Conquering Vertigo

My new office chair

Is a yoga ball, bright blue.
Why, you might ask, have I traded my deluxe, executive, pleather arm chair for a ribbed rubber ball?

Posture, my friend. I love my big, comfy arm chair, but all this laptop writing has me becoming the Hunchback, Outre Dame. Particularly on the days I eschew contact lens, I found myself increasingly slumped over the keyboard, drawn in to the flickering light of my work. Poor posture brings with it so many companions, including the nagging of loved ones.

So, off to the "Big 5" discount sports store, and the purchase of the blue yoga ball.

I have used them at the gym, and like them for stretching and such, but had (a) never sat on one for long, and (b) never pumped one up with the sad-ass little foot pump (seemingly made by hasbro or fischer price to inflate the tires on the little fischer price school bus) provided by the yoga ball company.

I have several things to report, dear reader, if you are contemplating this switch yourself.

First, Richard and I spent 30-40 minutes pumping up the darned ball. The f.p. bus could have gone to Hoboken and back on our air.

Second, you don't so much swivel on a yoga ball, or wear a skirt. I work using two keyboards and three screens (speeds up everything) and am accustomed to swiveling back and forth between the keyboards. My current direction changes are accompished with a fluid system of moves and grunts made famous by East German gymnasts. The squat and swivel has little in common with the bend and snap, just so you know.

Third, the ball is high maintenace. After a couple of 8-10 hour days, it needs a fresh infusion of air. I'm getting a better work out pumping up the ball than I ever did trying pilates with it.

Fourth, my posture seems to be improving. Score one for the big blue ball.

Now pardon me while switch to the other keyboard. Schnell!

posted by Woman In Love @ 10:10 PM