Desk workers

JediSwan
JediSwan Posts: 455 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Do any of you desk workers like myself use a balance ball (I dont know the technical name) instead of a chair?
I was thinking of doing this and wanted to see if anyone else had any thing on the topic. :)

Replies

  • sapalee
    sapalee Posts: 409 Member
    I had one in my office for a few days before taking it in to the gym. It was fun but my low back def got sore from having to sit up. A lot of times it just made me stand to do something that I really didn't need to sit down for.
  • holly3585
    holly3585 Posts: 282 Member
    My co-worker started this. No real soreness- I thought her abs would be killing her after the 1st week! She said that it really helped her to focus on improving her posture, and the only negative aspect was that she couldn't 'roll' around her cube anymore. LOL I suppose this would in iteself create more movement and side crunches, ext. since the ball pretty much stays stationary. I read another post that a girl lightly bounces on her ball intermittenly during the day to use core, calves, and get her heart rate up a little. I don't think It would hurt to try!
  • kellicruz1978
    kellicruz1978 Posts: 170 Member
    Hmmmmm I never thought of doing this, but I think I am going to give it a try. I also set a timer and get up and do jumping jacks or jog in place every hour for a few minutes. It helps to get my circulation moving.
  • KBrenOH
    KBrenOH Posts: 704 Member
    My boss and I were just talking about this! I'm really tempted to bring my ball in from home and try it. If nothing else, it would really improve my posture.
  • rwindover
    rwindover Posts: 20
    My Co-worker has been doing this for years and couldn't imagine anything else!

    Hmmm...perhaps I should consider this!
  • Shweedog
    Shweedog Posts: 883 Member
    I did this for a while. It is supposed to help with posture. I just found myself bouncing on the damn thing all day.
  • farmgirlsuz
    farmgirlsuz Posts: 351 Member
    My work place won't allow it.:grumble:
  • kfitzpa
    kfitzpa Posts: 326
    Hah, my workplace would not allow that. Plus, I'm usually running around all day so I don't sit much. But I've had patients compliment how good my posture was before so I doubt I need it anyways!
  • amdahwd
    amdahwd Posts: 237 Member
    I read somewhere that this was discouraged because there had been really no added benefit, but injuries occurred in a lot of instances.
  • jonesdav254
    jonesdav254 Posts: 99 Member
    When I worked in an office building, they also didn't allow it (risk of falling). I have been working mostly out of my home office for the past 6 years. I'm tall (6'2") and I found the most of the balls do not position me at a height that is comfortable for working at my desk or laptop workstation.

    I'd also not that after trying this for a while, I noticed I was having some challenges with my knees since the position I my ball had me in made me bend my knee greatly.

    While I believe the idea may have some elements of good, I decided my home office is for work. I keep my fitness activities to my home gym or places where my attention can be focused on exercising.
  • JediSwan
    JediSwan Posts: 455 Member
    I did this for a while. It is supposed to help with posture. I just found myself bouncing on the damn thing all day.

    I probably would be bouncing on it also without really meaning to . . . just cause its there I would. LOL

    I am going to do some research on this. As far as I know, my bosses dont care. I work in a back office where no one
    can see me anyway. I will also keep my chair in my office for days when I dont want to sit on the ball or when I get sick of it.
    I also had thoughts about whether or not it would be tall enough to type but my keyboard tray lowers so I think it will be okay.
    I am hopeful no injuries will be sustained. My co-worker is also going to try it.
  • Jillian130
    Jillian130 Posts: 174 Member
    I have a desk job and have often thought of using one. I know some fellow co-workers who do and they absolutely love them. Helps their core and they have amazing posture now. Also, my daughter's Gr 4 class use them instead of chairs. Amazingly, the kids do not fidget on them and her posture is so straight now, whatever she sits on.
  • JediSwan
    JediSwan Posts: 455 Member
    Oh that is a great idea for school. Although I can see kids goofing off with them also and getting hurt. :(

    I used to use one when my oldest was little for sit ups and she thought it was funny (she was 2) to push the
    ball while I was on it. I didn't get hurt but . . . it amused her. :)

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