The Benefits of an Exercise Ball Chair

The Benefits of an Exercise Ball Chair
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Exercise balls, also known as Swiss balls or balance balls, have been adapted into chairs because of their potential physiological benefits. Exercise ball chairs may help improve your physical fitness compared to regular chairs. Despite the benefits of exercise ball chairs, using them is not a suitable replacement for a balanced diet and exercise program.

Posture Improvement

Exercise balls are difficult to balance on, unless your posture is ideal. Your body is naturally balanced in its proper posture, so to battle the instability of the balance ball, your back will adopt the proper alignment. This may help improve your posture.

Abdominal Muscle Training

Your abdominal muscles help keep your body in alignment when you are on unstable surfaces, such as an exercise ball chair. Sitting on an exercise ball chair provides isometric exercise, as your abdominal muscles are challenged to maintain one position and resist movement.

Pain Relief

One reason you might experience back pain is due to poor posture. Poor posture forces your spine out of alignment and can put undue pressure on certain muscles and tissues. By helping you improve your posture, using an exercise ball chair may help relieve your back pain.

Reduced Fatigue

One drawback of standard chairs it that they keep your body sedentary throughout the day. According to online health resource Spine Health, exercise ball chairs help keep your muscles moving throughout the day, which can improve circulation and may reduce feelings of fatigue.

References

Article reviewed by Contributing Writer Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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