Having an office job, I sit at my desk probably 6+ hours a day. I recently saw a study on the news about how sitting on an exercise ball while working a desk job will help you increase your posture, alleviate back pain, and could burn up to 350 calories a day! I even saw a report on how 1st graders at a school in my area are now sitting on exercise balls in the classroom instead of desk chairs! So I decided to research this and found a lot of positive information about sitting on an exercise ball instead of a desk chair at work. So I trooped out to WalMart last night and found a pretty, green Gold's Gym exercise ball for only $9 bucks. I plan on taking it to work today to sit on and see what I think. While doing my research, here is what I found out about sitting on exercise balls:
- It forces proper spine alignment
- Reduces damage caused by prolonged sitting in the same position
- Improves balance
- Improves circulation
- You'll feel more energetic
- Burn up to 350 calories per day
- Strengthens your core
- It's Fun!!
I also came across this list of How to Increase Your Metabolism at Work on hubpages.com that I thought was interesting:
- Bring your own healthy lunch and don't indulge in fast food
- Desk Exercises - google "desk exercises" and you will find several ideas
- Ride your bike or walk to work if possible
- If you walk to your desk, choose the furthest route. If you use an elevator to get to your office, use the stairs instead
- Wear a pedometer
- Put your cell phone as far away from your desk as possible so you have to walk to get it
