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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-04-2013, 11:57 PM
Just though I would share a little thing that I have been doing for awhile.
I sit for most of my day at the computer and my desk, and it has started to really strain my back. I now do not use a chair as it hurts and now instead either sit on an exercise ball or stand up.
Standing and typing is bit weird to type and I find it that the neck gets strained a bit faster vs. sitting.
The exercise ball also helps strengthen parts of the body by balancing and is really helping my back.
If I had space and money I would probably try one of those treadmill/stationary bike desks.
What are your thoughts?
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 01:23 AM
Do you not find you would be slouching over more? When I sit in my computer chair I'm always trying to sit straight up in the chair. I do find it hurts my legs though after extended periods of sitting. I can see myself sub-consciously going into a hunched over state like golum on the exersize ball without my backrest to align my spine, or am I over thinking this? It might be nice sitting on the ball though if it's better for your back since my backs usually hurting doing hard labour.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 02:02 AM
I have a standing desk also and try to stand half of the day. I have a high chair so I can sit or stand as I please. I don't have back problems but I figured it couldn't hurt.
Your neck probably strains because your monitor isn't high enough. It should be at or near eye level.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 02:24 AM
i used to use one of those...it was actually a chair type thing with an inflatable ball being held in the chair. got tired of it after a while..then we got some nice ergonomic chairs and i haven't looked back.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 02:25 AM
I've tried it and, after a few hours of giggly feeling of fun, the sense of falling begins to annoy you and you being slouching to maintain the balance. It also becomes hard to type normally, unless your ball (no, not that ball you perv) is really large to provide elevation. It just didn't work for me.
I think a better alternative is to sit in your normal office chair but take a 5-minute break every hour and a half to stretch and do some light exercise.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 02:39 AM
8 Steps To Pain-Free Back offers two methods for sitting in a chair.
Stacksitting and Stretchsitting. Sounds like snake oil but I recommend to check them (and the book) out.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 02:56 AM
Quote: (03-05-2013 02:24 AM)PartyonBro Wrote:
i used to use one of those...it was actually a chair type thing with an inflatable ball being held in the chair. got tired of it after a while..then we got some nice ergonomic chairs and i haven't looked back.
This.
Not the coolest option, will probably never be a fad but a great ergonomic chair with a good lumbar support will look after you.
My issue with exercise balls (in a nutshell) is that your back extensors fatigue if they have to support you all day. We all know fatigued muscles produce lactic acid which sensitises nerves etc etc then causes pain.
On the other hand - the idea of alternating between standing is great. Sitting is an incredibly unnatural posture to sustain for a period time. Our bodies are designed for movement - great idea on the treadmill desk. I know there are even dynamic stairs machine - all great ideas which would see me loose half my clients.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 01:45 PM
One word: yoga.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
03-05-2013, 03:10 PM
Lower back exercises are a must.
Standing desk (yoga balls are nice, but the Mac fatigue is annoying) or treadmill computer station would be preferable.
The real thing you need to do is combat sedentary lifestyle.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
11-28-2014, 07:59 AM
IKEA has created a sit-stand desk that raises and lowers electronically. Selling for under $500, it's much cheaper than other similar sit-stand desks on the market. Quality is always a concern for me with Ikea products, but I've found the more expensive items hold up better than the entry level throwaways.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
11-28-2014, 10:01 AM
I have been using a standing desk for almost three years now. I don't sit at all. I will never go back to sitting at work. I used to have problems with lower and upper back spasms. Those have disappeared since I switched to a standing desk. It's true that a standing desk puts more pressure on your neck and shoulders. Proper posture is a must. Also, while standing you should clench your abdominal muscles every few minutes. This will help strengthen your core. Furthermore, I'm not as tired at the end of the day as I used to be when using a chair.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
11-28-2014, 10:27 AM
Its best its adjustable. I bruised my foot in October, and have not been able to use the stand setting due it putting extra pressure on the foot. When my foot is fully healed I would go back to standing most of the time.
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Exercise Ball as a chair and standing desks
11-28-2014, 01:18 PM
What type of chair do you have?
At work, I started getting lower back pain from sitting. I discovered that when my legs aren't parallel to the floor but at an angle I get pain.
My wrists also will start to hurt if my arm rests are also not level with my keyboard.
Try modifying how you sit instead of doing drastic stuff like this.
Do you work out at all?