Replace Your Chair With An Exercise Ball

Got a back ache from sitting at the computer too long?  Get active and minimize back pain by sitting on an exercise  ball!  I bought them for my entire staff a few years ago and we love the benefits.   Our backs were made to move and when the spine is moving our body produces a fluid that keeps the joints lubricated.  But, when the back is sedentary, no fluid is produced and we get a “stiff back”.  When you sit in a chair day after day it weakens the supporting muscles of the back and can result in chronic back pain.  But, you can fight back with a REALLY easy solution!  Exercise your back and strengthen your core muscles by sitting on an exercise ball when you are studying or working at the computer.

Sitting on a ball requires balance, improves body awareness, strengthens the core muscles of the body, and burns more calories.  The good news is that you can accomplish this while you are working, without setting aside extra time for back exercises.  Now, when you first begin you should start with short periods of time (15 minute increments) and then increase as your muscles strengthen.  Don’t be surprised if you get sore muscles during the first week – just as you would with any new exercise routine.  The sore muscles will disappear as you get stronger.  You can switch back and forth from exercise ball to chair if you get tired.  More good news is that  physical benefits aren’t the only plus.  Your brain will benefit too!

During a recent experiment at Grand Valley State University, students found that sitting on an exercise ball helped them to stay focused.  Ashley Doozan says, “When you’re sitting on a chair, your brain falls asleep and you lose concentration.  Balancing keeps your mind awake and you can learn and process things better,  it just keeps you awake.  I learn better when I’m moving or doing other activities.”  Research shows an important relationship between exercise and the brain.  Our brains processes information better when we are moving, and we remember the information better too.  Movement helps to create nerve cell networks and neural wiring in the brain and throughout the body.

Exercise balls are slowly gaining popularity in the workplace as adults become aware of the benefits.  But, they are important for kids who sit in school all day too.  It “quiets” kids and helps them to focus.  It keeps them active without disturbing the learning environment in the classroom.  Yes, it is “outside of the box” and might scare some teachers.  But, be an advocate in your child’s school and challenge the teacher to try it for a month.  Exercise balls can be purchased at discount stores (T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s etc.) for only $9.99.

The increase in technology means that people are moving less and feeling the adverse physical affects of sedentary behaviors.  But we don’t have to be victims of technology.   By being smart we can keep our bodies in shape AND get our work done.  Try it!