Large Exercise Ball

The Exercise Ball Chair

You know those large rubber balls found in health clubs and gyms? How about replacing the desk chair in your office with one? Though far from becoming the norm, these unconventional seating options are showing up in more and more workplaces.

And not just in companies like Google, who are well known for embracing the unconventional. (I mean how many places can you bring your dog to work with you?) But firms like BMW, Sprint Nextel, and many more, as well as several schools are trying them out.

The most vocal proponents for their use consider them the ultimate solution for eliminating persistent backaches and chronic back pain. Other benefits include improved posture because there's no back support to slouch against, and heightened ability to concentrate.

In addition, there is a substantial exercise benefit. Instead of sitting idle for roughly 8 hours every day, that time is transformed into a workout focused mainly on your lower back and abdominal muscles. Once the balancing activity becomes second nature, they say the minimal, but continuous exertion of maintaining stability increases toning and fitness.

However, there are some physical therapists and ergonomic consultants who offer a word of caution. They say that replacing your desk chair with a fitness ball isn't for everyone, and there are some risks to be aware of. Starting out slowly is advised, using the ball for increasing intervals of time until adapting to the exertion required for sustained periods.

They also suggest that older employees should avoid these type chairs and that even with younger workers tending to adapt more easily, there are still those that find the benefits don't outweigh the constant activity required over extended durations.

More obvious risks are the safety factors. After all, it's a ball, and it can roll. If your attention is elsewhere, or you're in deep concentration, you may fall off possibly injuring yourself and/or send the ball careening into someone else.

To solve this problem some manufacturers build frames for the exercise balls, making them more like regular chairs complete with arms and backs. Of course in gaining stability, this solution seems to defeat the original benefit, leaving the user with nothing but a bouncy seat.

There is no doubt a lousy desk chair makes for an uncomfortable, less productive workday. It will also make one susceptible to all manner of soreness and backaches. But while the exercise ball chair has certainly demonstrated itself to be a solution for many, those in need of a better seating option would be well advised to check out an ergonomically designed, well-made desk chair.

And not just one - find the one that fits you. Everybody is different and experience has proven there is no such thing as one size fits all. It's amazing how much difference a properly fitted, top of the line ergonomic chair will make - it's like sitting on air.

No, you won't be exercising, so if that's your goal, consider the ball. But if you don't want to even notice the chair, and your desire is to feel as good leaving at days end as when you arrived, spend some money on a real chair. I mean if you're spending a third of every day seated, why wouldn't you? You can still get the ball for diversion - it's only about $30.

About the Author

John Allen writes on health, fitness, nutrition, and
staying healthy for life
on his website at http://www.healthynowforlife.com, which is focused on living better while living longer.

Exercise Stability Ball Base - Large $25.99 This Exercise Ball Base is designed to hold a stability exercise ball in place while you perform your favorite core exercises. The large surface and depth of the base lets you receive the benefits of an exercise ball while controlling the ball movement. Keeps exercise ball stable for various ball exercisesCan be used as a base for using an exercise ball as a chairSlates in base allow for exercise tubing (sold separately) to be attached so you can perform additional exercises.Dimensions: 20"W x 4"HAvailable in Black

Exercise Ball Kit - Large $26.51 Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Exercise Ball kit.You'll...Firm and tone your bodyDefine your abs and waistlineRelease pent-up stress and tensionImprove balance, flexibility, and coordinationLook great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workoutKit Contains:Phthalate-Free, anti-burst eco ballBeautiful instructional exercise posterFoot pump for quick, easy ball inflation Choose the ball that's right for you:5' - 5'5" tall: Small (22") Blue 5'6" - 5'11" tall: Medium (26") Green6'-6'3" tall: Large (30") Jade

Exercise Ball Base $19.04 This Exercise Ball Base is designed to hold a stability exercise ball in place while you perform your favorite core exercises. The large surface and depth of the base lets you receive the benefits of an exercise ball while controlling the ball movement; it can also be used as a base for using an exercise ball as a chair. Slates in base allow for exercise tubing (sold separately) to be attached so you can perform additional exercises.

Gofit 75Cm Exercise Ball $22.49 The GoFit Exercise Ball is a fun, yet challenging way to stretch, tone and tighten your body. What makes the GoFit Ball so challenging? Unlike training on a stable, flat surface, the ball is a round, unstable surface, so you not only train the primary muscle groups, but also the smaller stabilizing muscles as well. The stabilizing muscles are small, yet very important muscle groups primarily used for balance, alignment and posture. The ball total body workout is very efficient, allowing you to see the results you want in a much quicker period of time. Combine the ball workout with the GoFit cardio vascular jump rope program and resistance tube training and you have a complete workout that can be done anywhere, anytime, and at a very affordable price. As a general rule, the exercise ball should be large enough so that when you sit on it, your knees bend at a 90 degree angle. The 75cm ball is recommended for persons 6ft and over with a 1000lb weight limit. Not recommended for usage with weight training routines. Comes with ball pump, 2 ball plugs and an easy to follow exercise wall poster. GoFit Stability balls are made of rubber and contain no Latex. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Exercise Balls , Stability Balls

Gofit 55Cm Exercise Ball $22.49 The GoFit Exercise Ball is a fun, yet challenging way to stretch, tone and tighten your body. What makes the GoFit Ball so challenging? Unlike training on a stable, flat surface, the ball is a round, unstable surface, so you not only train the primary muscle groups, but also the smaller stabilizing muscles as well. The stabilizing muscles are small, yet very important muscle groups primarily used for balance, alignment and posture. The ball total body workout is very efficient, allowing you to see the results you want in a much quicker period of time. As a general rule, the exercise ball should be large enough so that when you sit on it, your knees bend at a 90 degree angle. The 55cm ball is recommended for most people height 5ft to 5.5ft tall. Suggested weight limit of 300lbs. Not recommended for usage with weight training routines. Comes with ball pump, 2 ball plugs and an easy to follow exercise sampler. GoFit Stability balls are made of PVC plastic and contain no Latex. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Exercise Balls , Stability Balls

Exercise Ball Kit - Small $26.51 Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Exercise Ball kit.You'll...Firm and tone your bodyDefine your abs and waistlineRelease pent-up stress and tensionImprove balance, flexibility, and coordinationLook great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workoutKit Contains:Phthalate-Free, anti-burst eco ballBeautiful instructional exercise posterFoot pump for quick, easy ball inflation Choose the ball that's right for you:5' - 5'5" tall: Small (22") Blue 5'6" - 5'11" tall: Medium (26") Green6'-6'3" tall: Large (30") Jade

Exercise Ball Kit - Medium $26.51 Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Exercise Ball kit.You'll...Firm and tone your bodyDefine your abs and waistlineRelease pent-up stress and tensionImprove balance, flexibility, and coordinationLook great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workoutKit Contains:Phthalate-Free, anti-burst eco ballBeautiful instructional exercise posterFoot pump for quick, easy ball inflation Choose the ball that's right for you:5' - 5'5" tall: Small (22") Blue 5'6" - 5'11" tall: Medium (26") Green6'-6'3" tall: Large (30") Jade

J Fit 100900 Large Exercise Stability Ball Base $31.2 This Exercise Ball Base is designed to hold a stability exercise ball in place while you perform your favorite core exercises. The large surface and depth of the base lets you receive the benefits of an exercise ball while controlling the ball movement. Keeps exercise ball stable for various ball exercises. Can be used as a base for using an exercise ball as a chair. Slates in base allow for exercise tubing (sold separately) to be attached so you can perform additional exercises. Dimensions: 20 W x 4 H. Available in Black.

Gofit 65Cm Exercise Ball White $22.49 The GoFit Exercise Ball is a fun, yet challenging way to stretch, tone and tighten your body. What makes the GoFit Ball so challenging? Unlike training on a stable, flat surface, the ball is a round, unstable surface, so you not only train the primary muscle groups, but also the smaller stabilizing muscles as well. The stabilizing muscles are small, yet very important muscle groups primarily used for balance, alignment and posture. The ball total body workout is very efficient, allowing you to see the results you want in a much quicker period of time. As a general rule, the exercise ball should be large enough so that when you sit on it, your knees bend at a 90 degree angle. The 65cm ball is recommended for most people height 5.5ft to 6ft tall. Suggested weight limit of 300lbs. Not recommended for usage with weight training routines. Comes with ball pump, 2 ball plugs and an easy to follow exercise sampler. GoFit Stability balls are made of PVC plastic and contain no Latex. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Exercise Balls , Stability Balls

Wai Lana Productions G2101L Eco Exercise Ball Kit with Poster Large $37.4 The Wai Lana Green Eco Exercise Ball Kit is good for your body and for the planet. The Exercise Ball Kit includes everything you need to develop a firmer and strengthened body. You ll receive an exercise ball an instructional exercise poster and a foot pump for easy inflation. This effective workout helps you firm and tone your entire body define your abs and waistline and release pentup stress and tension while improving balance flexibility and coordination. The antiburst exercise ball is phthalate free so it s healthy for you and the environment. This kit is available in small medium or large sizes so you are sure to have the right fit. Receive a great total body workout with the Wai Lana Green Eco Exercise Ball Kit. Size: Large 75 cm.

Naked Ball Exercise $24.99 Naked Ball Exercise - Photographic Print

Gofit / 75CM EXERCISE BALL WITH / GF-75BALL $32.93 Gofit - 75CM EXERCISE BALL WITH - GF-75BALL

Gofit / 65CM EXERCISE BALL WITH / GF-65BALL $31.7 Gofit - 65CM EXERCISE BALL WITH - GF-65BALL

Gofit / 55CM EXERCISE BALL WITH / GF-55BALL $29.26 Gofit - 55CM EXERCISE BALL WITH - GF-55BALL

GoFit Exercise Ball - Red $19.99 This exercise ball and exercise sampler offer a variety of exercises to help you stretch, tone and tighten your muscles for overall fitness.

55cm Exercise Ball With $18.99 GOFIT GF-55BALL EXERCISE BALL WITH PUMP (55 CM; RED)

65cm Exercise Ball With $21.99 GOFIT GF-65BALL EXERCISE BALL WITH PUMP (65 CM; WHITE)

75cm Exercise Ball With $23.99 GOFIT GF-75BALL EXERCISE BALL WITH PUMP (75 CM; BLUE)

GoFit Exercise Ball - White $22.99 Stretch, tone and tighten your muscles with this exercise ball that features an exercise sampler that offers a variety of exercises to improve your overall fitness.

Pilates Exercise Ball and Pump $9.99 The exercise ball is perfect for balance and resistance training spinal stabilization and core strengthening. Helps improve balance and coordination. Includes pilates ball h

GoFit Exercise Ball - Blue $24.99 Get in shape with this exercise ball and sampler that offer a variety of exercises to help you stretch, tone and tighten your muscles.

Pro-Form 21-3/4 Exercise Ball $13.99 Tone and strengthen your core muscles with this exercise ball. The dual-action hand pump makes inflating your exercise ball simple.

Kong Ball Large $6.47 Kong Ball Dog Toy The KONG(R) Ball is a favorite toy amongst dogs and owners alike. Small ball is equipped with holes to hide treats, watch your dog increase their cognitive skills as they learn to retrieve the treats from inside. Large ball is solid rubber with no treat holes, bounce it or throw it to encourage exercise and interactive play. Because it's KONG, it's made of non-toxic, puncture-resistant rubber and tough enough to withstand the bite of aggressive chewers. Features: Made in the USA Durable, non-toxic rubberIncredible bounce Small ball has treat holes Large ball is solid rubber, no treat holes Ideal for fetch and other interactive activities Recommended for medium to aggressive chewers Item Specifications: Color: Red Sizes: Small 2.5" Large 3"

Cando Inflatable Exercise Ball $60.24 Condo inflatable exercise ball is designed for theraputic exercise Exercise equipment features a non-slip, ribbed surface Ball is made of vinyl Mottled color differentiates it from standard ballsBalls can support up to 600 pounds (275kg)Available in blue color option Measures 34 inches

Pro-Form 29-1/2 Exercise Ball $16.99 Use this exercise ball to tone and strengthen your core muscles. The dual-action hand pump makes inflating the ball simple.

2EJ0061IM EJ-6 Anti-Burst Gym Exercise Ball with $24 EJ-6 Anti-Burst Gym Exercise Ball with Pump

Exercise Medicine Ball Bouncewell, 1 kg $21.46 Exercise Medicine Ball Bouncewell, 1 kg

FitBALL Mini Exercise Ball $12.69 Features of the FitBALL Mini Exercise Ball: 9" inflatable ball used for resistance work in pilates and other mat fitness programs. Can be used slightly deflated as a soft prop under the head, neck, feet or back. Dark blue color with soft, easy-grip texture.

Pilates Exercise Ball and Pump - Blue $9.99 The exercise ball is perfect for balance and resistance training spinal stabilization and core strengthening. Helps improve balance and coordination. Includes pilates ball h

15 Cando® Cushy-Air™ Exercise Ball $12.5 Inflatable therapy and play balls are strong, light, easy to grasp and have a large inflation range. Lighter and more pliable than the vinyl balls, with a soft touch. 15 inch balls come with an easy-inflate straw.

Pivotal Burst-Resistant Exercise Ball $24.99 This phthalate-free exercise ball features a burst-resistant design that supports up to 300 lbs.

Exercise Ball (55cm) $34.04 Get a great abdominal workout with the exercise ball Develop balance and coordination while training with this equipmentPerfect for stretching and flexibility in fitnessProvide a total body workout Easy for any age and fitness levelsExercise chart and pump includedSize 55cm for individuals 5' to 5'5Weight capacity: 200 lbs.

Therapy / Exercise Ball Pump $40.52 PLEASE NOTE: THIS ITEM CANNOT SHIP VIA 3-DAY DELIVERY.Pump for Thera-Band® exercise balls.

Kong Stuff-A-Ball Large $8.25 Stuff it, throw it, bounce it, roll it! The Kong Stuff-a-Ball is a unique toy that is three in one: a chew toy, a treat dispenser and a teeth cleaner. We're very impressed. The Kong Stuff-a-Ball is hollow to allow treats to be placed inside. It has these nifty slits all the way around that work to clean your dog's teeth and exercise the gums. Kong Stuff-a-Ball uses a natural rubber formula that is durable, flexible and of course, non-toxic. The SitStay dogs found it to be very tough. Be sure to get treats for Kong. We carry a wide range including treats designed by Kong for their toys. Brand: Kong Made in USA

22 Exercise Ball (Blue) $26.5 Excellent quality balls that can be used for therapy or exercise. Improves flexibility, balance, coordination and strength. Made in the USA. For ages 12 and up.

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