Exercise Ball As A Chair

Office Chair

Recently, I had a challenger ask about using an exercise ball as a chair. I really did not know anything about it, but I was curious because I have seen it more lately. So, I did some digging and did a little research. Here is what I found out....


1. Forces proper spine alignment - you know the exercise ball is not stable, you have to try to balance itself on it. The spinal posture is coincidentally the easiest to balance with. 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. And you won't be slouched over in the middle of the work day (right, anyone else find themselves not sitting straight)

 

5. Get that 6-pack you’ve been wanting - Your body primarily uses your core (abdominal) muscles to help compensate for changes in balance. You are 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. 

 

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 - . 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 - SAY WHAT!!! More movement during the day = more calories burnt.

 

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. And hopefully if you choose to do this at work they will give you one.

 

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.

 

 

Stay tuned I'm going to give this a test run, but first I have to get the OKAY from work. If not I will do it at home. I would love to hear your thoughts on using an exercise ball for a chair. Have you used one? Have you noticed benefits if you have??