ball chair
A metal ball chair with arms
Do we really need a ball chair at work? I have been asking myself this question for quite some time now, actually, since I saw an odd looking chair with a ball, advertised at my favorite online store. I have since found out that it’s called a ball chair and apparently it helps ease back pain and at the same time boost energy. Yes, these are the two things I need badly when I’m at my desk at work!
A ball chair at work will reduce my back pain brought about by prolonged sitting. It may be a fad right now, but I did some research to prove or disprove claims by manufacturers on the benefits of an ergonomic ball chair.
First, we all know that sitting at your desk for an average of eight hours a day is not good. Not good for the heart, not good for circulation. Some doctors recommend that we break the monotony and the bad habit of sitting for long periods of time by standing, walking around and doing some form of exercise. Other doctors have recommended replacing chairs and desks with the new stand-up desks or treadmill desks. And another newcomer is this stability ball chair or the exercise ball chair to improve circulation while working at your desk.
The reviews about using a ball chair at work have been positive. They may prove to be the best way to get in shape for those who are into back-strengthening to relieve back pain due to weakness in the muscles. Just sitting on a ball chair can improve balance, too. Exercises using balls have been shown to improve core strength, sitting on a ball chair and incorporating the same principles, can have the same strengthening results, too.
Executive Ball chair—FunnyBiz (Flickr.com)
The use of a ball chair is of course, a novel idea and cannot be implemented across the board. But if given a chance to substitute a ball chairon some days or even a few hours each day, then do it. It will give you the discipline to work on your posture and to strengthen leg and calf muscles, too.
Some reviews on the use of a ball chair also state that back pains are being relieved, too. This is in part because of good posture and the shoulders not being slouched. For severe back pain, it is imperative that you ask for your doctor’s advice first. Sitting on a ball chair might not be the answer in severe cases where there is an underlying medical problem.
Again, a ball chair is not for everyone. But if you want to improve posture, strengthen leg and calf muscles and also relieve some back pain, then it’s a very good alternative to a chair. One popular brand is the Gaiam Balance ball chair and it’s available at most online sites. But don’t also forget to stand up every half hour or so and walk around. Stretching your legs, walking, and even doing a few squats will stimulate circulation in the lower extremities.
Or try standing up and sitting down without using your hands, just like in kindergarten! This is another great way to break the monotony of just sitting passively at your desk!
We’ve now learned from various studies that sitting at your desk for long periods of time is not good for the health and we can do something to make it not be a passive routine. There are plenty of ways to make it a healthier exercise. And right now, a ball chair is the best way to help you achieve that! And besides, with a ball chair, there’s no more complaining about a hard seat! And that’s always a good thing!
