This may be a funny clip from the TV show “The Office”.  But these exercise balls make great office chairs.

The human body wasn’t designed for sitting for long hours.  Even if you are just sitting on the ball, the back is more actively engaged and good posture is easier to achieve.

You may want to switch on and off between the ball and your regular office chair according to comfort.  But the more variety you can add to your day, the better it is for your body and your mind.

For office use, the ball should be taller than you knees.

There are hundreds of exercises that can be done with exercise balls.

Here are some great and simple ones that can be done for your posture -  which will help your back muscles as well.

And what you can do about it.

If you use weights or exercise machines where you are gripping weights or handles, you may needlessly be overusing the flexor muscles of the forearm (those muscles which close your fingers).

These tight muscles can pinch on one or more major nerves that enter the hand.

Watch the video:

To loosen up tight forearm muscles: Go to Self treatment techniques for the hand, wrist and forearm.

Another common problem you may have when using weighs, machines, or certain exercises (example: sit-ups, chin-ups, rowing) is tightening your neck muscles.

Keeping your neck relaxed may take concentration. But besides leading to neck pain, this can cause headaches, and (in some cases) pinching of major nerves that go into the hand, causing numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers.

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