The Ball Chair

I read this interesting article by fantasy artist Julie Bell about how she sits on one of those exercise balls while she paints.  I thought the idea was brilliant. 

I’m at my computer a lot, almost as much as my easel, and I wanted to use it there.  I’m sure you’ve experienced chair rot as much as I have – sitting all day long, engrossed in what you’re doing, but feeling pretty achy.  I’ve tried all kinds of chairs, cushions, etc. 

The ball is such a great idea because a.) it’s full of air and provides a lot of cushion; b.) you’re not sitting on a hard base, so there is a lot less pressure on your tailbone; and c.) whether you’re thinking about it or not, your body is making micro adjustments to keep you stable and that’s a good workout while you’re sitting to help strengthen your core and your sitting muscles.

However, I’m a big buy and when I sat down on the ball, I sank too low to work effectively or ergonomically at my computer desk.  The ball works great working at an easel, because I could lower my painting to the appropriate height.  But not so for my desktop computer and Wacom tablet.  So I abandoned the idea.

But yesterday I found the Ball Chair!!!  Fricking genious.  I ordered one immediately and I had to tell you about it.  Check out the BALL CHAIR at Amazon.  This one is a bit more adjustable, but there are other models around.  I’ll let you know how it works for me.  Please do the same – I’d love to hear from anyone who is using one right now.

crunchspine Tom