Balls for chairs. Increased productivity, or not? Kids say yes!

In My Humble Opinion
1

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/11549666.html

I have a ball in my office that I sit on when working. (Or messing around on the 'Dope.)

It strengthens my abs and back muscles, but not sure if it leads to productivity. It does keep me from just leaning back and relaxing.

Opinions?

2

Sometimes I think I’d like to get one, to use occasionally when I study/do homework. I hate sitting “normally” in chairs - I’m that student that’s constantly shifting around in her seat, trying to get comfortable! I think a ball to sit on would be more comfortable, without me wishing I could just sit cross-legged, or with one leg over the chair’s arm!

Even if, in a study, it doesn’t lead to an increased productivity, if the people using them feel they are more productive, overall, that’s good for the company. I read a similar thing regarding ipods/mp3 players at work; rates of productivity didn’t go up (or down), but employees were happier and less stressed. Hard to say that isn’t a good thing!

3

I say fascinating idea. Balls for chairs, proms for tables, then a sock hop for a love seat.

SSG Schwartz

4

Somehow, I thought this thread was going to be about a new version of these. I was wondering how they contributed to productivity in the slightest, or how they were appropriate for children.

5

That’s just so wrong. Fake balls hanging from your office chair?

6

I’d love to do this. Sadly, I’m a bit of a desk nomad at the moment, and carrying around my ball to that day’s temporary location is just a giant PITA.

This will change as soon as I have a proper permanent desk to call my own, though.

7

I sit on my balls every day.

8

Try this. (Links to video, probably NSFW)

SSG Schwartz

9

I have a balance ball chair (not just the ball, but a rolling frame with casters and a low back support), and I know of several editors who sit on an exercise ball at their desks. I believe the benefit is not so much productivity as ergonomics; the ball keeps you from slouching and exercises your stabilizer muscles.

10

For those not interested in the whole article, here’s the best bits:

This is absolutely brilliant, and I’m so happy that for once a school administrator is interested in actually helping the kids deal with the wiggles, instead of trying to discipline it out of them.

And, I’m gonna go get a ball for my desk. It never occurred to me that all my time here on the Dope can be Core Training time! :smiley:

11

You’ll notice that really small muscles in your back will ache for the first couple of days.

The school is somewhat close to our town, and my kids have brought in several different articles trying to lobby to have balls installed in their school. No luck yet.

12

Better thread title: Kids love their balls

13

Didn’t work out so hot for Casey Serin.

14

I used to have one and it was pretty good from keeping me from getting distracted. I could move around more so I wouldn’t get as fidgity. IT also does work the core; it would make me tired and I’d have to switch between the ball and the chair when I first started using it. But sadly, it rolled into my (unapporved) space heater and melted. I need to get another one…