Sitting Positions while working on Computer

[Ankesh]

Has anyone tried sitting on an exercise ball while working on the computer?

How does it work? Is it comfortable for long stretches of time?

I've tried standing and working (discussed on sowpub extensively some time back) - but its not the best long term solution.

And have tried all sorts of chairs - but none of them provide the best posture for long durations.

I've heard that exercise balls make great computer chairs - and many full time programmers in IT companies use them.

It sounds good. You can't slouch or you'll lose balance. But is it comfortable?

Ankesh,

I vote for my Good ol' Ergonomic chair and a Lazy Boy Recliner all hooked into my Wireless Laptop systems.

But the Ball option sounds interesting...

Some Quick misc. info...

http://www.postureball.com/
http://ergonomenon.wordpress.com/200...onomic-or-not/
http://ergonomenon.wordpress.com/tag...and-furniture/
http://ehs.unc.edu/workplace_safety/.../office2.shtml

Phil

[Ankesh]

Thanks Phil for the quick research.

I've tried using a few chairs (ergonomic as well as the normal kind) - but found nothing as comfortable as I would like.

And don't want to spend $2000-3000 on a chair!

Haven't tried the lazy boys yet - because not sure if I'll be able to do work on them... might just doze off to sleep...

[GordonJ]

Ankesh,

I've used the ball, the secret is the size...try the biggest one you can find...but I'm up a lot...don't do LOOOOONG stretches on the computer anymore...but using the ball has eliminated most back ache and leg ache.

Also, dropping the keyboard a little lower has helped too...but you get used to a ball very quickly...

Also try the Alexander Technique...not mine, but one that I've found really helps.

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/

Be careful at first, I forgot a couple times I was on it and ended up on my
floor, just rolled off the thing.

Gordon (One the BALL {sometimes}) Alexander

Originally Posted by Ankesh

Has anyone tried sitting on an exercise ball while working on the computer?

Hey Ankesh,

You might want to ask Casey over at http://iamfacingforeclosure.com/59/n...h-dads-office/

He's been "on the ball" for a little while now and I think that somewhere in his blog he mentions where he got it and the book that came with it and all the uses for it.

As for me, I hate to be uncomfortable and people laugh when they see me "sitting" at my desk.

I've got a cheap Ikea chair that is always fully reclined with my legs fully extended and my feet up on the desk next to the computer and my keyboard on my lap.

I've also got my computer wired into my lcd projector in the living room so I can lay out on the couch and work on a 67 inch screen.

I'm a big fan of comfort over ergonomics.

Jim

The exercise ball thing always kinda scared me lest I fall over backward and land on my neck or spine and so on.

Here's an idea for you, Ankesh. Standing is okay for awhile but eventually one wants to sit or lean at least, so...why not try one of those sit/stand type high stools like they use in warehouses? They adjust so you can have them fit the individual for maximum comfort. It's easy to sit or lean as backups when standing just doesn't do it any longer. They also have a posture type like those old kneeling stools.

The problem with the kneeling ones is the pressure on the knees and the perpetually bent position. Excellent for back posture because of the forward tilt of the thighs which forces the back into a straight position. The warehouse stool has the same effect, if set up right, without the bent knees problem.

One caution: when leaning, be sure not to lock your knees or they'll be very painful before long.

Sandi Bowman