An exercise ball is not designed to be used as a chair, as it does not offer proper support for tasks that require sitting for long periods of time. It is ideal for exercise, but not as a substitute for a chair. Using a proper chair with lumbar support is recommended.
In a word, the answer to this question is no. An exercise ball is ideal for its intended purpose, but the exercise ball was not designed to be used as a chair. Although you can sit on an exercise ball, activities that require sitting such as typing, eating, using the computer, etc. require support and an exercise ball is not ergonomically designed to offer that support.
For yoga, Pilates, and other forms of exercise that employ the use of an exercise ball, the ball is well designed. There are a variety of exercises and stretches that can be done with an exercise ball. However, an exercise ball does not function as a proper chair. Tasks that require sitting, especially for long periods of time, require proper lumbar support to promote back, neck, and leg health.
It should not substitute for an exercise ball as a task chair. Even for children, most of whom are tempted by a ball, an exercise ball is a poor substitute for a chair. Children may be tempted to use an exercise ball as a chair to watch TV or play video games, but it is not designed for such use. However, if your kids actually use the ball for any form of exercise while watching TV, you can allow it from time to time.
One of the reasons many people are tempted to use an exercise ball as a chair is because of its cumbersome presence. If you use a ball in a family room or den for regular exercise, it may be too easy to just move it to a desk or table for other uses.
If you use your exercise ball as a chair frequently and for long periods of time, you may be defeating the purpose of your exercise routine by encouraging poor back and neck health. Instead, try using a folding chair or small chair with wheels in the room. This will provide you with a place to sit and alleviate the temptation to use the ball instead, while also giving you flexibility and storage options when a chair isn’t needed.
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