Operation Ball Chair

My co-worker Claudia came across a woman using a stability ball as a chair recently who raved about the benefits of using this customary exercise equipment as a mode of reclination.

After doing some research I discovered that while scientific tests are inconclusive, many fitness buffs agree that using the ball as a chair can not only improve posture and ease spinal pain, but it is also a great way to build muscles in your core.

The claim is the instability of the ball forces your core muscles (abs, obliques, and back) to constantly be moving and readjusting, which keeps them in continuous work mode.

In a study by the American Council of Exercise determining the most effective ab exercises, "researchers found that exercises that require constant abdominal stabilization, as well as body rotation, generated the most muscle activity in the obliques." Stability balls top their list of the most effective home exercise equipment for this reason.

So with Claudia as my Guinea pig, I put these claims to the test.

After spending three days on the ball, Claudia reported she felt her core muscles were getting stronger and the cramping/tension in her back that she usually experiences from sitting in a regular chair all day, was going away.

She also found that by having the ball handy at work she could use any short break to fit in a few ab exercises.

There are many ab blasts you can try during 15 minute breaks that are quick and easy. This video shows how to properly perform an abdominal crunch on an exercise ball.

Try that first and once you can execute it with ease, switch up your routine with some more advanced moves like oblique crunches and side-lying oblique crunches.

Claudia says she is excited about the progress she is making and plans to continue using the ball instead of an office chair.

If you would like to try using an exercise ball at your work, you can pick one up at Target or any athletic store. The largest size works best to replace a desk chair.