The problem with online business, is all that sitting can cause back strain! Is this the solution?

Hi Dien,

I use one of those (and am using one right now as I type this) - I've been using it for about 6 months now and I reckon that they are great!

I also checked with my local Chiropractor and he recommended this over and above a normal chair.

Regards,
Adam

> I sit in front of my computer an awful lot.
> I'm sure many here do the same!

> And all that sitting not only doesn't help
> you get fit at all, but it can also be a
> strain on your back....

> So, I thought, I'd look around for one of
> those ergonomic chairs. I was even thinking
> of getting one of those "kneel
> sit" chairs that are meant to be good
> for your back...

> Then I saw a program on TV. A lady was
> talking about how good a Swiss ball (also
> known as an exercise ball) is for exercising
> with! I thought to myself - Self, you have
> to get one of those Swiss balls!

> To cut to the chase, I ended up buying one
> at K-Mart. Somewhere along the line, I had
> read that Swiss balls can even make good
> ergonomic chairs!

> Apparently, if you use the ball as a chair,
> you are constantly adjusting your muscles to
> keep balancing on the ball. This means you
> are working your leg, abdominal, and back
> muscles - even while you're just sitting
> there.

> Unlike a normal chair, where you end up
> slouching after a short time, with the Swiss
> ball you're constantly "working
> out" - even though they are simple
> muscle micro-adjustments. Everything is
> sub-conscious - you're not even fully aware
> of it while you're sitting down.

> However, when you stand up - then you feel
> the effect! I sat down on my Swiss ball for
> part of the day yesterday... When I stood
> up, it FELT like I just had a workout!

> I'm going to try it more (I've only had my
> Swiss ball for just over a day now). It
> seems like a good idea - keep exercising
> while you work on your computer.

> Also, Swiss balls are quite a lot cheaper
> than ergonomic chairs. You can afford to buy
> several of them if you wanted to.
> Has anyone else tried this, or do you know
> of others who have tried this?

> I'll keep at it, and report on the effect of
> using a Swiss ball as a chair after I've
> tried it a little while longer... :)

> - Dien Rice

I currently use two computers - I have a desktop and a laptop. I've set things up so I've got the Swiss ball situated in front of my laptop, and my normal office chair with my desktop. So, whenever I use my laptop computer, I'm trying out the Swiss ball.

I do feel like you get a bit of a workout while you're sitting on the Swiss ball.... It seems all subconscious. You don't feel it while you're sitting down, but when you stand up, you feel like your muscles have been working!

I have no doubt it's strengthening my leg, back, and abdominal muscles - all while I'm just sitting down. Given my lack of sufficient exercise, I'm sure that must be a good thing. ;)

Thanks for sharing Adam!

- Dien