For Productive Web Browsing, Gearfire Recommends 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair
I recently came across this article, which talks about using an exercise ball as your home or office chair. I have used an exercise ball as a chair before, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Here are some of the benefits of using an exercise ball as your chair. Whether you spend your desk time at the office, or studying at home for that next exam, office ball chairs can help you in many ways.
1. Forces proper spine alignment. Because an exercise ball is not stable, your body needs to try to balance itself on it. The perfect spinal posture is coincidently the easiest to balance with. Thus, your body will automatically try to align itself into the proper posture. This helps improve your spinal health, and decrease back pains.
2. Causes you to frequently change positions. An exercise ball causes to you to change your position often to balance. For example, if you turn 45 degrees to face the phone, your body will assume a new position. This helps reduce damage caused by prolonged sitting in the same position.
3. Fitness is at your fingertips. Another great thing about using this alternative to a chair, is that you can do stretches or mini-workouts whenever you want, without getting up. If you’ve ever stuck waiting for a minute or two, you can make productive use of that time with a quick workout or stretch. Because it’s much more convenient, you will probably do it more, thus resulting in better health.
4. Improve your balance. This one is very understandable. Sitting on an unstable surface all day will improve your sense of balance, as well as the reactions of your muscles. The result? An overall better balance, that can be observed out of the office.
5. Get that 6-pack you’ve been wanting. Your body primarily uses your core (abdominal) muscles to help compensate for changes in balance. Thus, your essentially getting a low-key abdominal workout. This may not sound like a lot, but consider the amount of time you spend on your computer at the office, or at home. Those hours can build up, and result in a strengthening of ab muscles.
6. Improves your circulation. Using an exercise ball will keep the blood flowing to all parts of your body, throughout the day. A desk chair on the other hand, reduces circulation to some parts of the body after prolonged use.
7. You’ll feel more energetic. It has been proven that staying in one position, will make you more tired, while moving around and being active with give you more energy. With an exercise ball as a chair, you will feel much more energized after you finish your work. 8. Burn up to 350 calories per day. More movement during the day = more calories burnt. Burning 350 calories per day = losing one pound of fat every 10 days. You may not burn quite 350, but nonetheless, it will help you stay fit.
9. Really cheap. Specialized exercise balls designed for sitting usage can range from $15 to $80. Much cheaper than buying an ergonomic chair, which can range anywhere from $100 to $400 and up.
10. C’mon, its fun! Who doesn’t like the idea of bouncing around on an exercise ball all day. Exercise balls are an exciting alternative to chairs, and may just give that spark of fun to your day. Update: I just bought an exercise ball for myself. So far, I am really enjoying it! My only complaint is that in the morning when I am half-awake, it is hard to balance. I found this cheap exercise ball at Target for only $12! Unfortunately, they forgot the plug, and the pump is kind of cheap. Great for trying it out though, if you don’t want to invest $20-$30 in a ball which you may never use. Also, before you buy, make sure you know what size is right for you. I am about 5 feet, 6 inches, and the 65cm ball fits me well. Your legs should be almost parallel with the ground. Have you personally had experience with using an exercise ball as a chair? Drop us a comment on how it worked out for you.
Vidya A. said
am March 1 2007 @ 7:50 am
I have been using an exercise ball chair for over a year now at work. I, like many others these days, spend long hours at the computer, and I found that my shoulder and neck stress (pain) disappeared overnight.
However, I did end up with some back pain, as my back muscles were not accustomed to good posture ;-). So my recommendation would be to ease into it rather than go cold turkey so that your body has the chance to get accustomed to it.
Niki said
am March 21 2007 @ 4:29 pm
This was my experience after one month of using an exercise ball at work:
1. Shoulder and neck pain gone - it was really bad before
2. Trimmed up - couldn’t figure out how I was trimming up ’cause I wasn’t working out more or eating less, but then it dawned on me … exercise ball, duh!
3. Lost some weight - i’m tellin’ ya! i lost 7 pounds, i wasn’t even trying.
Exercise balls at work are rad! when i wear a skirt, i sit in my chair, no skirt, ball! try it out for a month
Mary A said
am March 21 2007 @ 7:50 pm
I have used an exercise ball exclusively for nearly a year at my desk. Some days I spend hours at my desk, other days no more than an hour. I find the following:
1. The ball helps REMIND me to sit up straight — it doesn’t “make it happen.”
2. I find myself unconciously rolling back and forth, or side to side, or around in small circles, while I work. This has obviously got to be good for circulation, for alertness, and even a small calorie burn.
3. Mentally, I find the fitness ball at my desk, wearing a pedometer, doing my grocery shopping in decent workout clothes and shoes, wearing my swimming watch as much as possible, etc, all help me cultivate a “fitness-orientation” in my mindset. They all remind me that I am an “active woman” who has worked hard to become fit, energetic, strong, with stamina and vibrancy in my life — and that I want to stay that way and that life feels good lived in a fit body. Many say and I agree: “Fitness is 90% in the attitude.” And the ball at my desk, along with several other little things, contribut to my “fitness mentality.”
TaraMetBlog said
am April 11 2007 @ 8:06 pm
I just got a fitness ball for my desk too. I’m going to link to this article/post. thanks!
10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair - lifehack.org said
am April 20 2007 @ 12:54 pm
[…] this the best alternative to ergonomic chairs? What else is out there? 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair - […]
Joe Briefcase said
am April 20 2007 @ 1:57 pm
I tried it with a football. Now I have a prostrate problem.
But it wasn’t as bad as sitting on a baseball, which caused…. well, I shouldn’t say.
incndnz said
am April 20 2007 @ 2:42 pm
My mother teaches in the ‘resource room’ (learning disabled kids, special education kids and advanced elementary classes) and she uses the kid sized balls as chairs for all of her kids. She says it seems to help all of them focus their mind better when they can bounce around and let off some of their energy!
La palla della postura corretta « La Via SenzaNome said
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Brett said
am April 20 2007 @ 6:55 pm
Oh my goodness this ball as a chair idea is amazing! Just got mine today and what a difference….thanks for the writeup.
Rich G. said
am April 20 2007 @ 8:44 pm
Great article, sending it to my room mate who makes fun of me for using the exer-ball for a chair!
Hopefully this makes it a legitimate chair in his mind. That’s my hope at least. I keep getting my ‘chair’ hurled at me in the living room. lol
simplerich » 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair » GearFire said
am April 20 2007 @ 9:22 pm
[…] Source: 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair » GearFire […]
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am April 21 2007 @ 12:28 am
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Bagus said
am April 23 2007 @ 8:52 am
In our company it was ‘almost’ forbidden. The reason was that, some people tend to fall down/roll down from the ball. The company has had a problem with the insurance claims (at work) for these workers.
Since then, the recomend using the ‘ring’ on the floor as the ball basis. With this ring, majoritiy of positive effects of the ball are simply gone….
So, guys, be carefull or check with your company/insurance policy if this is OK.
cheers,
AndyC said
am April 23 2007 @ 9:46 am
…and you can dance at your desk on a ball.. Try doing that on an office chair
Filter for 18/4 2007 - Felt said
am April 23 2007 @ 4:13 pm
[…] GearFire: 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair Interesting idea. […]
Exercise ball as chair, day one | banannie said
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TioTOny said
am April 30 2007 @ 12:54 am
Many co-workers laugh at my exercise ball but can’t stop themselves from sitting on it when they are in my office :). I have been using one at home and work for several months and can feel my core changing. Even on conference calls I will often lean back and stretch out even in mid conversation. Sure beats sitting in a chair all day. Anyone replaced a chair with a treadmill? That’s my next venture.
links for 2007-05-03 « Motherduce - Daily Links said
am May 2 2007 @ 8:22 pm
[…] 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair » GearFire Going to have to try this at home… (tags: ergonomics lifehacks exercise health) […]
travisowens said
am May 5 2007 @ 10:31 pm
Your chair is killing you(r back)
Despite lumbar support and ergonomic positiong; office chairs aren’t very good for your body, you’re…
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Triple Jeah Electronic Media Services LLC said
am May 11 2007 @ 9:15 am
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Chris White said
am May 13 2007 @ 2:14 pm
I’ve had a ball for a long time but I never used it heavily, but I recently started using it almost full time and I love it! Some of the advantages I find to it is that I can sit cross legged on it, which is definitely my sitting preference much of the time and it really improves your balance. I also used to be told all the time that I’d break my chairs since I rocked back onto two or even one legs, while I never actually broke any I can get the same effect from a ball without any of the concern. You can’t beat the price either. I do find myself adopting a really poor posture pretty easily though, something I need to work harder on not doing.
jean said
am May 15 2007 @ 1:17 pm
Balls make brilliant chairs, I’ve used one for a long time now. But women be warned, on a bad day perineal scar pain can feel worse.
jos said
am May 23 2007 @ 3:00 pm
well i have a ball sitting in the corner of my living room
after reading this i am going to try using it as my “chair” instead of the couch, ill let you know how its turns out
thanks
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Harlie said
am June 18 2007 @ 4:11 pm
We started an ab ball challenge at work today. I had to give up after 4 hours because my back is really hurting. I think we are using balls that are too small because our knees are very bent. Using the ball didn’t force me to have good posture, which is probably why my back hurts now. Anyone have any pointers on how to do it better?
Geoff R. said
am June 20 2007 @ 8:21 am
Hmm, I wonder if you were using the right sized ball. I did see a chart on the internet a couple of days ago, but I forget where it is now.
I am 5 foot 6, and I use a 65cm ball. If you are over 6 feet, you should use a 75cm ball.
Ultimately, your thighs should be parallel to the ground while sitting on the ball. That is what indicates proper ball size.
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engtech said
am September 14 2007 @ 12:42 pm
I did this and eventually abandoned it.
My posture was still really bad as I put weight on my elbows.
bill m said
am September 23 2007 @ 1:17 pm
If you’re going to buy one, check out Isokinetics Inc. They have their own version of the gaiam chair only for a lot less. I got one for my wife and she loves it. I’ll stick to my aeron
Geoff R. said
am September 23 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Bill,
Those chairs are cool, I have never seen them before. I think however that I will stick with using a free-moving ball because I enjoy the activity.
I think those gaiam chairs are a great idea for older people who can’t move around or risk falling off regular balls!
Thanks for dropping by!
E2E Architects Blog » Blog Archive » Should I *too* have a ball? said
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paulette said
am December 12 2007 @ 10:12 am
No one beats a physically fit person. Being healthy is in our hands. It maybe hard to excercise but its harder to get sick.
Mark said
am January 5 2008 @ 8:58 pm
I have started using the Gymball to watch TV at night. it stops me dozing off in the middle of my favorite show. If I am on the couch I am out like a light!
Are You On the Ball When it Comes to Exercising at the Office? said
am January 9 2008 @ 9:45 am
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paulette said
am January 14 2008 @ 1:47 pm
Hope the reasons stated above convinced you to use exercise ball. Remember that being healthy is priceless. And may you be healthy throughout the year.
My Printed Circuit Boards said
am January 17 2008 @ 7:51 pm
I just started using one two weeks ago. I am having alot of trouble just sitting up for long periods of time. My back muscles must just be weak. It definitely is not a comfy leather chair that I’m used to. I’m gonna stick with it a few weeks and hope my back muscles get stronger.
Daniel said
am January 24 2008 @ 3:43 pm
To Geoff R., i appreciate your efforts in offering people advice regarding their postural health, but, some topics are best left to those with specialist knowledge. Nowhere on your “about” page does it mention “exercise science” as an “area of expertise”.
1. Forces proper spine alignment - sitting on an exercise ball is an activity that requires co contraction of the inner unit of the core muscles and the spinal muscle groups. Without this co contraction the person sat on the ball will slump forward at the desk and support oneself using the wrist and forearms for stability. Simply sitting on an exercise ball does not force proper spinal alignment. The body will only sit upright with correct posture when reminded to by the brain, until the postural muscles are sufficiently adept to the correct posture. This will occur as a result of repeated bouts of sitting on the ball in the correct manner.
2. Causes you to frequently change positions - this is a valid point. Sitting on an exercise ball is like sitting on a normal chair on ice. If you’re not careful you may fall off.
I agree with Geoff here. Because of the instability of the ball the postural muscles are systemically working to ensure that an upright posture is sustained. Likewise, when moving around at the desk to fetch the phone or other item, the postural muscles are required to counteract the instability of the body on the ball. This helps to promote flexibility of the trunk, strength, and endurance of the postural muscles.
3. Fitness is at your fingertips - for this point Geoff mentions that you can have a quick workout getting up. I’m going to take this point with a pinch of salt because you can do a few crunches, sit ups and errrm…more crunches. I’d prefer that if you do find yourself with a spare 5 minutes that you make the effort to get up and promote some circulation to the legs. Perform some squats with the ball against a wall, followed by a back stretch, and ab stretch. Trust me, you will feel a whole lot better and ready for you next stint at the desk.
4. Improve your balance - another fair point by Geoff. All that i will say about this point is that balance requires interaction from a multitude of senses, muscular sense being only one of them. Also, balance training is specific. By sitting on an unstable ball you will improve your balance at sitting on an unstable ball. For example, to improve your one legged standing balance, you must train standing on one leg and remove one or more balance stimulus, i.e. stability.
5. Get the 6-pack you’ve been wanting - completely untrue. As i mentioned earlier, the ability to balance sitting on a ball requires co activation of the spinal and inner unit muscles. These muscles have to constantly readjust to ensure the correct upright posture is maintained. The work effort exerted upon these muscles during co contraction has been hypothesised to provide a benefit to their endurance capacity. In search of the secret to gaining a 6 pack you will not find exercise experts advocating endurance training. What they will mention is eating clean with minimal fat intake, appropriate aerobic and/or anaerobic training, and an excellent core training programme.
6. Improves your circulation - in comparison to sitting on some chairs sitting on an exercise ball is 100 per cent better. The problem with sitting in a chair for a long period of time lies in the compression of surface veins and arteries therefore restricting blood flow. Also, blood pooling in the legs can occur. When sitting on an exercise ball this is accounted for by the small postural movements that help to pump the blood around the body. Also, so long as an angle of less than 90 degree is observed at the thighs, in relation to the floor, then blood will not pool as dramatically.
7. You’ll feel more energetic - true to a certain extent. After a period of prolonged use, sitting on an exercise ball will become second nature, in that respect you will be feeling a whole lot better about yourself simply because you will be in an upright and commanding posture. However, early on into switching from a chair to an exercise ball you will be liable to feel lethargy of the core muscles. This is due to the newly found activation they will receive after however many years of inactivity at a desk. My advice is not to run before you can walk. Don’t assume that you will be able to sit on the ball for 8 hour shifts 5 days per week. Start off simply with 20 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration of sitting over a number of weeks. The last thing you want to do is cause harm to the muscles that account for posture.
8. Burn up to 350 calories per day - I think this point was probably read on a piece of promotional packaging. I grant that the extra work performed by the postural muscles will add up to a few calories, but, a few calories only. I once read in a piece of research that it requires 250,000 crunches to burn 1 lb of fat. Make of that what you will.
9. Really cheap - I’m all for this point. Exercise balls are cheap in comparison to ergonomically designed chairs and are twice as versatile because they double up as a workout bench. It is important that people but the best version of exercise ball they can afford. Many of the cheaper versions do not guarantee against bursting. For the sake of a few pounds/euros/dollars/generic money you can buy a ball with a lifetime guarantee against bursting.
10. C’mon, it’s fun! - This is very much true. I’ve been using a ball for a couple of years now. I’ve found that my sitting posture has improved no end, and that my sitting balance is superb. I often find myself adopting challenging balancing postures, trying to push my new found skill to the limits.
The only motive for me writing in this way is a dislike for misinformation when it comes to health and fitness related issues. The authors at GearFire provide a great service for students, but, they should only advocate what they truly know and understand.
kathey said
am February 16 2008 @ 9:16 pm
hello, I read your article and could not agree more.
I don’t use my excersise ball for work, but i spend a credible amount of time on it, just simply having fun bouncing. Most people would think that it gets boring after a while, but no, take your iPod/MP3, and listen to it while you’re bouncing! its like dancing, except it doesnt take any skill. It also burns calories, without putting stress on your muscles, and you can do it as often as you want.
its affordable, healthy and fun!
My cousin got into a car accident, and she couldnt run or walk fast or do anything to get her excersise, because of her knee that she injured, and started gaining weight. So i suggested she try this, because she always loved jogging with her MP3 player. She loved it! over the course of two months, she’s lost 10 pounds! along with bouncing, shes done more excersise on the ball, like crunches, which are fairly easy.
I fully recomend bouncing on an excersise ball regularly, or using one at work, to anyone.
especially computer technicians/secretaries, because they often develop poor posture & back problems from their regular chairs.
Gabby said
am February 26 2008 @ 12:15 pm
I have started using the ball today at work. I feel it working because my back muscles are sore already. I know after I use it for a prolonged amount of time that they will be used to it and not be sore anymore. I have had back issues for years and hope that this will help. I was told I needed my core strengthened and that this should help. I can tell that my abs are constantly working…not a bad thing!
Dellarease said
am February 26 2008 @ 5:22 pm
I am going to buy my exercise ball tomorrow. I’ve beenb attling the bulging mid-section for far too long. It is now time for me to live and move on with my life with more important issues, than waste time woryying about how I will get rid of this flabby stomach.
I say: STOMACH BE GONE!!!
Chris said
am February 27 2008 @ 2:10 am
This idea has pros and cons but the bottom line is that it may be non-compliant with OH&S ergonomics requirements and general safety provisions (depending on jurisdiction). If you are self employed that’s one thing but if you are an employer you should check out your local OH&S regs before allowing your staff to use these.
Pete said
am March 4 2008 @ 11:18 am
Daniel,
You’re a wanker (said affectionately). I don’t think this article was meant to be a scientific analysis of how a ball does or doesn’t work on dynamic human anatomy. In literature, there is such a thing as “tone”. The tone of this piece was obviously meant to inspire and give a very broad stroke on the subject. To that degree, Geoff did just that. I used to be a personal trainer, and I was looking for advice on lower back pain and office chair alternatives; this piece inspired me to try out the ball.
I seriously doubt any person of normal intelligence is going to think this ball will replace eating healthy and regular exercise. Furthermore, your “science” is exactly the kind of stuff that tends to scare the average Joe or Josephine away from trying stuff out by information overload. People generally want to know, “Does it work?” not “How does it work?”. That’s why aspirin ads don’t waste time saying, “I took two of these 325 mg acetylsalicylic acid tablets, per my 7.5–12.5 mg per kilogram of body weight limitation, and it had a typical analgesic drugs reaction with my peripheral and central nervous systems, resulting in diminished, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activity in my lower lumbar region within 1800 seconds.” Nope. They say, “I took two of these here little pills, and my back pain was gone in 30 minutes!! Thanks Bayer!”.
Geoff, great article. Daniel, drop and give me ten.
danielb said
am March 10 2008 @ 1:31 pm
@Pete - I completely respect your opinion. Consider the 10 press ups done (emphatically).
I’d like to thank you for reading my comment, and voicing your opinion after all what are comment sections for?
I agree the that “literature” has tone but it should also contain fact when the advice is health related. Just my opinion, and one that is shared by many sports scientists, and indeed by the personal trainers that I work with. Literature should also consider its audience, this being a student centred blog I assumed the audience could decipher a little bit of science.
I don’t write to advertise I write to inform. Therefore your theory that people want to know “Does it work” doesn’t work for me.
Geoff and I have exchanged emails and he has no hard feelings. In fact, I now write posts for the Gearfire blog
http://www.gearfire.net/fitness-advice-arrives-gearfire/
Other than that I hope you found the information you were looking for and If not then maybe I can help?
Emily said
am May 5 2008 @ 2:39 pm
Thanks for this article and the comments on it. I’ve been considering switching to the ball for over a year now. I have major hip problems and today they were so painful that I decided to finally make the switch. Your article and other’s experience with switching to an exercise ball really helped me make that decision.
It’s been 10 minutes so far and I can already feel my stomach getting a little workout. I need to strengthen my core in order for my hips to get some relief.
Thanks again!
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am May 7 2008 @ 3:58 pm
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Angela WD said
am May 12 2008 @ 1:25 pm
I just got my exercise ball/chair yesterday. I really like it so far, but I’m afraid to bounce on it too much in case it pops!
Kannan Srinivasan said
am May 27 2008 @ 12:19 am
Thanks for the wonderful article. I have been thinking about this a long time. Finally I switched my home computer chair with an exercise ball. My hips are already feeling much better. Eventually I am gonna switch my office chair to ball chair too.
BTW beginners, you need to have a fairly strong core to sit for a lot time. Ofcourse with more practise your core with get strenghtened automatically, but I would recommend doing some yoga, alexander technique etc
Secret Cherry Cheap Calls From The UK said
am May 29 2008 @ 7:52 pm
Haha! Just imagining how it would look if I got one in my office
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Olive jiang said
am June 9 2008 @ 4:16 am
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Jonathan said
am July 8 2008 @ 3:37 pm
I have heard about using a ball for a chair but never really considered it until a few days ago. I seem to be developing really bad back pain due to spending almost all day long at the computer. I went to Target last night and got a ball for me to use at home. It was really fun and comfortable to use last night. I will use it again tonight at home. I am afraid I won’t be able to use it at work due to the professional work setting and it might not look very good. I am thinking about getting something like seen here http://walking.about.com/od/exercises/gr/fitdisc.htm I doubt it is as good as a regular ball but for my work setting it may be the only appropriate thing.
SOG knives said
am July 17 2008 @ 10:10 pm
SOG knives…
Interesting ideas… I wonder how the Hollywood media would portray this?…
nancy said
am August 6 2008 @ 6:57 pm
Ok, I started sitting on the ball when i started reading this article. Now after reading through all these comments, my back is already sore… it must be working. I think I’m going to need to work up to this slowly. but I love it already. I work at home and spend about 12-14 hours/day at my laptop. I can’t wait until I can sit on the ball all day!
Scarlet Lake said
am August 22 2008 @ 1:14 pm
I used an exercise ball at my old office and just started using it again at my new place of work. Of course people make fun, but I forwarded my co-workers your article.
Sometimes the boys at the office kick my ball around, and I told them — “PLAY WITH YOUR OWN BALL(s)!” LOL.
Jeff said
am August 30 2008 @ 10:30 am
There are so many benefits to using an exercise ball in this way, and I hope to never go back to an office chair. My 2 cents worth on finding the right size ball:
1) The ball is too small if your knees are higher than your hips.
2) The ball is too big if you can’t balance without your feet leaving the ground (flat-footed).
Alfresia Garden Furniture said
am September 2 2008 @ 11:08 am
Great post. I could do to lose a pound or two myself however last time I had a go with an exercise ball I struggled to stay on it. My balance is rubbish but I think I may give it another go.
Laura said
am September 12 2008 @ 1:36 pm
How big should a exrcise ball be?
Joelen Huckabone said
am September 14 2008 @ 2:08 am
After reading all of these articles, I am going to ask my Commander if I can have one in the office instead of my chair. I sit in the office for at least 12 hours everyday. Any one know where I can get one sent to Iraq?
Liss said
am September 17 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Wow! After reading this article, I’m so swapping every chair in my house for an exercise ball!
Thanks for the idea.
Helen Downs said
am December 26 2008 @ 12:23 pm
As an elderly lady, 88 years young, I enjoy sitting on my big blue ball. It’s the most comfortable ball I’ve had, after trying other balls. Its so comfortable and helps my balance. I play bridge in the afternoon with several of my lady friends and they all laugh at me. I told Ethel “go to he..” for laughing. I found out about this ball over at http://blabtalk.com
Amanda said
am December 31 2008 @ 2:23 pm
agree completely. sitting on my ball in the office right now. stretching. bouncing. balancing. anybody have any simple at-your-desk exercizes and stretches they can direct me to? ones that aren’t so elaborate that they cause my coworkers to point, stare, and laugh?
mountain said
am January 1 2009 @ 11:42 pm
MG that
hal said
am January 2 2009 @ 5:16 pm
I have been on a ball for over 2 months now and it is really great. Sure I get laughed at in the beginning but now they are asking questions….
Leo Laporte the tech guy sits on one for almost 2 years now and can be seen on live.twit.tv
Dewaji SEO Test said
am January 11 2009 @ 10:57 am
I work at home and spend about 10 hours/day at my laptop. I can’t wait until I can sit on it all day
nursing schools in ohio said
am January 14 2009 @ 10:57 am
If this will help my spine alignment I’ll give it a shot. Sweet post..
kristal said
am January 15 2009 @ 2:31 pm
Dude! I got my ball about 2 weeks ago and i love it. I’m one of those people whos leg never stops moving cause i have so much enery but i sit at a desk all day. The people in my office think i’m crazy but what ever its cool. But I just keep bouncing away and its great.
everyone should get one, I can’t await till some designer get ahold of this and make cool looking balls for work.
Class said
am January 27 2009 @ 7:42 pm
Sitting on an exercise ball chair while at home or work promotes flexibility, coordination, motor skills, core strengthening, and balance.
Lotus said
am February 4 2009 @ 10:35 am
Oh my goodness this ball as a chair idea is amazing! Just got mine today and what a difference….thanks for the writeup.
M.H. said
am February 26 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Which helps more though?
Ball by itself?
Or these balls with chair bases? http://www.isokineticsinc.com/category/ex_ball_chairs
I’m extremely interested in obtaining a ball but it’s not just a ball now which is best or are they both equally good?
Susan said
am February 27 2009 @ 7:17 am
I have been using a ball for 5yrs anywhere between 1 - 4 hours a day at the computer. I had no real idea of how it was benefiting my body until my granddaughter who weighs around 20kg wringing wet took it outside for 5mins and managed to puncture it. I returned to using my computer chair for a month and my body behaved like it had died and gone to hell!! I recently replaced the ball and had the original repaired as a ’spare’ so I will never be left without one again. So good in so many ways!!
Linda said
am March 1 2009 @ 6:23 pm
All very good if you excercise ball doesn’t have a slow puncture!
meeting rooms said
am March 6 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Balls make brilliant chairs, I’ve used one for a long time now. But women be warned, on a bad day perineal scar pain can feel worse.
W. Bowen - Bach. Ex Sci, Masters Ex Rehab, PHD current said
am March 29 2009 @ 1:21 am
Well…
HOw about some reasons not to use a swissball as a chair.
(1) theres a distinct lack of scientific evidence to show the benefits of using one, either as a chair or in a gym.
(2) Anyone with a discagenic problem/injury, by using a swissball as a chair is increasing their intervertebral pressure and increasing their chance of a disc prolapse.
(3) It DOES not help increase posture, you still slouch and those same muscle which are meant to help you are still inactive.
(4) Fall off, hit your head, now you have brain damage… Not to likely I admit (brain damage, the fall is guaranteed).
(5) I’m a flake, I use a swiss ball because someone told me too, beleiving that it is good for me.
(6) Why am I typing this? in the hopes that one person here actually looks up some research… just go to your nations occupational health and safety site.
(7) I bought a cheap ball and it exploded. Great, now get a real chair. Or at least by a decent/expensive anti burst ball.
(8) NO, you are not going to burn much more calories a day… stabilising muscles are tiny, they use very little energy… not that they are working more while on the ball.
(9)Please don’t believe you’ll get a ’six pack’… everyone has one its just hidden by fat. Eat better, + run/walk more. A swiss ball will never help this.
(10) If its to good to be true, then its NOT true. Please people use some common sense. Swissballs are the vogue at the moment. At least believe some of this things I have said or do some research, I make no money out of this, I am selling no product, I gain nothing. The people telling you this crap are selling swissballs… surely they wouldn’t exaggerate/lie about the benefits, would they??
current account said
am April 2 2009 @ 5:14 pm
Wow! After reading this article, I’m so swapping every chair in my house for an exercise ball!
Thanks for the idea.
LCD said
am April 6 2009 @ 2:36 pm
No matter what you sit on you need to get a the monitor at a convenient/comfortable height.
Christina said
am April 6 2009 @ 2:57 pm
I use a ball at work everyday. I do like the activity of it and I feel like my back does hurt less, as well as my butt. I wonder if anyone else has another issue though? By the end of a long day sitting on it, I begin to get a slight headache at the base of my skull. Wondering if maybe I should go down a size perhaps my knees are too pointed towards the ground which would elongnate my neck, causing some tension. Any thoughts?
John Stills said
am April 15 2009 @ 7:13 pm
Some smartA– put a nail under my ball at work. I set down and “BOOM”! down I went in under a second! I know it was David over in the Sales Dept….I’ll get even with him, you wait David!
Current account said
am April 20 2009 @ 11:06 am
Thanks dude!!All very good if you excercise ball doesn’t have a slow puncture!
Jim McDowell said
am April 25 2009 @ 11:29 am
I read this article, and frankly, it sounded completely obserd, just like one of these wife tales that people just take foregranted and follow them blindly. I have a disc injury. It has gotten better, and just for the heck of it, I instantly tried the swiss ball that I actually happen to have in my house, and guess what? I instantly started to feel pain. No, it does NOT improve your posture. In fact, a regular chair provides enough support to your lower back and upper back to ease the pain off the shoulders in ways that the ball not only is unable to do but in fact even make it worse. The ball instantly gave me a tremendous amount of pain. So, that should tell you something.
Secondly, I work out. I find this attempt to sell this idea to lazy individuals as a quick and fun path to lose weight and gain the “six pack” to be misguiding. The best post I read so far was by W. Bowen - Bach. Ex Sci, Masters Ex Rehab, PHD. Listen to the man. At lease, he earned a degree in this field, allegedly.
Anyway, just because you bounce and it feels like fun for a moment, it doesn’t mean it makes a good chair for work. For me, to work, I need to focus. I am an engineer and architect. I need to think. When I tried it minutes ago for about 10 minutes, I couldn’t even focus to read the rest of this thread. So, if it works for some people, then, all power to them. May be their job doesn’t require a lot of mental focus. Personally, I find it very hard to believe that you could actually study for your math exam while sitting on this ball.
Jim
DC said
am May 1 2009 @ 2:06 pm
Can’t sit and think. Now that is rediculous. Sitting on the ball is not going to stop one from thinking. Thinking about how uncomfortable you are, while sitting on the ball, might.
I have used the ball and it doesn’t take any mental focus to sit on it.
Just like any other exercise equipment, if it helps someone move around more or makes them think about their posture, that is great. If not, don’t use it. That simple. I think it does help me concentrate on my posture.
When I need a little pick-me-up or boost of energy I do a couple crunches using the ball and keep on working. Instant energy.
And I too, am an engineer.
Dale Durthailer said
am May 3 2009 @ 2:12 am
I have a big blue ball, like Helen a few post up. I heard on the news today that if I bounce to hard on my ball, it could rupture. Anyone else heard of their ball rupturing from bouncing on it to hard?
Rebecca said
am May 4 2009 @ 1:59 pm
My office is testing this theory today. I’ve always been a fan of the ball for exercising.
So far (4 hours in), I’m finding it does motivate me to sit with good posture. There are some temptations to rest your weight on your elbows (on the desk)… the solution is, don’t do it
The amazing thing is the tension in my neck and shoulders (been there for all 4 years I’ve had a desk job), is significantly decreased! I felt the difference almost immediately, and it has been getting better throughout the day.
We’ll keep at it for a month! It is certainly worth trying.
For added “exercise”–keep your knees together. This promotes better posture and sure gives your thighs a workout
Angie said
am May 4 2009 @ 8:31 pm
Need your help, please!!
My kitten must have attacked my exercise ball bcz I recently discovered a tiny hole in it and since I’ve only had it less than a month I’d prefer to repair it before I buy a new one. Can anybody offer any suggestions on the best way to repair it? I was going to try using a tire repair kit that would be used for a bike tire but I wanted to get some suggestions first.
Owen said
am May 7 2009 @ 2:23 pm
I just recently traded my office chair in for an exercise ball and after only a couple of days, I have been feeling and sleeping like a million bucks. Sitting on an exercise ball will also increase your height because of your improved posture.
DoFollow Backlinks said
am May 7 2009 @ 9:41 pm
I’ve heard this too but I must say that I’ve was at my desk for 9 hours today and now 2 hours at home. There is just no way I could possibly sit on a ball for 11 hours. Maybe as a nice change but 11 hours is just too much.
Stefan | StudySuccessful.com said
am May 10 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Angie I think the tire repair kit will do!
The exercise ball is great, but my desk is too high for the one we have at home, too bad!
Josh said
am May 25 2009 @ 6:38 am
great tips,
I always use an exercise ball as a chair.
I find that I am more focus while working on a ball aswell.
larry said
am June 4 2009 @ 4:59 pm
We have been using the gym ball to help patients rehab back pain injuries for years and we do recommend them as chairs. It works for most people not all.
ForumNeti said
am June 12 2009 @ 7:13 pm
Thanks for the information.
Business Forms Printer said
am June 17 2009 @ 3:41 am
It’s great idea. But i can’t use exercise ball as chair in office. It’s helps to my back pain.
Desktop Security Software said
am June 19 2009 @ 3:09 am
All I can say is holy crap! Who knew? Exercise balls it is from now on!
Videozaplat said
am June 20 2009 @ 6:10 am
It works for most people not all.
Steven Lance said
am July 3 2009 @ 6:28 am
We have a white exercise ball here at our office, i will try to use it right now.
Filip said
am July 4 2009 @ 7:59 am
Geoff, thank you for the great article, and you too Daniel for the more insightful tone.
Naturally, I’ve developed certain back problems from prolonged exposures to unfit sitting positions across the years. Recently it amounted to continuous back pain and I decided to throw out the chair permanently and swap it with an exercise ball.
I feel much better now I and I hope to remedy the pressure I’ve been placing on the lower back region that made the spline appear very stiff and left the muscles around it undeveloped.
The one thing I definitely recommend is that you pay attention to get a big enough ball. I have a very tall table and my shoulders and arms hurt a lot when I used to sit a bit longer. I may presume that there would be people who would like this kind of pain to a certain degree, but I don’t think, say per ergonomics, that this would be recommended. Can anyone say more on this?
dofollow search engine said
am July 13 2009 @ 9:57 pm
I felt a million time better after getting a ball to sit on instead of my chair!
They make the world of difference
eric cantona said
am July 19 2009 @ 5:43 pm
Thanks for the information.
Pi TASARIM said
am July 20 2009 @ 2:39 am
Hopefully this makes it a legitimate chair in his mind. That’s my hope at least. I keep getting my ‘chair’ hurled at me in the living room. lol
jason said
am July 20 2009 @ 4:15 am
I felt a million time better after getting a ball to sit on instead of my chair!
online müzik dinle said
am July 20 2009 @ 5:17 am
Thanks for the information.
fren muayenesi said
am July 20 2009 @ 4:49 pm
She says it seems to help all of them focus their mind better when they can bounce around and let off some of their energy!
arabam said
am July 20 2009 @ 4:51 pm
I felt a million time better after getting a ball to sit on instead of my chair!
They make the world of difference
arabam said
am July 20 2009 @ 4:53 pm
Can anybody offer any suggestions on the best way to repair it? I was going to try using a tire repair kit that would be used for a bike tire but I wanted to get some suggestions first.
Link Degisimi said
am July 21 2009 @ 5:59 am
I just got a fitness ball for my desk too. I’m going to link to this article/post. thanks!
axii said
am July 22 2009 @ 1:06 am
it is good application and discuss platform thanks
Forum said
am July 22 2009 @ 7:00 am
Need your help, please!!
My kitten must have attacked my exercise ball bcz I recently discovered a tiny hole in it and since I’ve only had it less than a month I’d prefer to repair it before I buy a new one. Can anybody offer any suggestions on the best way to repair it? I was going to try using a tire repair kit that would be used for a bike tire but I wanted to get some suggestions first.
joan neal said
am July 27 2009 @ 10:24 pm
thx for this great information
5. Get that 6-pack you’ve been wanting. Your body primarily uses your core (abdominal) muscles to help compensate for changes in balance.
Connie said
am August 2 2009 @ 8:45 pm
Great info. You are right. Every since I started using an exercise ball for my workouts last year, I use to have bad leg circulation. Not anymore. I have no more leg pain and I workout with my exercise ball about 3-4 times a week. It has worked wonders for me and my leg circulation has greatly improved.
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am August 7 2009 @ 7:05 pm
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am August 25 2009 @ 3:14 pm
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generic pharmacy said
am August 26 2009 @ 6:42 pm
I too have started using the Gymball to watch TV at night. it stops me dozing off in the middle of my favorite show
radyo dinle said
am August 29 2009 @ 8:25 pm
It has worked wonders for me and my leg circulation has greatly improved.
bingo said
am September 1 2009 @ 6:35 am
Yes, there are too many exercises to do.
sikiş said
am September 13 2009 @ 12:48 pm
Despite lumbar support and ergonomic positiong; office chairs aren?t very good for your body, you?re?
Office Worker said
am September 16 2009 @ 4:24 pm
what if your co workers want you to do it but you’re scared and then they want you to pay if you dont want to sit on it but in reality you have a fear of bouncy balls from when you were a kid and your mom used to hit you with them when youd talk back to her because she had emotional issues due to her 3rd husband calling her “Adam” while he would hit her with scrambled eggs? How does it help your yoga?
oes tsetnoc said
am September 20 2009 @ 11:46 am
yes, i am using that exercise ball here in our home. it is one of my tool when exercising and warm-up.
Cute Graphics said
am September 20 2009 @ 10:44 pm
I had never thought of this, I can easily see that it would help you keep your back strait when I think about it. Well done.
Cute Graphics said
am September 20 2009 @ 10:45 pm
PS: This might become quite tiring, although good for your spine.
Chelsea said
am September 24 2009 @ 12:23 pm
I bought a ball chair from www.sitbetter.com and I couldn’t be happier. When I am working I am getting a work out at the same time but not doing anything! And it really improved my posture, I used to slump back in my chairs but the ball chair makes you sit up straight. I tried using just a regular exercise ball and it would just slip and slide away. With the ball chair it is held in place and you don’t slide away as you would if you were just using a regular exercise ball. Highly recommend!
sedat said
am September 26 2009 @ 6:33 pm
I have a big blue ball, like Helen a few post up. I heard on the news today that if I bounce to hard on my ball, it could rupture. Anyone else heard of their ball rupturing from bouncing on it to hard?
porno izle - free porn tv - sex - sikiş said
am October 1 2009 @ 9:44 am
thank you Helen a few post up. I heard on the news today that if I bounce to hard on my ball, it could rupture. Anyone else heard of their ball rupturing from bouncing on it to hard?
sevişme said
am October 7 2009 @ 8:35 am
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Buy Generic said
am October 9 2009 @ 7:11 pm
Hello, It has worked wonders for me and my leg circulation has greatly improved.
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am October 24 2009 @ 8:23 am
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Internet Marketing | Net Age said
am November 2 2009 @ 4:03 am
This does sound like a great idea! I spend soooo many hours a day in front of the computer, and using an exercise ball as a chair will definitely turn my slouching into a much healthier posture. What really appeals to me is the abdominal workout that I can expect to get!
Jugar bingo online said
am November 2 2009 @ 5:05 am
Great article!Thanks
darci said
am November 2 2009 @ 4:49 pm
Funny, I just came up with this idea on my own today, thought I was a genius, and now I see people have been doing it for a long time
But I love the freedom of rolling around in front of the PC. I’m 61, in excellent shape, meditate and do yoga everyday; it’s just that I work at my computer, and I have some serious back issues. I plan to give this ball chair a really good try. Already I’m experimenting with how I can stretch back and forward, side to side. This just HAS to be better for my back and my poor posture than that office chair. Thanks for the article.
Cartuse imprimanta said
am November 2 2009 @ 5:27 pm
I am not sure if this could improve your work productivity as it will always disturb you and your thoughts. It is better to install some soft on your PC that is switching it off for you to walk around a bit and make your eyes rest a b
Coafuri mirese said
am November 2 2009 @ 5:28 pm
I have one of these, but I also have a ‘normal’ office chair. It gets tiring sitting on a ball all day or even for hours at a time. I couldn’t get rid of my normal chair because I needed to focus for at least part of the day.
used tires said
am November 5 2009 @ 12:42 pm
I don’t know… I am not necessarily fond the idea of having an exercise ball as a computer chair. I can see all the benefits, but its just not practical in my opinion, and even a chiropractor that I saw recently said the same thing to me.
Till then,
Jean
blackharvardwomen blog said
am November 5 2009 @ 10:48 pm
we have also that exercise ball on our office here. i will try to exercise with it, thanks for this information
exercise ball pump said
am November 8 2009 @ 7:51 pm
I’ve found that sitting and bouncing on an exercise ball while watching TV to be very effective in strengthening my back muscles. Had not thought about using it throughout the day while working at the desk. Will have to give that a go.
Linda said
am November 11 2009 @ 5:02 pm
Reason #11 -Can’t cross your legs. I’ve always been told how harmful it is to cross your legs when sitting…causes broken veins. If you’re in the habit of crossing your legs while sitting at your desk, get an exercise ball.
Tom said
am November 12 2009 @ 5:08 pm
I tried using an exercise ball at work, but didn’t like it because it was too low and wouldn’t swivel, restricting my access to the phone. I bought a ball-bearing lazy susan base at the hardware store and mounted it between two one-foot square pieces of 3/4″ plywood. Eureka! Solved both problems and I love it. Made one for my desk at home also.
It does seem important to have them well inflated.
Tom said
am November 12 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Forgot to say that the “Stayball” with sand in the bottom works great.
videozaplat said
am November 17 2009 @ 4:50 am
thank you for your information
Motel Reservations said
am November 26 2009 @ 12:45 am
I never even thought about trying an exercise ball as an office chair. I have heard about how beneficial they can be, which on the surface seems a little bit silly, but it has been proven scientifically to be very effective. Just be careful not to take a nasty fall.
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Justin said
am December 17 2009 @ 5:45 pm
Got exercise ball for back problems from therapist 10 months ago. My long-time ski buddy told me to try it as a chair — he swears by it. Long hours at computer used to put me in big back pain. Now, with ball as chair, no problems. I use ball exclusively now. Can totally balance hands free; balance arrives with experience. Also great side and back stretching WHILE WORKING; in other words, you can be in motion all the time, which definitely helps keep awake and helps with posture and flexibility.
Cerita Dewasa said
am December 23 2009 @ 6:52 pm
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Scaffold boards said
am January 10 2010 @ 6:16 pm
I have one of these, but I also have a ‘normal’ office chair. It gets tiring sitting on a ball all day or even for hours at a time. I couldn’t get rid of my normal chair because I needed to focus for at least part of the day.
Crazii Rabbit said
am January 19 2010 @ 12:40 pm
“Rich G. said
am April 20 2007 @ 8:44 pm
Great article, sending it to my room mate who makes fun of me for using the exer-ball for a chair!
Hopefully this makes it a legitimate chair in his mind. That’s my hope at least. I keep getting my ‘chair’ hurled at me in the living room. lol”
ITA!!! My husband has soccer matches with me everytime he comes in my office!
Jess said
am January 28 2010 @ 2:13 pm
I just barely got the ball and i love it. My back is so sore already! The reason i got the ball is because I need to strengthen my back-i broke it twice haha. Also, it’s nice to be getting some exercise everyday while i’m sitting in a cubicle!
Selah said
am January 28 2010 @ 9:12 pm
I am 8 months pregnant and suffering SEVERE sciatic pain. After only a few days on sitting on a ball (75cm) I can feel the difference in the pain in my back. I also had a 100 cm big blue ball a few years ago, anti burst resistant, and yes, it did rupture, however it was from my sister playing with my dog with it. So. Don’t abuse them. It was totally not a factory defect. But, if you ARE planning on getting one, I do recommend an anti burst one. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure, you know.
Sage Michaels said
am January 29 2010 @ 11:00 am
I have been using mine at work to build core strength. I am a QA rep for a call center.. and am constantly tied to a chair… and a pair of head phones. I have gained 20 pounds due to this “sedentary state.” I Joined a gym, did aerobics, everything I could and saw no results for several months. Once I added the ball to my daily routine I started to see results. My back is stronger, my core is stronger, and I am losing weight finally. This is in conjunction with all the other exercise I am doing though. I’m sure the extra 350 (or more) calories burned per day on the ball help to push this however. However I stay very active in that ball for 8 hours. I do crunches, bounce, dance… and stay active. When my back gets tired, and starts to hurt…(about once an hour) I do crunches (about 20 to 25) and stretch a bit. I find I do about 200 crunches on the ball per day. This also helps.
It definitely breaks the sedentary bordom of listening to tech support calls all day long. I also find I don’t “get tired” at work anymore. Keeps me alert, and awake. I’d recomend this to anyone willing to give it a try.
Ames said
am January 29 2010 @ 6:22 pm
I got a 16 dollar 65 cm one, and can’t keep the kids off of it, also can’t keep them off my computer lol.
It is fun, and I can feel some sore muscles that I had not felt before, so I do believe I am using some previously unused muscles. Bouncing is lots of fun.
However, it actually is possible to slouch on it, believe me I can slouch on anything, lol.
But as long as you do some bouncing, it will straighten you up and make you feel perky.