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.There's really no "best" office chair since not everyone is looking for the same thing. As someone who sits in front of the computer for at least 8 hours a day, I require an office chair that can support my long hours of sitting. For many people, they just require something comfortable for the few hours they sit. Many office chairs will give you a range of hours that it's designed to use for on a daily basis.For office chairs around or under your budget, here are some highly rated office chairs. I've used chairs that were around $50 and it felt awesome when I first got it but with my long sitting hours, the cushion and support deteriorated after about 6 months.
My back and shoulders started to hurt and a slew of other problems started to affect me. So yes, there are cheaper chairs than the ones I mentioned but it’ll cost you more down the line in terms of health.If you are able to spend a bit more, then I recommend the Quantum 9000 which is the 4th chair at the site above. It looks similar to one of those famous Aeron chairs from Herman Miller which are one of the best chairs you can get but this one is a bit cheaper. It costs more than most office chairs but seriously, in the long run, you'll actually save money. I’ve had it for 5 years and it feels just the same as when I first got it. I know because my friend recently got one and it felt the same as mine even though mine was 5 years old.With quality chairs, you can customize them to fit your body more. From front tilts do forward adjustments to lumbar support to adjustable arm rests, you'll have more options to help you find the best setup for your body. Cheap chairs are very limited in this area which is why over time, you're likely going to experience pain.
Getting a good office chair is more important than most people realize. Go cheap and you can end up with a lot of pain from your neck down to your feet believe it or not. A company I used to work for where we were at the computer all day would have specialists come to everyone's desk to make sure we got the right chair adjustments and used the right posture while sitting. Our desks were adjustable in case we wanted to stand every now and then.The chairs they used weren't cheap and the reason for this is because the money they would save by preventing injuries/pain/discomfort would be far cheaper than the medical bills resulting from having employees develop long term chronic pain. I'm not sure exactly what chair they used but it's similar to the chair I recommended above.I was hesitant at first since I've never spent that much on an office chair but nearly 5 years later, I'm so glad I did. There are some things you can go cheap on and get away with any bad consequences but an office chair isn't one of them.
If you hardly sit at a desk, then I guess it doesn't mater what you get but if you sit a lot like me, do yourself a favor and investment the money in a good, quality chair. The difference over a long period of time is immeasurable. If you're planning to spend nearly $200, you might as well add in bit more and get a highly quality chair.The chair you are looking for is the Kare no frills ergonomic chair. It comes in at 226 dollars, sale price, so you'll have to shell out a little more, but you get a 7 year guarantee, something which you won't find at Ikea. Yes, there are amazing ergonomic chairs with more features, but if you want one for under 200, you can't go wrong here. Fully adjustable, and in your price range. /fril...Although the experts of industry have added their views, I would also like to jump in the discussion and share my experience.Office chairs are an essential part of office furniture. Therefore, it becomes important to select the right type of office chairs for the employees.