How to Use an Exercise Ball Chair...Plus Standing Desk Tips

[DrNickBailey]

What about your neck strain from working at a laptop - looking down to the low level of a laptop screen seems like a bad idea for neck strain. Any ideas?

[bluebookworm33]

Very useful video! I would *really* love to be able to use a ball as a desk chair but I'm only 4'11". If I find a ball that lets me reach the desk, my feet don't reach the floor. What would you recommend?

[posturedoc]

@bluebookworm33 I understand your dilemma. BEST option is a custom height workstation so you can use a 65 cm ball that would allow your feet to hit the ground.

[posturedoc]

@bluebookworm33 I understand your dilemma. BEST option is a custom height workstation so you can use a 65 cm ball that would allow your feet to hit the ground. Or better yet, create a standing desk station as described in the video and layover your ball for a micro-break.

[bonzaibb12]

Google routinely has guest speakers like you this would be a great thing to bring into the Corp world.

[murali24580]

I appreciate your response. I had low back caused by a disc bulge in L3,L4 and L4-L5 discs. I underwent Pelvic traction for 12 days and my pain was relieved. I resumed my evening walks but could not walk normally. So had to use a pelvic belt. But now, I have developed pain again and have started pelvic traction. Would you recommend using the gym ball as a chair right now? Can just sitting on a gym ball aggravate a bulging disc? Please help me Sir?

[Android369]

Oh Doc, i'm not feeling very well. Help me but don't make me beg on my knees. They are too precious to sit on them.

[gotbletu]

Thanks, those are good ideas to try out, i will give it a go. The balance board looks tuff

[murali24580]

Would using the exercise ball as a chair weaken the back muscles or make them strong? Can sitting on an exercise ball for nearly 4 to 6 hours hurt the back? Please advise me sir?

[posturedoc]

@murali24580 Definitely will not weaken them. Research shows not much difference in actual activation of core muscles (Stu Mcgill and colleagues). But in my opinion it will not hurt the back. It just makes for more "dynamic sitting", and is conducive to doing "microbreaks" where you lay over the ball to pay tissue debt created by hunching over a computer. Ultimate advice...use it in spurts, not for all day long.

[mufaPufaDha]

im 1,90m

i bought yesterday a 85cm ball and the height is excelent

also got a 75cm one for my sister (she loves it) and im gonna buy one for my mother (shes 160, so im not sure about the ball size yet)

[mufaPufaDha]

Damn, doc.

You've answered all of my questions in one video.

I love you, thanks.

[posturedoc]

@mufaPufaDha Glad I could help.

[rileyspiller]

Just started using a 65cm ball for a desk chair and I've had the problem of the ball being too short for my desk. In addition to feeling like a child whenever someone walks into my office I also think it'll strain my shoulders with prolonged use.

I'm a 5'9" male, not too tall, but I only intend to use the ball for a chair replacement. I think I'll try a 75cm ball.

Thanks!

[RyanDeBeaumarchais]

Pfft. My "desk" is just a bookshelf and a couple of stools with Ikea furniture duct-taped to them. Except I used high grade duct tape, not the dollar store stuff that barely sticks. This stuff is STICKY.

[Twinkietinydog]

Just wanted to thank you for all the alternatives you provided. Great information lots of alternatives, room for us to think of more alternatives.. Awesome uplifting finale. Thank you so much...

[obesejim]

The balance board for the stand up desk is good! Thanks for that tip :-)

[posturedoc]

You're welcome! I love working on the board!

[obesejim]

I improvised and created a balance board myself: I placed a 7 inch wide wooden plank over a small ball.

Another alternative is an "indo board".

Regardless, a balance board is such a clever accessory when working at a standup desk.

Thanks again doc! :-)

[posturedoc]

@obesejim  awesome creativity! good work!