| My favorite piece of exercise equipment is the | | | | got busy trying to pump up the ball. I pumped and |
| large stability ball. I teach several classes a week | | | | I pumped and after getting so little air into the ball, |
| completely devoted to using the ball. Even though | | | | I drove to one of the clubs where I teach which |
| these classes are structured for all ages and | | | | has an electric air pump for all of their balls. |
| levels of fitness, they are not "wimpy" workouts. | | | | Another solution would be to visit a bicycle shop. |
| And I can safely say that they offer the most | | | | As soon as I had it filled with air and positioned on |
| effective workout for the center core, or | | | | its metal base (which is on wheels and does have |
| "powerhouse" of our bodies, along with increasing | | | | plenty of mobility, so there is no problem with |
| our sense of balance. All of this contributes to | | | | swiveling) I perched on top of it and went to |
| good posture and muscle strength. | | | | work on the computer. After several hours, I |
| So, you can imagine my delight when I found a | | | | hurt. It was like sitting on a rock for hours. |
| "ball chair" advertised in a 2002 exercise | | | | And this is the secret of a ball chair. You must |
| equipment catalog. I did buy myself a ball chair for | | | | play with the level of air until you have a |
| that Christmas. It arrived in late January and I | | | | comfortable, yet supportive cushion. You must |
| have been using it ever since. In this article I am | | | | also work with the heights of the wheeled base |
| going to share the ins and outs of using a ball | | | | and the small backrest until they are correct for |
| chair. | | | | you and your work area. |
| A ball chair isn't for everyone | | | | The advantages of being "on the ball" |
| I am someone who spends a large part of my | | | | Once it is set up properly, the ball is a terrific tool. |
| working and playing time in front of the computer | | | | There is no way that I can slump, which I could in |
| (so having the right kind of chair is imperative). | | | | the traditional chair (thus, my eye level is always |
| And, once I have paid for something I am | | | | right on). There is no way that my arms can lose |
| dedicated to making "it work." I will admit that it | | | | their positions (since there are no arm rests), and |
| took some time to get used to sitting on the ball, | | | | I have to maintain my center to stay in balance. |
| but I can finally say that I can't imagine going | | | | It doesn't happen that I fall off the ball, but in the |
| back to my former computer chair. | | | | beginning I would forget that I was jumping up |
| And, as a bonus, I do feel that it has been a huge | | | | from a ball when the phone rang. It is my theory |
| postural help along with offering an ergonomic | | | | that when we are in balance and centered, our |
| solution to many tiring hours at the keyboard and | | | | thinking and work is also in balance and centered. |
| on the mouse. If you love working out on the ball | | | | And, it is "fun." That is one of the best parts, |
| and have the gumption to go through some of | | | | along with being able to take a quick break. I just |
| the adjustments and experiments I will describe | | | | lift the ball off its frame and do a series of |
| below, go for it. | | | | abdominal crunches and gluteus leg lifts. |
| Getting it set up | | | | So, if you love adventure and the advantages of |
| Along with my order for the chair, I also ordered | | | | working with a stability ball, get yourself a ball |
| a classy foot pump. The day the two arrived, I | | | | chair. |