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Exercise Ball as a Chair

DJMastaWes

DJMastaWes

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jan 14, 2006
1,243
1
Montreal, Quebec
So, I went to Walmart, and picked up a 40"/100CM exercise ball, that I thought I would use at a desk chair. (inspired by killyp)
I sit at my computer for hours a day, and figured I might aswell compute in a healthier way.

I was wondering if anyone else (besides killyp) uses these as their computer chair.

Have you seen results in any part of your body?
If yes, which part?
How long until results?
Do you sit on it a special way?

Anyway, I think it's a great idea. The only thing that's bugging me, is that I can't get the white "air stopper" to go in fully. Also, the one I got is huge and barley fits in my room, but I must say, its pretty comfortable.

What do you guys think of this "exercise ball as a chair" concept?
 
I started using one about two weeks ago, mainly to stop me from sitting on my legs and slouching over (like I used to do on my old office chair). It's worked great. I'm not expecting to see any other noticeable results to my "core" or anything like that, though.

It does sound like the one you got is too big. I think mine is around 25" (63.5 cm). When I'm not sitting on it, it just barely slides under my desk.

If the stopper won't go all the way in, you might try dipping it in a small amount of soapy water. That's what the instructions that came with mine said, although I haven't personally had to try it.
 
I use one as my computer desk chair about 50% of time

what I noticed:

no lower back pain.
less shoulder pain
butt cheeks dont get numb and sore.
obliques and inner abs are definitely stronger and look better.

Negatives:
no arm rests for serious typing
gaming+ball = ouch
trying to lean forward to focus on critical piece and wham.
weird noises


I am good enough to sit on the ball with one leg crossed on my thigh and not fall over. A colleague of mine can sit on his crosslegged with perfect balance.
 
TheAnswer said:
I started using one about two weeks ago, mainly to stop me from sitting on my legs and slouching over (like I used to do on my old office chair). It's worked great. I'm not expecting to see any other noticeable results to my "core" or anything like that, though.

It does sound like the one you got is too big. I think mine is around 25" (63.5 cm). When I'm not sitting on it, it just barely slides under my desk.

If the stopper won't go all the way in, you might try dipping it in a small amount of soapy water. That's what the instructions that came with mine said, although I haven't personally had to try it.
Click to expand...

I hope I see results.

Hight wise (when sitting on it) It's about right, but my elbows are kinda being used to hold me as I type.
When I'm not sitting on it, I have to push it down for it to go under my desk, but I think it's a decent size once I sit on it.

I'll go try the soap and water thing now.

Edit: I tried soapy water and Vaseline, but it still won't go in, and I'm afraid if I push hard enough, my finger is going to break.
 
Mine is fantastic. Not only does it look cool and provide a lot of fun for friends, but it keeps you fit while sitting down (although that's not an excuse not to exercise properly).
 
DJMastaWes said:
I hope I see results.

Hight wise (when sitting on it) It's about right, but my elbows are kinda being used to hold me as I type.
When I'm not sitting on it, I have to push it down for it to go under my desk, but I think it's a decent size once I sit on it.

I'll go try the soap and water thing now.

Edit: I tried soapy water and Vaseline, but it still won't go in, and I'm afraid if I push hard enough, my finger is going to break.
Click to expand...

O man, thank you. That edit was definitely the quote of the day. :)

I hear good things about the exercise ball as a chair thing, but I have never tried. Perhaps I will try this at home in the near future- my current computer chair (at home) is waaaay too comfortable and it makes me sleepy.
 
DJMastaWes said:
Dwight Schrute using an exercise ball as an office chair, is all the motivation I need for using one.
Click to expand...

Yes, I was just about to say that. I love the office.

Dwight used it as a chair until Jim stabbed a pair of scissors into it.
 
so how many of you use these in an actual workplace environment? i want to get one to use at my desk, but my coworkers are going to think i'm mad. :rolleyes: they think it's crazy enough that i have a "weird" computer!

i'd get one for home, but 99% of my computer use occurs at work.
 
damienvfx said:
You should use a BOSU ball, and lower your desk
Click to expand...

BOSU balls are like, a foot tall, and I can't lower my desk.

For those that are interested, here's my set up with the ball.
It's kinda fun bouncing around on it, but I think me resting my elbows on my desk is taking away from what the exercise ball is supposed to do.
 
ezzie1029 said:
i can't do it this week (i'm pretty broke) but next week...

it's SO on! :D

i just don't know where to get one or which brand is best...i'll have to do some research!!!!
Click to expand...

Wal-Mart.
I don't know about brands, but, buy it based on size.
They sell 55CM, 65CM, 75CM and 100CM balls. I bought the 100CM because my desk is pretty high up, and I'm pretty tall.
 
DJMastaWes said:
Wal-Mart.
I don't know about brands, but, buy it based on size.
They sell 55CM, 65CM, 75CM and 100CM balls. I bought the 100CM because my desk is pretty high up, and I'm pretty tall.
Click to expand...

sweet...i'll check there. thanks!!!

although i try to avoid walmart like the plague...i'll brave it for this special purchase. :p
 
If you're so inclined, you could use this atlas stone as a chair. A total body workout picking up one of these beauties.
 

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barr08 said:
Im headin out to buy mine now. I'll just turn the ipod up so I dont hear people talking about me...
Click to expand...

hehehe.....don't forget to let us see you and your new ball/chair! i should have mine sometime next week...when i get it all inflated i'll do the same. :D
 
My computer chair was like $19.99 from Office Depot. It's not that great. :rolleyes:

Whenever I'm near an exercise ball, I immediately go to bounce on it. This would be a really good idea to use all the time at the computer. Now I just convince my parents that it's completely fine to sit at the computer desk using an exercise ball. :)
 
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