Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

baron.vc

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

11–20 of 36 posts

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#11

Post by mechanical_fish »

wallflower wrote: post #5

An exercise ball is tough because it demands dynamic balance. You really work out your abs. You can't slouch because you'll fall off. I tried it for a couple months and gave it up. If you are seriously considering using an exercise ball, get a puncture-resistant one from a company like Fitter First (that guarantees against explosive decompression).

guarantees against explosive decompression

I will forever associate exercise-ball chairs with the hilarious moment when, in the middle of one of Leo Laporte's podcasts, there was this BANG sound off-mic and he went off the air for a few seconds. Then we heard his voice, a bit distant, as he explained that he was picking himself up off the floor because his chair had just exploded.

Of course, if you land wrong after such an incident it won't be quite so funny.

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#12

Post by whye »

I have used an exercise ball instead of a chair for the past year or so and really like it. I tend to have a lot of nervous energy, and being able to bounce on the ball while still seated at my desk help a lot, without having to get up, walk around, and getting too distracted from what I am doing. A couple of caveats, though: 1) You really do look pretty silly, especially if you bounce 2) Some people develop lower back problems when using a ball for long periods; be careful! 3) Office mates always seem to like stealing it and kicking it down the hallway (which is actually a lot of fun, but also annoying) and 3) If you had beans for dinner, beware, the ball tends to amplify sounds from down there :)

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#13

Post by jpcx01 »

nutmeg wrote: post #9

I've found that the biggest problem with using an exercise ball is that everyone asks you why you are sitting on an exercise ball. That and it is fun to kick.

Yes, it's just not worth it to be of "those" people. Whatever benefits it gets, its just hard to take someone seriously when their sitting on a giant inflatable fucking ball.

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#15

Post by intchanter »

d64 wrote: post #7

I tried sitting on a ball at home some time ago, but after a couple of hours on it, my back is on fire. It did not go away after about a week of trying, so I gave up.

This concern and the one about developing back problems are both great reasons to ease into using an exercise/yoga/stability ball as your primary chair. When people ask me about it, I recommend they start out with 20-30 minutes and slowly work their way up from there.

It's also important to get a ball of the right size (they typically are available in 10cm increments, with 55-75cm being the more common sizes). Look for charts online for sizing info, and then make sure it is inflated enough that when you're sitting on it the angle of your knees is 90 degrees.

While this change has helped my posture, increased my core strength and more, I think my next change is going to be for a treadmill desk so that I can increase the number of calories I burn throughout the day.

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#16

Post by simanyay »

d64 wrote: post #7

I tried sitting on a ball at home some time ago, but after a couple of hours on it, my back is on fire. It did not go away after about a week of trying, so I gave up.

Same thing here, tried it at home for a couple of months then switched back to a chair.

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#18

Post by ckjohnston »

i had an attny buddy that wanted to use an exercise ball instead of an office chair. ultimately he got made fun of by so many people that he ended up not doing it. i can see startup people using it, but very few will do so in a more professional office setting.

however, i do like the idea of alternative desk arrangements though. i've seen several people with a desk that can be lifted up so that you can stand and work when you want. then there's the treadmill desks which are pretty cool.

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#19

Post by japherwocky »

drinian wrote: post #10

I can highly recommend a standing-desk arrangement, at least when compared to a very cheap office chair. You need two things to keep with it for more than a few days: a good anti-fatigue surface to stand on, and a taller-than-average chair so that you can alternate sitting and standing.

what makes a surface anti-fatigue?

Re: Replacing the Office Chair with an Exercise Ball

#20

Post by drinian »

japherwocky wrote: post #19
drinian wrote: post #10

I can highly recommend a standing-desk arrangement, at least when compared to a very cheap office chair. You need two things to keep with it for more than a few days: a good anti-fatigue surface to stand on, and a taller-than-average chair so that you can alternate sitting and standing.

what makes a surface anti-fatigue?

http://housewares.about.com/od/kitchenwareaccessories/bb/ant...
Post reply on HN