Question about those large ball thingys.

[crispini]

I noticed the instructors at my yoga studio just use one of those balls for a chair when they're sitting behind a desk. That's kind of cool. Could I do that all day and would it help me out as far as muscle strength? Where do you buy those ball thingys and how on earth do you inflate them? With a bicycle pump?

[GOPisEvil]

1. I would think you could get them at any sporting goods store.

Since there's nothing holding up your back, in theory, you'd strengthen your "core muscles" by balancing yourself all day.

As for inflating them, I guess you take it down to the local gas station. ;)

[politicat]

2. They do help if you have decent posture to begin with.

I use mine as a chair sometimes, but I have to really work on the posture thing. It does seem to help with muscle strength (core, anyway). But they're just as easy to slouch on as any other chair.

Most come with a pump (though ours is loud and scares the cats) or you can use an air compressor or a bike pump with the right nozzle.

[crispini]

3. Report on the ball chair.

I got the middle one and I think it's too small for me to use as a chair. I can't decide if I want to buy a second to use as a chair or take the first one back and get a larger one. Since the instructions say they will inflate more after a day or so, I'll see how much more I can inflate it tomorrow.

I can totally feel my posture improving, though. I feel like I am constantly doing a mini-situp! I think it's well worth experimenting with some more.