Benefits of bouncing on a yoga ball
Frankly speaking, I had a mess in my home office. I was sitting in an hour slumping, seemingly ergonomically supportive chair that provided only a few advantages in the form of backaches and stiffness. By 2 PM, I would be drained of energy, and I was sitting more like a question mark than an exclamation point. Then, without any reason, I chose to do something different.
I even changed my costly office chair to a plain yoga ball. I did not read about the benefits of bouncing on a yoga ball; they have become my everyday life. It totally changed my home based life in the workplace and I believe it can change yours as well.
It does not concern a demanding exercise. It is regarding taking little active steps towards your inactive lifestyle. I would like to take you through the life changing benefits that I was able to experience.
My Sitting Posture Changed Nearly overnight.
This was the most present and conspicuous change. It is easy to lean forward in the conventional chair. Your shoulders are drawn, your back is bent and before long you are looking at the screen like a shrimp.
But a yoga ball is different. It’s unstable. In order to maintain balance, your body must use core muscles. This automatically re pulls your shoulders back and straightens your spine. You begin to sit up taller, without even reflexively.
Involves Your Core: You have to use your abdominal and back muscles to make tiny adjustments throughout your entire day to remain stable.
Spinal Alignment: It promotes the neutral position of the pelvis which is the basis of good posture. No more slouching!
Body Awareness: You get excruciatingly conscious of your sitting. When I begin to slump, I become unstable and self-correct.
Training a Stronger Core without Exercising.
I used to dread crunches. I could not even contemplate the idea of another boring workout at the end of the day to skip it completely. My yoga ball changed that. It made the strengthening of the core passive.
The ball is unstable and therefore your deep core muscles, the transversus abdominis, will be on constant fire to keep you erect. It is a low level and all-day core workout, which occurs as you reply to emails.
24/7 Muscle Activation: You are creating stability and strength within your abdomen and back with no sit-ups whatsoever.
Better Balance: You will not only feel better at your desk. I am more balanced and coordinated with all my activities, walking, and picking up the groceries.
Less Backache: A strong back is the best friend to the spine. Through training these muscles, I have gone a long way in alleviating the pain in my lower back.
Goodbye to Slump of the Afternoon.
Let’s talk about energy. I used to experience an energy crash after lunch which would kill my productivity. I would be drowsy, sleepy and in need of taking a nap. I had a secret tool against this in the form of the yoga ball.
The ability to move is key. During sitting on the ball, I am able to bounce, sway, or make little circles with my hips. This is a constant, low-level movement that maintains the circulation of blood in my brain and oxygen.
Improved Blood Circulation: Exercise does not allow blood to stagnate in your legs and supply more oxygen to the brain and muscles.
Mental Alertness: The mild jumping motion makes me feel more awake and alert and eliminates that 3 PM fog.
It’s Fun!:
It can not be disputed that bouncing is fun! It incorporates some form of fun into my working day and this inevitably elevates my spirit and my energy level.
How I switched (And You Can)
Going on tipping to a yoga ball as a full-time can be a shock to your system. The first few days my core muscles actually hurt as they were being worked! The following is how I managed to do it without being overwhelmed:
Gradual Increase: I started with 30 minutes with the ball a few times a day. I would go back to my chair until the end of the day.
Get the Right Size: This is paramount. Your knees and hips must be at 90 degrees when seat is on your ball. With my height (5’6″), my ball is 65 cm, and it is ideal.
Concentrate on Form: Have your feet with your hip-width on the floor. Seat yourself on the middle of the ball, sit straight up.
Listen to Your Body: When you are feeling pained or feeling tired, give yourself a rest. It’s not a contest. The objective is sustainable health.
One-Syllable Ways of Making Your Day Supercharge.
I do not only sit, but I have some light workouts in between the day to make the day less monotonous.
The Gentle Bounce: A light bouncing as I get into typing my work is my favorite way to stay energized.
Hip Circles: I make slow circles around my hips in order to loosen my hips and lower back.
Mini Squats: I roll on the ball forward so that I am doing a supported squat, which is very pleasant on my legs and glutes.
My Final Awards: Is It Worth?
Absolutely. Bouncing on a yoga ball has been my game changer in terms of my physical health and mental clarity. It is a cheap and very efficient gadget that transformed my inactive workdays into the active ones. I am sitting erect, stronger, and my energy is more than when I was sitting on my costly office chair. It is among the most appropriate and easy investments into health I had made.
FAQs
Q: What is the duration of sitting on a yoga ball at work?
A: Beginning with 20-30 minutes, then work up. Listen to your body. I now spend the majority of the day with mine, though I make short breaks with a normal chair.
Q: Does it work as a complete replacement of an office chair?
A: For many people, yes. Nonetheless, other professionals suggest that it should be an active sitting option that can be applied to a conventional chair to change your position during the day.
Q: So will I be looked upon as a fool in an office using one?
A: Maybe a little at first! However, as soon as your colleagues will notice your better posture and vitality, they are most likely to be inquiring about the source of your own. Confidence is key.