Hmm . . . . What do you think of this idea?

From an online book review, Book tells workers to ditch chairs, by Laurie Smith Anderson

No running shoes, gym memberships or extra time required. No more excuses. Your fitness plan can be incorporated right into your busy workday, maintain Clapp and Robichaud, who both work as certified personal trainers.

All you need is an exercise stability ball.

For those of us who sit slouched at our desks in front of a computer all day, we’re well aware of how it affects our posture and contributes to neck pain, headaches and lower-back pain.

Using a stability ball as your office chair requires “active sitting,” which improves core strength and posture. That alone will improve posture significantly, and posture is the foundation for a good fitness program. However, out-of-shape individuals may have to work up to using the ball all day. Some adjustments may also be required for an ergonomically correct workstation.

(snip)

This reviewer tried using a stability ball in front of her home computer and found herself sitting taller and moving more. The exercises are easy enough, even for beginners, and they don’t require large commitments of time or money.

The book is “Working on the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness,” by Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud.

Last night we practiced sitting on a ball while sorting papers and reading but the only ball we have is a little small for working at a computer. I would have had to type with my hands above my head and I don’t think I could hold that position for a full day. But other than that, it was very comfortable. It seems like it could be difficult for people used to scooting around on a wheeled chair though — because even though the ball might roll, they wouldn’t.

I wonder what my boss would say if I asked her to buy one?

(And what are we doing sitting around reading this? Come on! It’s time to take a walk. Or something.)