as $10-15. As health/lifestyle experiments go, this is extremely low-impact both on your wallet and the effort needed to implement it.

2. The Cool Factor

OK, just because “everyone” is getting one doesn’t mean you should too, but right now, yoga balls are cool. If you bring one into work, you’re creating an opportunity to lead (or join) a healthy revolution in office culture!

3. Core Strength

Keeping a ball balanced beneath you requires coordination of your abdominals with your glutes, quads, and more, leading to improvements in strength and balance. Muscle groups required to keep your standard office chair still: zero. Need we say more?

4. Movement

Lots of people say they’re going to take a break every hour to stand up and walk around, but how often does that actually happen once you get sucked into a project at your desk? Sitting on a ball leads to movement and changes in position even when you’re not going anywhere, which is better for your circulation as well as sanity throughout the workday. Of course, you should still aim to stand up and walk around frequently as well!

5. Posture

This is a big one, not just because good posture is so important to your long term health, but also because there’s no “right” answer. Sitting on a yoga ball engages your core and shoulder muscles, encouraging you to sit up straight and alleviating the pressures on your hips and spine associated with slouching. However, research has also shown that not having arm or back rests while sitting for prolonged periods can create pressure on other areas of your spine. The truth is, sitting for eight hours just isn’t good for you! However, by alternating between a chair with good lumbar support and a yoga ball throughout the day, you can have the best of both worlds: feel great and look cool doing it.

Afraid having a giant rubber ball in your office may not fit in with the boss’s “business appropriate” decor? Better yet, are you the boss trying to lead by example with your professionalism? Cover your ball! Global Groove Life’s yoga ball covers come in a fantastic variety of designs, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect fit for your personal and professional style.

sources: livestrong.com, prevention.com

So you bought a yoga ball. Now what? The name seems to imply that there’s only one use for this magical rubber globe, but don’t worry - Global Groove Life is here to help you broaden your ball’s horizons!

The Obvious

1. Yoga:

Let’s get this one out of the way. A yoga ball is an essential tool for taking your yoga game to the next level. Check out some beginner, intermediate, and advanced moves you can do in the comfort (and style) of your own home!

2. Exercise:

The distinction between yoga and a “work-out” is not as subtle as it seems. Learn how to incorporate your exercise ball into a great core workout--Get your pilates on!

3. Stretch:

Professional athletes have a professional staff to keep them loose and limber. You have your yoga ball! Avoid muscle cramps by trying some helpful stretches with your yaga ball!

 Take a Seat

4. Desk Chair:

We’ve all heard about the benefits of incorporating a yoga ball into your seating options at work. Give it a try!

5. Table Chair:

Instead of eating so much you have to be rolled away from the dinner table, stay mindful and healthy by rolling up to the dinner table on your exercise ball!

6. Footrest:

Want to keep your feet up while working your core? Swap your ottoman out for your yoga ball and get your balance game going during a Netflix binge.

 The Home Stretch

7. Baby Bouncer:

Lots of trendy moms are turning to this fun alternative as a way of getting babies to sleep or even just to evoke that adorable giggle!

8. Physical Therapy:

Consult your doctor and/or physical therapist on this one, but yoga and/or bosu balls can be fantastic tools for getting back to your former glory.

9. Family Time:

Roll the dice and stretch your family game repertoire while stretching your muscles! Cozy & comfy or bouncy & crazy.......whichever way your family rolls, we've got the fun times covered! 

10. Style Piece:

If you think ideas 1-9 are great, and for the sake of that big rubber ball eyesore in your living room or office, elevate your style with one of our beautiful yoga ball covers!

 We know our yoga ball covers will liven up your room decor and make you smile when you see your favorite pattern! SHOP BALL COVERS HERE!

What’s in a name? We call it a yoga ball, but it’s so much more. For a tool as versatile as our favorite giant rubber spheres, it’s only fitting that there are as many as 15 recognized names for them, but how did it all start?

1. The Pezzi Ball

Whatever you call them today, a plastics manufacturer made the OG in 1963, intending it to be used as a toy. It wound up in Switzerland as a tool for patients with neuromuscular issues, where therapists and patients achieved great results.

 2. The Swiss Ball

When American physical therapists saw the benefits of the ball and brought it back to the US, they gave credit to the country where they first saw it in action.

3. Balance ball

Using a yoga ball promotes an enhanced sense of balance as you make small corrections in position to ensure you don’t roll over!

4. Stability ball

Balance and stability go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise this handle made the list. It’s also why so many people have started using yoga balls in addition to their office chairs.

5. Birthing ball

The yoga ball has helped usher thousands of baby yogis into the world, as many moms have started to turn to more natural positions and environments for the births of their children.

6. Body ball

It’s certainly not a football! The yoga ball’s size and intended use are for the health of the entire body, not just one part.

7. Fitness ball

Whether you use the ball for yoga, office furniture, or just a good old fashioned workout, the yoga ball is a great tool to help you stay in shape!

8. Gym ball

For those who opt for a more traditional gym setting, you’ll still often find a yoga ball among the free weights and other essential fitness tools.

9. Gymnastic ball

Not to be confused with the shorter “gym ball,” many gymnasts and tumblers make use of the yoga ball as well.

10. Physioball

One of the two closest links to the ball’s origin, the name physioball is a throwback to the yoga ball’s first days as a physical therapy tool.

11. Therapy ball

The other nod to the yoga ball’s origin. Of course, when you combine the two, you get physiotherapy ball!

12. Pilates ball

We may be yoga nuts over here at Global Groove Life, but we have lots of love and respect for our fellows who opt for Pilates!

13. Sports ball

Many athletic teams have found ways to incorporate the yoga ball into their routines to ensure strong, well-balanced athletes take the field on game day.

14. Swedish ball

Honestly, we did a lot of research on this one, and our conclusion is that this name just happened after enough people mistakenly said “Swedish” instead of “Swiss.” If you’ve heard otherwise, please share your knowledge in the comments!

15. Yoga ball

Our personal favorite, of course! We use the yoga ball in many of our exercises, and we love stepping up our style with Global Groove Life yoga ball covers!

What do you call your yoga ball? Share in the comments!

Global Groove has been providing color, pattern and texture options for exercise ball covers without delay.  If you are the proud owner of a 55cm, 65cm or 75cm exercise ball, then you have more than likely transformed your exercise or living space into something just a wee bit more palatable and groovy than the mood that the sticky, yucky plastic ball creates on it's own!  Maybe you have a fluffy fur exercise ball cover, or a racey animal print balance ball cover.  Maybe you've chosen a precious pink birthing ball cover, or funky swirl stretch cotton yoga ball cover.  Whatever your personal style may be, without a doubt that your personal space looks and feels a whole heap better now that your exercise ball is a functional piece of art and not an eyesore shoved behind the couch or in the closet!  

But what about your smaller folks?  You've been asking and you've been waiting and lo and behold, you have been heard!  Global Groove is happy to announce that we have introduced exercise ball covers in the 45 cm size to accommodate healthy kids' decor too!  

Remember that the 75cm covers now come in a wide variety of options, too.  So, you six footers and up, time to get stylie and groove out your exercise ball cover!  Join us in fashionable living and shop for ball covers in all sizes here.

Adun, our quality control and packing supervisor carries in our custom-made stretch cotton fabric, just delivered from the printer. The first step of the process was picking out colors of knit cotton which comes in tubes.

Before being printed, the fabric has to be cut so that we can print both sides of the tube. 

Our master tailor, Dia, is so excited to see this new fabric. She's been making our balance ball covers for 4 years now but this will be the first time that she's using stretch cotton fabric. It's time to adjust the patterns again! She is in town for the day to pick up the new fabric and then take it back to her village co-op where she will distribute the fabric and supplies to her team in outlying villages.

Greg and Gina discuss specs for the ball covers with Dia to make sure everyone is on the same page. 

Here's a sneak peek at the final product, our stretch fabric yoga ball covers. These are awesome and so easy to put on thanks to the long, heavy-duty YKK zip which wraps around three quarters of the circumference of the ball.

The cover above fits a 65cm ball and the cover below fits a 55cm ball, perfect for a balance ball chair as you can see!

 Machine washable, 100% cotton fabric. 

Recently things here in Chiang Mai have been a flurry of activity. There have been shopping trips, deliveries, team sewing days, shipping expeditions and more.

There have been baskets and purses and scarves and pipes, tassels and bracelets and hats.

While we’re often busy and spend a lot of time with our suppliers, things have really stepped up a notch. And it’s not just because it’s time to restock the online store. Nope, we’ve got something even more exciting in the works, and we’re so excited it’s time to finally share it with you.

So what’s all this hustle and bustle for? To prepare for our very first Pop-Up Store!

Set to open in Santa Rosa Plaza, Sonoma County in California on November 15th, we’re beyond excited to be heading back to our old stomping ground, bringing that Global Groove magic with us.

Tassles tassles tassles! Greg loaded up with the tassel order for the Tree in Santa Rosa Plaza - opening Nov 15!

Opening a pop-up store is a very cool opportunity for us. Not only will we get to connect with a bunch of interesting people in Sonoma County, but we’ll be able to really give people a tangible sense of the impact of their spending choices over the holidays.

We’ll be able to tangibly showcase the beautiful handiwork of our Thai and Nepali artisans, and help people to become truly involved with where their goods come from.

The pop-up store is going to be a hub of activity in Santa Rosa Plaza. On top of doing a bustling trade leading up to holidays, we’ll be running yoga classes and connecting with yoga teachers in the area for training.

The store will be full of our gorgeous products, with the perfect give for everyone on one of our shelves. We’ll be doing giveaways and social media contests, and inviting people from the mall and local community to get involved. 

Now, we’re going to be keeping everyone up to date about how the pop-up space is coming along via our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We’ll be adding new pics each week of what we’ve been up to and what’s happening on the ground, so make sure you’re following us at www.facebook.com/globalgroovelife and www.instagram.com/globalgroovelife too.

As the opening date draws closer, we’ll be releasing more details about our hours and all the activities that will be going on in-store, along with these photo updates. If you’ve got questions, comments or ideas about the store, just pop a comment on any of the photos & we will get back to you.

We hope you’re as excited as we are & we’re so looking forward to seeing all you Californians when we hit the ground!

Yoga ball covers are starting to become a really popular item here at Global Groove Life. We’ve been making them for a while now, but people are really starting to catch on to how much they can transform a room! 

See, we’re big fans of sitting on yoga balls to work. We have them in our home office, and there are a couple around the house that are used for extra seating (when they’re not being used as a yoga tool).

Yoga balls (or balance balls or exercise balls, depending on what you call them) are extremely functional. They are very versatile to use around the home, and they can really improve your body mechanics over time.

There’s just one problem.

They’re so. Damn. Ugly.

And sticky. It’s one of life’s great mysteries how the things end up with that weird tacky feeling all over them, no matter how hard you try to keep them clean.

So when we started creating yoga ball covers, it was really for us. We wanted our yoga balls to look and feel lovely every time you came across one. And as it turns out, lots of other people were in the same boat.

Since we started getting so much interest, we’ve extended our line of Fair Trade yoga ball covers significantly. They range from teen-friendly prints, to whacky patterns, to subtle and subdued - all the way up to our new luxe range.

These new luxe covers are handcrafted from Burma Silk.

We head out to Wararot Kad Luang Market and meet our long-time supplier. We chat as she measures out the hand-spun silk in 2-yard sections. It takes several of these large pieces to create one cover, and there’s a long process ahead before the final product reaches us.

Once we’ve purchased yards and yards of the Burma Silk, we carefully transport them to a village just outside Chiang Mai. We arrive at our tailor’s home and hand over the huge folds of material, which she and her team members will cut by hand into small pieces a few inches in diameter. 

Cutting completed, the Burma Silk is loaded into another truck and dispatched to even smaller villages that are even further out of Chiang Mai. There is no industry in these areas, so the arrival of the silk is an event. The tailors hustle around the truck, collecting their portion of the silk to whisk away to their sewing rooms. Ensconced by hundreds of yards of silk, they get to work, twisting each little piece of silk into a bow-shape.

After about two days of work shaping the silk, it’s time for the cover to take shape. The tailors sew up a ball cover, and then begin the long process of attaching each bow to the cover. The silk is delicate, so this process is handled with tender care, and will take the next two days.

Four days after they receive the raw Burma Silk, the tailors have each created one Burma Silk Yoga Ball Cover.

It’s a long, intensive process, and by the time that cover is dispatched back to us, they are due for a well-earned break before tackling the next cover. 

However, the cover each tailor has produced is gorgeous. They are the very top of the line in ball covers, and they are quickly snapped up by our style-conscious customers.

Do you have a yoga ball that is ruining the look of a room in your home? We’ve got plenty of new cover options available, all Fair Trade and handcrafted, and they are so varied that there will certainly be good fit for your style and decor. Check them out here!