Replacing your desk chair with a stability ball seems like a good way to sneak in some core exercise while you work. But how effective is it, really?Sitting on a chair requires no muscle activity at all and it actually hurts us for a number of reasons, says John P. Porcari, PhD, FACSM, exercise physiologist at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. “For one, people tend to slouch and use poor posture, and sitting in a chair puts your abs on ‘slack’ and decreases core strength. Using an exercise ball counteracts both of these things.” Although you can still use poor posture on a ball, sitting properly requires subtle muscle contractions of the core, hip and leg muscles to maintain balance, which contribute to muscle tone. Let's Stay In Touch Keep this field blank Enter your email address You may unsubscribe at any time. But there are some drawbacks, says Jessica Matthews, assistant professor of exercise science at Miramar College in San Diego. “Sitting on a ball creates an increased load on the lumbar (lower back) spine and discomfort over time.
Prolonged periods of sitting, whether in a chair or on an exercise ball, can also lead to poor body mechanics and posture.” Instead of swapping one for the other, avoid the “all or nothing” mentality so common in health and fitness, says Matthews. “Instead of ditching your desk chair entirely for an exercise ball or skipping out on using the ball altogether, Matthews recommends alternating between sitting on the two throughout the day.” Try 20 to 30 minutes at a time. And be sure to inflate the ball to its proper height; your thighs should be parallel to the floor when you’re seated on the ball. A 45 cm ball works best for women under 5 feet tall; a 55 cm ball fits women between 5’ to 5’ 7” and a 65 cm ball is best for those 5’8” and over.The bottom line: Sitting on a stability ball doesn’t automatically improve core strength, but when used correctly and with good posture it offers subtle benefits as an alternate desk chair.More from Prevention: 3 Exercise Mistakes That You Make With An Exercise Ball
User ReviewedHow to Use an Exercise Ball As a Chair An exercise ball is a useful workout tool that helps to increase balance and strengthen the core muscles in your back and stomach. These muscles support your spine and help to take the burden of weight off the spine. Strong core muscles are elementary in achieving good posture. Recently, the fitness ball has moved out of the gym and into the home and office. People are using the ball as a chair in order to strengthen core muscles. This is called "active sitting" because your muscles are engaged. Using the wrong techniques with an exercise ball may do you more harm than good. This article will tell you how to use an exercise ball as a chair. Choose the right fitness ball for your height and weight. If you are of average weight and you are under 5'3" (160 cm), you should choose a 55 cm (21.7 inch) diameter exercise ball. Buy a burst-resistant exercise ball. Purchase your ball at a store that allows returns if the ball is not the right size.
Pump up the ball, aiming to pump it up to maximum diameter so that you do not sink too far into the ball. Sit up straight on the ball with your legs out in front of you. They should be at a 90 degree angle to your thighs and parallel to the ball. At first, you can place your calves in front of you so that they are touching the ball. This will give you added stability while learning to use the ball. Later, you will want to move your calves so they are not touching, which will provide more benefits for your core. Bend your elbows and place your forearms at a 90 degree angle. Reaching forward slightly, you should be able to rest them on the top of the desk or table. If you are using a computer, make sure it is at a 90 degree angle. If it is not, your neck will be out of alignment with the rest of your spine, and the ball will be less useful in helping your posture. Use the ball in 20 minute intervals. Do not get rid of your office chair. Just like exercise, it is important to give your muscles rest to prevent muscle fatigue and get the maximum benefit.
Work up to 30 minute intervals as you get used to the chair. Doctors do not recommend that you sit for longer than 30 minutes at a time. If you need to get up to change chairs frequently, this will also benefit your spine. Most exercise balls are sold in metric diameter measurements, so be sure to measure your office chair in cm as well as inches. Be careful not to bounce or play on the ball too much; injuries from falling off the ball will greatly reduce the ball's benefit.Enjoy the Benefits Now Floor DesksBeauty in Sevice of Mobility Soul Seat - Ergonomic Yoga Chair Designed to Alleviate Chronic Pain The Soul Seat was designed to address one of the primary sources of lost productivity at work, chronic low back and neck pain. One of the first things people notice about the Soul Seat is that it's backless. You won't ever see a back on a Soul Seat because it is designed to support our healthy body's daily dance with gravity. We want you to leave work each day at least as flexible as you arrived.