I have been thinking for some time that my posture is awful and with my big pregnant belly it seems worse now. I was looking for an easy way to help myself sit better and I decided to try an exercise ball while I’m on the computer. Ball Dynamics was nice enough to send me one of their FitBalls to try out. I knew that sitting on exercise balls helps strengthen your core muscles and improves your posture but the people at Ball Dynamics explained it well: “Active sitting, or unsupported sitting, puts the user in motion in a controlled manner. It eliminates static loading and can help nourish the spine. It can encourage better posture by activating and strengthening the tiny muscles in our back and core area. It can force the body to strengthen its weakest muscles in order to maintain balance. It can be used to improve focus and alertness by enhancing sensory awareness and simulating the vestibular sense.”

Here is what I think now that I have one:

• Its fun to sit on and bounce a bit while I’m at the computer.
• I immediately noticed I was sitting with much better posture.
• I just have the basic ball in the 65cm size and its just right for me (the range for the 65cm ball is 5’3″-6′).
• I can’t use it first thing in the morning when I am drinking my coffee so I need to keep the chair handy still! I am considering buying the stabilizing ring so that I can try drinking my coffee on it and so that it has a “home” in front of the computer.
• I have to share it with the kids who LOVE bouncing and rolling on it (another reason the chair has to stay near the desk or maybe they just need their own)!
• Did I mention its fun to sit on? It makes me feel a little like a kid again!
• When I’m not so pregnant I would like to try some actual exercises with my “chair” too.
• It was VERY easy to inflate with the pump, I did it myself in no time.
• I don’t normally mention price in my reviews but I think these exercise balls are priced well, here is the link to the one I was sent 65cm FitBall with poster and pump which is $33.95 (its $29.95 without the pump).

John thinks its a neat idea but at 6’3″ its not the right size for him so we might get him the 75cm size or he might try one of the discs or wedges to use on his regular chair at work. They do make really neat ball chairs also for adults and kids! I was really impressed with the catalog I got, plenty of fun and interesting things (like hopping balls for a wide range of kid sizes and this bouncing Teddy) to exercise with for all ages and abilities!

*If you are pregnant like me I know woman use exercise balls to help them during labor and I’m also starting to hear of people sitting on them instead of a rocking chair to soothe babies (with a base for stability).

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.