Exercise ball as an office chair?

[brikis98]

Update, 09/26

Well, I ended up getting a Valeo 65cm exercise ball and as of 15 minutes ago, am using it as my office chair. It's pretty bizzare so far. Every movement makes you bounce a little bit, my back and abs are definitely working a lot more than I expected, and it's definitely more comfortable (ie, takes less effort) to sit with proper posture, so it's a great anti-slouch tool. This will definitely take some getting used to. And yes, all I can think of is this clip from the office.

I'll post more updates over the next couple weeks as I continue to use this thing.


Original post

I posted a thread earlier about lower back issues that I experienced from sitting too much. I'm a software engineer, so there's really no way around it, but I was wondering if sitting on an exercise ball would be better than a standard office chair. It would force me to use my lower back and ab muscles rather than letting them get weaker. It may also get me to stand up and take breaks more often.

1. Has anyone else done this? What did you think? How long did it take to get used to it?
2. Should I get a regular ball (e.g. ball 1, ball 2, ball 3) or a ball/chair combo (combo 1, combo 2)?

 

[conorvansmack]

I used to work with a guy that would sit on a ball in the afternoon for core strength. He never said much about it, but he was in great shape for his age (mid 40s). The 3rd ball that you linked looks like a great deal. I'm not sure about the balls that have back support, that looks like it would defeat some of the purpose. I think those would give you artificial stability, instead of forcing your muscles to do the work.

I have the same problem (belt is higher in the back). I sit all day too (Help desk) and don't stand up and walk around as much as I should. Thanks for posting those links in your "Lower back pain" thread.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Waste of time. If you really want to build stability theres other things you can do.

 

[CKent]

I think I'd pop them :laugh:

 

[Killerme33]

I defer to the office:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y5jcWt0vH-M

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Waste of time. If you really want to build stability theres other things you can do.

If you look at the lower back issues thread I mentioned earlier, it lists a bunch of exercises that I do daily to strengthen my lower back, abs, hip flexors, hamstrings, etc. That, along with doing Crossfit 5 days a week is all the "exercise" I need.

However, my guess is that the issue was caused by sitting too much, so my guess is that it would be better to remove the cause of the problem and not just treat the symptoms. In other words, my question is not "is this going to be the miracle cure I need?" but rather "will this be better for my core than a normal office chair?"

Originally posted by: Killerme33
I defer to the office:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y5jcWt0vH-M

 

[brikis98]

Got the exercise ball today and updated the first post with my initial impressions.

 

[irishScott]

It'll help, in much the same way as keeping correct posture on a daily basis (sitting up straight and such) will also help. It's better than an office chair health-wise, but don't expect to get anything serious out of it.

 

[bludragon]

Interesting idea. I'll be interested to see how it turns out. I'd suggest initially not using it full time though - if you find that you are slouching, then go back to a normal chair till you have the energy to sit properly again...

A quick google revealed some against: http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=1091
and some for: http://www.gearfire.net/10-rea...se-ball-as-your-chair/

 

[paulxcook]

Originally posted by: Killerme33
I defer to the office:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y5jcWt0vH-M

First thing I thought of.

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: bludragon
Interesting idea. I'll be interested to see how it turns out. I'd suggest initially not using it full time though - if you find that you are slouching, then go back to a normal chair till you have the energy to sit properly again...

A quick google revealed some against: http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=1091
and some for: http://www.gearfire.net/10-rea...se-ball-as-your-chair/

Hm, thanks for the interesting links. That ergonomics website is the only one I've seen recommending against exercise balls, and it's good to see the other point of view, although I'm taking it with a grain of salt since that is a site dealing with reviewing & selling (much more expensive) ergonomics products. Most of their negative comments don't particularly worry me - such as the danger of falling off the ball - but I'll be paying attention to my posture and watch out for any back pain.

I used the ball for the second half of Friday at work and I was impressed by how much my muscles were working, especially those of the upper back that keep my shoulders back and enforce a curve in my spine. My abs were working a little bit too, but far less. I can't say if this is a good or bad thing yet, but I think I'll continue using it this whole week (including today) and see how it goes.

 

[EvilYoda]

I didn't read the links posted, but I know that I've read in the past that you should limit your time on the ball as it can cause odd compression and distortion in the lower spinal cord. I'm going to get one (exercise ball) for my office too.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I use an exercise ball at home as my office chair. And yes, it takes a little getting used to but forces you to have good posture and it's good at exercising your ab/lower back stabilizing muscles. My brother has combo 2 in your links. I don't think it gives the same exercise since you don't have to worry about balancing the ball too much.

 

[Walzber813]

A lot of my friends do this at school. Glad to know it worked out, I'm probably going to try it out as well, just for back comfort.