Ball Chair – Benefits and Exercise Alternatives to Using a Ball Chair

It might not be a bad idea to use a ball chair for your regular desk chair. If you find that you’re not getting enough cross-training or no exercise other than walking, you might consider converting a rocking chair to an exercise ball for use as a regular chair. Although walking is generally a good form of exercise, it does not promote abdominal strength. A good posture is important for walking; An exercise ball can help you develop good posture.

benefits of sitting on an exercise ball

When you regularly sit on the ball, the postural muscles are worked. The body is also constantly making small adjustments to the leg muscles and abdomen. With a ball exercise chair, your body remains active and does not develop the bad posture associated with slumping, even in so-called ergonomic desk chairs.

Ball chairs can help improve your balance and abdominal stability. You are actually exercising while sitting comfortably. Exercise ball is also therapeutic as it can help in reducing the sharp muscle pain in the back area usually caused by walking and running long distances. However, medical experts caution against using an exercise ball as a regular chair for people with lower back disorders such as tailbone pain.

Is the ball ergonomic?

Of course, designers and manufacturers of expensive ergonomic chairs will warn people who may prefer to use a cheaper ball instead. People with existing back pain and other types of musculoskeletal problems should be wary of switching to the ball and start using it for hours at a time. If you experience severe lower back pain from using the ball as a chair, you should consider discontinuing its use and seeking medical advice immediately.

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To get the most out of a ball, you must get a ball that is the right size. Your thighs should be slightly angled down and not at 90 degrees. Similarly the ball should not be too high otherwise you will find it difficult to maintain your balance while sitting.

Although there aren’t many published studies on the benefits of using the ball as a regular chair, many physical therapists and gym instructors swear by its effectiveness and claim to use the ball themselves. Whether it is just a fad or not, many people have become convinced and have started using the ball on the advice of their physical therapists and personal trainers.

exercise and rest

When using the ball for the first time, don’t start with more than 30 minutes a day to see how your body will tolerate and react to it. While others find sitting on the ball immediately comfortable and may enjoy sitting on it for hours each time, others may not have the same experience and need to gradually develop a tolerance to it.



Source by Kwan Alan

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