SHARES
We hardly spend a day without sitting. An average working adult can sit up to 10 hours a day – that’s almost half a day of inactivity! Studies have linked prolonged sitting hours to multiple health complications, including obesity, diabetes, and even depression. However, what if there was a way to stay active while sitting? The solution? Introduce an exercise ball in your life. Let’s see the benefits of using exercise ball…
Having to actively balance on an exercise ball can build our core strength. Besides helping tone up the muscles in our entire body, an exercise ball is also effective in correcting our posture. A correct posture then helps to alleviate any core or back strain we might have developed over time from slouching on our regular office chairs.
Here are six benefits of using an exercise ball:
1. Burn extra calories
While sitting is already a primary factor of daily inactivity, most of us are also often guilty of snacking while sitting in front of our computer or TV screens. Economic development and the boom of cultural influence are often cited as the main catalysts of the increasing overweight and obesity rates in Asia.
However, an exercise ball can help us remain active while sitting. As the ball moves around, so do we when we attempt to maintain our balance and stability. Therefore, the more we move, the more calories we burn.
2. Improve back and spine health
An exercise ball supports our lower backs as we stretch, which can help to reduce injuries and relieve back pain. Additionally, the easiest way to maintain our balance is through proper spinal posture. Hence, an exercise ball can help with proper spine alignment as we actively stabilise ourselves on it.
3. Improve muscle balance
Our back muscles, also know as our posterior muscles, are often weaker than the muscles in front of our body, otherwise known as the anterior muscles. This is because we use our anterior muscles more frequently in our day-to-day activities.
However, an exercise ball helps to support our lower back and posterior muscles when we train areas like the hamstrings and butt. This helps to create a balance among all the muscle groups in our body, alleviating muscle imbalance.
4. Increase core stability
If that six-pack has always eluded you, an exercise ball can help you get one step closer to attaining it.
Core muscles refer to the muscles that support all our daily movements such as walking, running, bending, and throwing. Yet, they are often the hardest to train as they settle deep in our midsection to maintain our core stability.
However, our abdominal/core muscles are kept actively engaged while sitting on an exercise ball in order to maintain our balance. This way, we are able to constantly strengthen and tone our abs and oblique muscles.
5. Improve circulation
Sitting for long hours reduces blood circulation to some parts of our body due to inactivity. Therefore, using an exercise ball engages all body parts and helps to circulate blood flow throughout the body.
6. Increases energy
Nothing improves one’s energy than moving. An exercise ball helps to keep you energised and active throughout the day, and is a good way to relieve any boredom! After all, who doesn’t like being able to bounce around all day?
However, it is important to not lose your focus while sitting on an exercise ball to prevent the risk of injury if the ball slips out under you. Consider alternating between your office chair and exercise ball to regularly stay active while sitting!
If you are experiencing frequent or prolonged back pain, seek a doctor immediately. You can find one with GetDoc today.
by waiyee
Film junkie. Matcha drinker. Dog lady. Will write for food. View all articles by waiyee.
