Exercise Balls as Chairs – Size Matters
Recently, Tech guru Leo Laporte gave me the idea to replace my stiff computer chair with an exercise ball. There is evidence that sitting on a ball is beneficial for your muscles and posture. This practice seems popular among geeky circles, and I decided to try it myself. The size of your ball is of utmost importance. Balls range in size from 45 cm up to 85 cm. I did a lot of research in this area before settling on a purchase.
I am 5’10″ tall, with rather long legs, and all evidence online directed me to buy a 65 cm ball. I came to this conclusion after visiting many websites, and measuring the height of my current computer chair, my height, and my arm length. I ordered a highly rated ball from Amazon last week. The ball itself, a TKO brand, appears solid as far as ball quality is concerned, and Amazon was speedy in their delivery.
However, despite my extensive measurements, I found my new ball to be too small for my taste. One thing I didn’t take into consideration is the height of my computer desk. I think it is taller than usual. My desk measures 30 inches from floor to the desk top. I pumped my 65 cm ball as full as I reasonably could, but it is still too small. I feel like I’m sitting in a baby chair at an adult’s desk. I am tempted to give this new ball away and buy a bigger 75 cm ball. Despite the research and advice I read and received, I would recommend that anyone 5’10″ and taller to buy a 75 cm ball.
If in the end the 75 cm ball is too large for the height of your desk, you can always let some air out. Take it from me, bigger is better when using these balls as chairs. Trust me.
