Hey! Are you slumping?

[food girl]

I found myself slumping over in my desk chair as I read Kvalley's post about using a fitball as a chair. I am completely inspired!! I need better posture and I think that would be perfect!!!

I love the fitballs at the gym and I had no idea that they would only be $25.


Anyone with me?

Hey! Sit up straight!

Lisa

[emilycat]

Thanks for the reminder, Lisa!

I used to (and still do, most of the time) have great posture (I think it comes from being 5'2" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ), but lately I've noticed myself slumping at my desk -- ack! I usually catch myself, but not before my back is aching....
Something else to work on! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[browneye]

I am SOOO slumping! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif I think we need reminders just like "drink your water" to "check your posture!!"
Maybe I'll do that from time to time.

[Luiza]

I have been taking for a while a gym class that uses weigths and the exercise ball. I found the ball to provide simply amazing exercise for absolutely any body part, so I warmly recommend it. However, my teacher specifically said NOT to use the ball as a chair, because it's bad for the lower back and "the ball was not meant to be a chair anyway". Now it's highly likely that it depends how fit you are, but I can see how a weaker back would be made worse by sitting on a ball all day with not too great a posture.

I don't post on this board much -- no idea why, as I seem to be exercising more than I cook these days (ok, so I don't cook very much http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) -- but I thought to pass this info along. KValley, was using the ball as a chair recommended by your trainer? I would really like to know more about it.



[This message has been edited by Luiza (edited 05-16-2001).]

[aggie94]

My DH has lower back problems, and his PT specifically told him that he should sit on his exercise ball instead of on the couch, a chair, etc., when he's just hanging around in the evenings watching TV. He doesn't, but it was recommended by his PT for his lower back.

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 05-16-2001).]

[daner94]

I find myself slumping alot at work. So I just inhale and sit up straight.

But what I have really noticed is how shallow my breathing is.

Take a deep breath, y'all!!

[jd]

Good idea daner94 - let's add 'deep breathing' to the list of reminders. It feels so good when I do it, but haven't developed it into a habit yet!

[jd]

Sorry - double post!

[This message has been edited by jd (edited 05-17-2001).]

[KValley]

Hi Luiza,

I actually just read a couple of recent articles about using the ball as a chair to improve abs and lower back, but I've never talked to a professional about it. I'm curious to see what others' experiences have been, too.

I've only been using it as a chair for a week, so not enough to tell a difference. But it is comfortable and it does make me more aware of my posture- it's hard to slump without falling off! It also doesn't inhibit the circulation of my mid-thighs the way a chair can. The one downside is that there are no armrests, which causes my elbows to droop while typing. My issue is more of where my keyboard is (too high and I can't adjust it on my PC, or resting my laptop in my lap, too low) than my seat.

[Luiza]

Thanks for the info, KValley, aggie. I checked again with my instructor today and she said that she doesn't recommend using the ball for long periods of time because she believes it is a strain, and that you get more benefits out of the ball if you take an occasional break and do an exercise. She also pointed out that this is her opinion and there is no "official decision" on the subject.

I'm acquiring a ball this weekend and I might give it a try. It's true that I would prefer doing a few inchworms and hamstring curls with it rather than just sitting on it, but it's a bit difficult to do that in an office! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Angela]

Reminders would be great. The drink water posts have helped me. As I read the word slumping, I immediately sat up straighter. I always catch myself slumping at work and wonder what people think when they catch me slumping. It certainly doesn't look good--I'm sure. I have always commented that I love people with bad posture because they remind to sit/stand up straight.