Having a ball

Some people have trouble rubbing their stomachs and patting their heads. Others are master-multitaskers and like to text-message while they drive. Me, I like to think I can handle more than one thing at once (while not putting others in harm's way, that is), which is why, as I type, I am sitting on a BRAND SPANKING NEW, 65-INCH, MULTICOLORED Exercise Ball!

I am so excited.

For years I have read that these things, which I typically save for the gym during stomach-crunch time, are phenom replacements for desk chairs. They work your core (abs, back and obliques) because you are constantly engaging all of your muscles while sitting on it. Otherwise, clearly, you would roll off, onto the floor, and then, my poor reader, you'd roll out the door. The balls are also supposed to be great for your posture...if, that is, you don't allow yourself to fall into hunchback mode.

So my friends at Relax the Back in Chicago have given me a fabu ball, all swirly-colored and pumped full of air, for me to sit on as I blog The Weighting Game. I've been using it for about a week now and I must say, I already am feeling a difference. At first my back felt a bit tired when working out (I'm assuming because it wasn't used to be, well, used so much.) But now I no longer feel weak, my abs are rocking out and I'm much more conscious of my posture. I do have to take off my flip-flops when perched OTB (On The Ball), though; otherwise, on the hardwood floors, my feet slowly but surely slide out and I risk kerplunking on the floor.

As a bonus, when my eyes start to get strained from the computer, I can take a quick break and eek out some crunches or back exercises. Here is a visual of what I look like, so you feel more in sync with my daily activities.

Just kidding.

Many thanks to the staff at Chicago's Relax the Back! Go try out a ball everyone. I'll keep you posted on my progress...

xo,
Leslie

Comments

Hmmm...looks interesting. Anything for good posture, right? Have a ball, Leslie. Hee. hee.

I've been thinking about getting one of those for my office at work. I am constantly sitting in front of my computer and my abs and butt are paying the price. Thanks for the recommendation!

Thank you for the idea, Leslie! I have the WORST posture in this world and I really need to do something about it (my lower back is pathetically weak). Let us know how it goes :)

Do it, Jen! It's totally worth the stares from coworkers...and you'll feel like you've been exercising all day, even on days when you can't hit the gym. Just beware of skirts...could get tricky (I'm wearing one now but am in the comfort of my own home, so I needn't worry about looking dainty/proper/remotely feminine.)

This blog is awesome! I just sort of stumbled upon it while surfing the net. I'm working on losing 10 lbs, so I thought I'd check this out. You're an excellent writer, very upbeat and funny. Not to mention the fact that you have just convinced me to get an exercise ball for my computer at work. Sitting on that thing 7 hours a day is sure to strengthen my core nicely.
Thanks,
Jane:)

Am I allowed to make suggestions for posts via comments?? Oh well here goes:

I was eating a bowl of cereal midday and realized I wasn't hungry, I was bored. I wondered how you, Leslie, would combat your boredom in a case like this. You seem very imaginative and I would definitely enjoy reading some of your suggestions (aside from reading a book or going for a walk), maybe a top 10 list of activities to do besides oblivious eating? :-P Thanks! And I brought in my unused exercise ball, that is ingenious!

Oh...what a request! Here goes. Some of these I have actually done in moments of either boredom or procrastination, others are simply flights of fancy:

1. Organize your book collection according to the color of the jacket (I've done this - it looks pretty, pink to red to yellow...)

2. Try and do a handstand against a wall (Have done this too. It's not pretty and I got a crick in my neck.)

3. Program your roommate's/partner's cell ringtone to something ridiculous, like "The Humpty Dance" when they're asleep or in the bathroom. Call them when you know many people will be around. (Haven't done this yet, but damn, my husband better be ready!)

4. Call the company that makes the turkey/cake mix/whatever the last food item you bought that was not up to snuff. Complain. Receive coupon for free item in the mail. (I plead the fifth)

5. Swiffer. (Like a mad woman)

6. Tweeze something - just don't go overboard. It'll take up time, divert your attention and make you smooth like babeh.

7. Wash your bras. Do you even know when the last time was that you did so? Meh.

8. Pretend you're a member of Blue Man Group and walk around your apartment, all disjointed, swivel-headed and wide-eyed. Only do this alone, with the shades drawn. If you bend deeply while you walk, you can get a nice quad/glute workout while also exercising your crazy muscles.

9. Instead of actually picking up a book, post a glowing book review about your fave blogger's most recent book on various forums designed for such purposes. (Hypothetically speaking. I would never condone such behavior.)

10. Call someone you love and tell them. (Ugh! I'm such a SAP! But this is one to do...bored or busy.)

I hope I've helped you cure your cereal conundrum, Jamie. Thanks for asking my advice and challenging me to think up 10 ideas! Maybe other readers will send in their own.

Nighty night,
xoxo,
Leslie

LOL! You're crazy, Les. I did bring in my dusty ol' giant ball from home to the office. There were laughs. There were stares. But I'm having fun! When the creepy guy across the room bugs me or plays his emo music really loud, I can just bounce for a few seconds and I'm good! If anything, I'll be in a better mood (God knows if I was born on this ball, I wouldn't have abs of steel).
Off to work and bouncing!

You go girl, Mia!!!

I love sitting on a ball - it makes work a little more exciting.

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