A short time ago I came across this article, 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball As Your Chair. I sit at my computer for hours each day, and I do see the effects of being so sedentary. I know one answer is to sit here for less hours, but I really don’t want to- I enjoy my computer time! The exercise-ball-as-chair seemed like something worth trying. I need a new chair, anyway, the one I use is at least 25 year old and it feels like it. So, before spending major buckage on a good ergonomic chair, I figured why not give the exercise ball a try.
I read a bit more on the topic, first. Not everyone thinks it’s a good idea, especially if you already suffer from lower back pain. For me, the pros outweigh the cons. The biggest risk, I think, is that the ball will pop, which doesn’t look fun at all. I’ll be careful.
I was at Target today so I picked one up. I figured the 65 cm size would work for me, but I forgot to include the squish factor. I did give it a try for about 30 minutes of web surfing, and it was surprisingly comfortable. It’s too low for typing, so I went ahead and ordered a 75 cm ball, figuring I can still use the 65 cm ball for actual exercise and for sitting around watching TV and such.
Between the ball and the Nintendo Wii that finally arrived today, I’m hoping to get fit for summer in a fun way. I’ll let you know how things go!
I have one as well but I’m in dire need of a refill. One of these days I’ll find the pump in the spare room….hehehe. Although I don’t use it at the computer right now (too low) I do have a desk chair on wheels that the back has fallen off of so I use it like a stool. It’s actually better for my core that way I think, since I have to use those muscles to hold myself upright. Good luck with your bigger ball and wish me luck at finding my pump!
LIsa Cahoy
Yo go girl! Get creative with activity! I should get mine out and try it!
http://www.bluegrassmama.com Bluegrass Mama
I saw that article, too, but stopped short when I saw the bit about lower back pain. Besides, the computer chair is Bootsies’ favorite toy. I don’t think one of those balls would survive her claws for very long!
febs
Hello there.
Any news? Do you still use the ball as a chair? Have you found the highest one? How’s life with it? Or, have you gave up and why?
Exercise ball as chair, day one
A short time ago I came across this article, 10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball As Your Chair. I sit at my computer for hours each day, and I do see the effects of being so sedentary. I know one answer is to sit here for less hours, but I really don’t want to- I enjoy my computer time! The exercise-ball-as-chair seemed like something worth trying. I need a new chair, anyway, the one I use is at least 25 year old and it feels like it. So, before spending major buckage on a good ergonomic chair, I figured why not give the exercise ball a try.
I was at Target today so I picked one up. I figured the 65 cm size would work for me, but I forgot to include the squish factor. I did give it a try for about 30 minutes of web surfing, and it was surprisingly comfortable. It’s too low for typing, so I went ahead and ordered a 75 cm ball, figuring I can still use the 65 cm ball for actual exercise and for sitting around watching TV and such.
Between the ball and the Nintendo Wii that finally arrived today, I’m hoping to get fit for summer in a fun way. I’ll let you know how things go!
(photo by ScottHernandez via flickr)