
Do you want to work on your stability and get a workout at the same time? Exercising with a Swiss ball could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this article we will look at the best ways to use a Swiss ball (sometimes known as a stability ball or Yoga ball) to improve your health.
The stability ball is a piece of exercise equipment used for strength training, improving balance and core stability. It is popular not just with chiropractors but with many sportsmen and women who understand the benefits of this form of training.
You may have seen people simply sitting on Swiss balls at their office desks instead of using a chair. In fact, I am often asked if using a stability ball at work is a good idea. People see that there is chance to work their core during a time of the day that is typically considered to be sedentary, so feel that there is potential for improving strength as well as health and posture by using one. We all know that having stronger abdominals and a better core helps to protect the lower back and reduce pain. So it should be a great idea, right?
Unfortunately, not all the time. There are some drawbacks to a Swiss ball that you should be aware of. If you have been having chiropractic treatment and have been told you need to improve your posture because you normally sit with flexion in your lumbar spine and lots of forward head carriage, then a Swiss ball may sound appealing. From the bad posture in the office chair, you may manage to sit with good posture on the ball for 5 minutes ( if you are lucky). But the reality is that for the rest of the day, when your attention is on work rather than spinal alignment, you will naturally return to an incorrect position on an unsteady surface.
A study in the “Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association” by chiropractors Larry G. Merritt and Celynne M. Merritt showed that two people who reportedly suffered from lower back pain improved when they began consistently sitting on a stability ball.
However, I find that a lot of the people I see suffering with lower back pain do not have the core muscles to sustain the increased amount of workload required to sit properly on a stability ball as an office chair.
What I do find useful is to have a low back “support”. I have put support in ” because that is what it should provide you – support. Sitting correctly does require you to practise. You need to be conscious of your spinal position and what the muscles are doing around your trunk. All of this takes time to become normal for you. Here are some key points to bear in mind:
Drawbacks of a Swiss ball
- The ball doesn’t have any arm rests to help support some of the load of the body
- Your lower back has no support so muscle around your spine may get tired after only a short period
- The ball may be the correct size for you but that may not be the correct size for your worktop/desk space
- Using a Swiss ball is about creating instability, so if you already have balance issues it may be too much for you initially
- The ball could roll away
Proper Sitting Techniques
Getting started with your stability ball
If you are between 4 feet 11 and 5 feet 4, select a ball that is 55 cm in diameter. If you are between 5 feet 5 and 5 feet 11, use a ball that is 65 cm in diameter. If you are over 6 feet, choose a ball that is 75 cm.
Start slowly when you first begin using a stability ball. Just 1 – 2 minutes at a time can be enough in the first few days, before you steadily build up your strength. Ensure that you retain good posture throughout. Remember: without a low back support you are likely to work the trunk support hard so try not to contract the muscles around the low back too hard. The trick is to sit upright and well but stay relaxed in those muscles. Your muscles will build strength and endurance and it will become easier for you to sit correctly for longer.
You should also seek approval from seniors before bringing your ball to work.
What else can I use my ball for?
Sitting is not the only exercise that can be done on the ball. It is a great piece of equipment to have and there are so many exercises that you can do with them. Like any new exercise routine, you should always consult a qualified professional first.
If you are a Lushington Chiropractic patient in Eastbourne, why not seek help from Oliver Ody.
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I’m thankful for this informative article; it’s reassuring to see how chiropractors at Lushington Chiropractic use stability balls as part of their patient-centered approach, promoting both rehabilitation and overall spinal health.
I’m truly grateful for this insightful article, which not only highlights the innovative approach taken by chiropractors in using stability balls but also underscores their commitment to patient-centered care and holistic well-being.
So true! I love the ball and it is a cheap asset to keep when you want to improve stability.
Thanks Umberto,
Best wishes,
James
James Revell Chiropractor & Clinic Director
DC,LRCC,MSc(Chiro),BSc(Chiro),BSc(Biol)
Licentiate Royal College of Chiropractors
Member British Chiropractic Association
Clinic Director
Lushington Chiropractic Ltd
30 Lushington Road,
BN21 4LL
01323 722499
Thanks Joe for sharing this great information. Exercise is important for stability and health so these swiss ball exercises are really good. People should do this kind of exercises.
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Joe you have just prompted me to sit up as I am reading this ! Some really useful points for me to take on board.
Great points Joe, stability balls are great but need the right application as they aren’t for everyone and thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks Joe. Will use the swiss ball a little more behind reception desk again (but only for a short period of time) and I’m going to start using it more at the gym!
Some great points Joe. Very important to know that a swiss ball is not just a quick fix cure but can be a great tool if used correctly.