Should You Use a Balance Ball Chair?
May 14, 2009 – 8:49 pmMany people have asked the question: should I use a balance ball chair instead of an office chair or another chair at home? While this may not be directly related to Pilates, I still think a ball chair can be greatly beneficial and can compliment many of the objectives found in a Pilates program. Here are 3 reasons why I would recommend using a balance ball chair:
1 – A balance ball chair will force you to not slouch. Slouching can be a major problem when it comes to back pain. By slouching you are not using the muscles you should which does lead to back pain.
2 – By not slouching, using a balance ball chair will help you firm your core muscles, which is always a plus.
3 – Balance ball chairs are much cheaper than a good ergonomic office chair. I think my office spent $700 on my chair, and it’s great, but that’s a lot of money to spend when you can get a ball chair for anywhere from $20-$40.
However, please remember that whether or not it is good for you depends greatly on your back and on whether or not your doctor recommends that you use balance ball chair for everyday use. As always, consult with your doctor or physical therapist before experimenting with your back; and, research which chair is best for you, as the chair needs to be the right size for you otherwise you may do some damage to your muscles.
The last thing I would caution you about would be that you need to be careful when using a balance ball chair instead of an office chair. You can’t just go plop down it – you really need to be aware that your new chair is not a chair, but rather a ball. Sounds like a dumb warning, but you can hurt yourself if you do not use the ball chair properly (I’ve heard of people messing up their hips and/or back by not sitting properly or paying enough attention while sitting on the chair).
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