Originally Posted by 11515

Good afternoon ladies!

It was such a busy day here in the office that I did not have a chance to get on till now.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Today is my off day from working out but I've been so hungry - due to AUNT FLOW pending visit.

I was doing spring cleaning the other week and came across my deflated swiss ball. I thought, hmmm let's bring it to work. Best idea ever. My boss has no problem with usage here as another Yogi enthusiast in the office uses one as well. I tried using it a few times since but only for a couple hours because I started having back pain.

However today, I've used it for almost 7 hours straight and it doesn't hurt as much.

Below is an article I found interesting. So, for those of you who works in an office or sits for long periods of time, read this article and consider investing in a cheap but effective tool for working your core muscles.

10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair
I recently came across this article, which talks about using an exercise ball as your home or office chair. I have used an exercise ball as a chair before, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Here are some of the benefits of using an exercise ball as your chair. Whether you spend your desk time at the office, or studying at home for that next exam, office ball chairs can help you in many ways.

1. Forces proper spine alignment. Because an exercise ball is not stable, your body needs to try to balance itself on it. The perfect spinal posture is coincidently the easiest to balance with. Thus, your body will automatically try to align itself into the proper posture. This helps improve your spinal health, and decrease back pains.


2. Causes you to frequently change positions. An exercise ball causes to you to change your position often to balance. For example, if you turn 45 degrees to face the phone, your body will assume a new position. This helps reduce damage caused by prolonged sitting in the same position.


3. Fitness is at your fingertips. Another great thing about using this alternative to a chair, is that you can do stretches or mini-workouts whenever you want, without getting up. If you’ve ever stuck waiting for a minute or two, you can make productive use of that time with a quick workout or stretch. Because it’s much more convenient, you will probably do it more, thus resulting in better health.


4. Improve your balance. This one is very understandable. Sitting on an unstable surface all day will improve your sense of balance, as well as the reactions of your muscles. The result? An overall better balance, that can be observed out of the office.


5. Get that 6-pack you’ve been wanting. Your body primarily uses your core (abdominal) muscles to help compensate for changes in balance. Thus, your essentially getting a low-key abdominal workout. This may not sound like a lot, but consider the amount of time you spend on your computer at the office, or at home. Those hours can build up, and result in a strengthening of ab muscles.

6. Improves your circulation. Using an exercise ball will keep the blood flowing to all parts of your body, throughout the day. A desk chair on the other hand, reduces circulation to some parts of the body after prolonged use.


7. You’ll feel more energetic. It has been proven that staying in one position, will make you more tired, while moving around and being active with give you more energy. With an exercise ball as a chair, you will feel much more energized after you finish your work.

8. Burn up to 350 calories per day. More movement during the day = more calories burnt. Burning 350 calories per day = losing one pound of fat every 10 days. You may not burn quite 350, but nonetheless, it will help you stay fit.


9. Really cheap. Specialized exercise balls designed for sitting usage can range from $15 to $80. Much cheaper than buying an ergonomic chair, which can range anywhere from $100 to $400 and up.


10. C’mon, its fun! Who doesn’t like the idea of bouncing around on an exercise ball all day. Exercise balls are an exciting alternative to chairs, and may just give that spark of fun to your day.

Wow Nancy, I never would have thought of that! How does that work though in regards to desk height and the person's height - can you adjust the ball or purchase in different sizes??

Thanks for sharing!

Hey Michelle,

Personally, my ball sits a little lower then my normal chair; but ergonomically speaking its ok. It was awkward at first but I mentally adjusted. But then again I'm short and according to the chart below I should be using a smaller ball. I'm 5'3" and my ball is a 65cm one. You should purchase the ball according to the size recommended for your height. How tall are you?

Below is a chart I found that may help you decide the right size.

What Size is Right for Me?
The size of exercise balls varies. Physical therapists suggest using an exercise ball that fits each person's height and leg length, where the hips and knees are at or slightly greater than a 90 degree angle (thighs parallel to ground or point down slightly) with feet flat on the floor. It is best to work with a physical therapist or other spine specialist for a proper fit before using or purchasing an exercise ball.

Your Height
Ball Size

5' 3" and under
53 cm

5' 4" to 5' 10"
65 cm

5' 11" to 6' 4"
75 cm

6' 5" and over
85 cm

Oh man, getting ready for my committee meeting. Only three weeks away until my Bikers for Babies event. I am so not a biker either, makes it kind of funny . I can't wait for this event to be over on June 14th, I have been going non-stop with work stuff for 6 months. Then June 21st is my good friend's wedding, still need to get the bridesmaid dress fitted! I have been putting it off so hopefully I lose a few more! I did my measurements with my trainer last week, didn't lose too many incheas, actucally gained one in my chest, come on!! They are big enough already! She said it was from my back muscles. I think she was trying to make me feel better Oh well, my BMI went down which is great. I also gained a bunch more muscle. She measured me with those pincher things, never seen that before a few months ago! Great way to see how you are doing over all. It was a good motivator too! Need ot get my butt in gear. Ok, well, have a good one everyone! I am missing out on the gym tonight, won't be home until late. Good thing I am recording the American Idol finale!!

First we had hot weather, now it's soooo windy.

Well getting ready to go my son's Graduation.....my baby ready for the real world.

Just want to everybody a good Night.
Talk to you alll later.....

Hello everyone. I've been MIA all day. My sister's party was today at my house. I had around twenty five 9th and 10th graders here. My mom and dad were here to keep a look out but I couldn't really let go and relax. My sore throat from yesterday has turned into a bad sinus infection. I am absolutely miserable! I just wanted to climb in bed all day today but that was not possible. I think I'm actually starting to feel better though.

There were 12 pizzas at my house today. Pizza is my favorite food. I did not have any. I didn't have any chips or cookie cake or coke. Kept it healthy. Feeling good now that the day is over and I was able to resist all that.

I'm sure all of you are in bed by now. I hope you had a great day. I am coming on first thing tomorrow morning and not doing anything til I catch up on what's been going on!

Good Morning Team.

LEts all welcome a new team member.

Let's all make
Samantha feel welcome to the team,and make sure you add her to your buddy list.

good morning ladies,
keeping it short today. started to have bad headaches today and i have to get rid of them. staring at a computer screen is'nt helping at all. lol and my hubbie is off we might go somewhere. But i will be good, scale is going down again so i don't want to mess up. anyway, i might get on later if i feel better. I hope you all having a great day.

I want to thank everyone who voted for my dog for the pet contest:

Thanks to everyone who voted: GOOD NEWS

My dog won the pet competition

Originally Posted by kim

I want to thank everyone who voted for my dog for the pet contest:

Thanks to everyone who voted: GOOD NEWS

My dog won the pet competition

congrats that is so cool.
I miss my doggie, had to leave him in holland. my mom is a obedience trainer in holland for about 20 years now. Needless to say, i grew up with dogs. Hopfully i will get one one day again.

Originally Posted by kim

I want to thank everyone who voted for my dog for the pet contest:

Thanks to everyone who voted: GOOD NEWS

My dog won the pet competition

Sassy