Anyone replace their chair with an exercise ball?

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gogophers
gogophers Posts: 190 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Inspired by Dwight ;), I'm considering buying an exercise ball and using it as a chair at my desk (not really replacing my chair because I still like to watch shows and movies on my computer). I was wondering whether anyone's done this and what you thought about it.

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  • its_rierie
    its_rierie Posts: 44 Member
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    Mine burst because I kept bouncing on it... :embarassed: :laugh: :sad:
  • toniRAD
    toniRAD Posts: 196 Member
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    Hmm, I'm trying it right now & my back feels better already!
  • Kalliejc
    Kalliejc Posts: 36
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    I really want to do this at work. Except I'm the first person people see when they come into the office......I don't know how professional it would be.

    I'd definitely do it at home, except my 4 year old would want to play with it. :)
  • LemonSnap
    LemonSnap Posts: 186 Member
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    Our cat jumped on to ours. Pfffffffffffttttt
  • LemonSnap
    LemonSnap Posts: 186 Member
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    I really want to do this at work. Except I'm the first person people see when they come into the office......I don't know how professional it would be.

    I can see me now..... I lean back in my chair during a telephone conversation and up recumbent on the floor.
  • HannahsReturnToFitness
    HannahsReturnToFitness Posts: 86 Member
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    I have changed mine for an exercise ball. It is the most comfortable seat I have ever sat on!
  • Stuz359
    Stuz359 Posts: 81
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    It's apparently good for your core. Because of the instability, you are constantly moving to maintain a stable posture which gives your core a good work out.
  • gazz777au
    gazz777au Posts: 157 Member
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    Sounds like a great idea. I should get one !
  • mazzyw65
    mazzyw65 Posts: 47
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    Mine burst because I kept bouncing on it... :embarassed: :laugh: :sad:

    Seriously?? :laugh:
  • wilted_daisies
    wilted_daisies Posts: 86
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    ooh I could do this..wonder where my exercise ball is hiding :)
  • clairerose11
    clairerose11 Posts: 95 Member
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    I had one towards the end of my pregnancy lol ... it was fantastic for posture, so I guess good for your core yes, but it did make my hips ache as it's supposed to 'open them up' due to the way you sit.

    So I really couldn't sit on it for long periods of time.

    Did consider getting it out after looking at this thread, but I think I bounced on it so much to try and enduce labour that the memories would be too much haha!
  • mirandamayhem
    mirandamayhem Posts: 772
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    I loved this when i was pregnant, haven't tried it since though! And i don't know why not, because it was so comfortable!
  • mariagabriella
    mariagabriella Posts: 267 Member
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    My chiro once made me do this. It's good but you have to be careful. If you start slouching switch to a chair immediately.
  • MelissaGraham7
    MelissaGraham7 Posts: 403 Member
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    I did it for a while - kind of easing into it (first for an hour, then 2, etc. up to 4 hours). it really builds your abdominal muscles, etc. Why did I stop? Hmmmmm. Must get back to it!!!
  • liannetracey
    liannetracey Posts: 1
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    Do it, it's a great idea and keeps you more alert.:happy:
  • LinaBo
    LinaBo Posts: 342 Member
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    It used to be all the rage a few years back, but lately the "cons" seem to outweigh the "pros": http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/health/21really.html?_r=1&ref=health (see study linked to from the article), http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/2012/06/22/new-research-cautions-using-exercise-balls-as-chairs/

    I think it makes sense, what they caution here. An exercise ball should probably just be used for what it is intended. It's not meant for prolonged use, over the day. Stick with an ergonomically designed chair suited for prolonged sitting, and throw in a few extra stability exercises (whether on a ball or not) when you do your actual workouts.

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