Just a thought for those of us who sit for long periods of time.
I started using an exercise ball for my "chair" at my sewing machine about a month or two ago. I LOVE it and have had no back issues since I started using it. This was after trying every possible chair and chair height.
I would highly recommend. So much so that I bought a second one for my computer work.
(DISCLAIMERS: I have "tipped" over twice, but slowly and carefully, so no injuries, and I have to try to keep falling pins out from under it.)
those great big (30-36") inflatable ones. there are entire programs set up to use them, but sitting on them is supposed to help strengthen your core because of the very minimal but frequent adjustments you make to balance while sitting on it.
This is a cool idea. My computer is set up high on a countertop in my craft room though, so I use a drafting chair when I sit there. Maybe I could use an exercise ball at the table where I make jewellery though. Hmmmm.
We have one of those but it is too low for me to use at the machine or computer. But I do use it periodically throughout the day to stretch. Well at least I do when my daughter's "stuff" isn't filling up the livingroom!
Oh, I really need one of these, I find myself constantly hunched up when I'm working — but are you really low down on it? Could I reach the table? And can you deflate them for storage? (my house is tiny!!)
They are lower than a regular chair, but I like this because I "hunch" a lot less, and sit up straighter. You could deflate, but it would take a while to inflate and deflate often.
@jill2day - there is a lady I work with that has a giant gray ball in her office for her chair. I would love to try it. I think it would be great for my back. I'm so not gracefull & could just imagine falling trying to sit on it!!
I should get one of those, I get lower back pain and have the world's WORST sitting posture. WORST. But I like to be way up high when I sit at a desk, wonder if I could get a HUGE one?
so at lunch I suggested this to my hubby - who since he got a desk job has had major back problems. He has a huge gray exercise ball that would work great. He looked at me and laughed. He said the guys in the office already give him grief for eating salads & being all healthy and stuff - he could only imagine the names they would come up with if he started sitting on a gray ball, lmao. why do men have to be so mean to each other :-D he will just suffer on!
Ooh! I remember I had one of those, but I never used it. Now I'm craving another. lol I remember as a kid, they'd have the ones with the handle on 'em. With my clumsiness, I'll probably need that instead, lol
Sov: the trouble is you can't really be higher that having your feet flat on the ground for balance. It took a while to get used to it, but I can also adjust my table. Sitting high up actually makes me slouch more when I am looking forward instead of down. But having said that, I have also thought about raising my machine so I could stand and sew. I think that would be ideal!
Hobby and Michelle: it only happens once or twice!! then you get the hang of it.
Jill - good point! I have very short legs (I'm 5' 8") but a very long torso - I bet I'd have trouble even on a regular excerise ball. Maybe I'll try it at work and see how it helps - if it does - one at the studio might be in order...I think there's one floating around here at the school.
