Everyone at work thinks I am crazy, let's see what you guys think. I read an article or something about a teacher who got rid of her desk chair and sat on a big balance ball instead. I have one that I used to alleviate my sciatica during pregnancy so I thought I would give it a try.
So, here I sit on this huge purple plastic ball. It is SOOOO comfortable. I can't believe how much better my legs, back and hips feel.
Instead of just sitting, I am now "actively sitting". There is a constant subtle shifting and tightening of the abs to keep balance sitting on this thing so I don't feel like I am giving in to "secretary spread". I am getting a little mini workout all day long.
Yes, my coworkers think I am insane. But this is really cool!! Try it out if you have one.
I've heard of people using it, but never tried it.
Suzanne, where did you find the base? Does the ball rotate in the base so that it works your core in the same way it does without a base?
It came as a set and is available through Gaiam. However, Jennifer gave me one for xmas one year after seeing it at OfficeMax on clearance for 5 bucks It came with a little booklet of exercises you could do on it, but I've never used it that way. I just sit on it
Oh, man, Cassie. What a find! It is way out of my price range, but I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it - especially on those days when I am chained to my desk. I do things like intentionally fidget, etc., but this looks amazingly cool.
One of my coworkers works as a disability specialist for students with learning and physical disabilities (local college).
She refuses to sit on a normal chair, she has a big red ball she sits on. It's perfect to help improve posture, it gets rid of pressure on certain areas of your back, knees and hips.
I just rearranged my computer room with the idea of using my stability ball instead of my chair, but found that it was just too low to be comfortable for typing. I did like the feeling of activity in my abs though.
What size ball are you using? Maybe if I had a bigger ball it would work better. Mine is 26 inches which is the size recommended (for normal ball stuff, not sitting) for someone under 5'6", I think.
Last edited by meowee; 10-04-2007 at 05:35 PM.
Reason: 26" - 65 cm
I am not sure what size it is.. its pretty big, my midwife gave it to me so I never had packaging or anything. It is big enough that I sit with my feet flat on the floor and my hands are perfectly positioned for typing.
omgosh does anyone watch the NBC show "The Office" hahaha there's a very funny scene involving that ball as a chair
I soooo thought of that too!!!! LOL!! I love that part cause Jim pops it with Dwights sissors. hahahaha I may try it though. This chair is soooo uncomfortable.
I actually have a regular office chair and a balance ball at work. I rotate them. When I am conducting training over the phone, I get really bored, so I switch the the balance ball. Also, it awesome to see people sit on it when the come into my office for meetings. They all complain about it but then they sit there and bounce or do hilarious crunches.
No desk chair, balance ball instead!!
It came with a little booklet of exercises you could do on it, but I've never used it that way. I just sit on it 
