On February 28th Team WellPro sponsored a “Have a Ball” day where employees swapped out their office chair for an exercise ball. There were more than a few skeptics when the day was announced, however most everyone gave it a try and most enjoyed the challenge. Some have even decided to leave their ball in the office to use on a regular basis.
WellPro’s objective was to educate Cedar Valley’s staff that sitting for long periods of time at work and at home is potentially harmful.
Did you know . . .
• Sitting for more than 3 hours a day cuts life expectancy
• Years of sitting on the job is linked to cancer
• People who sit most of the day are 54% more likely to die of a heart attack
• Long bouts of sitting can slow your metabolism
• Pro-longed sitting increases the risk of diabetes by 24%
There are several benefits to swapping the office chair, recliner, or couch for a ball; improved balance, better posture, stronger core, improved circulation, increased alertness, and increased muscle tone. Using the ball can increase calorie burn by 6% and reduces the damage caused by sitting all day.
Other benefits noticed by the staff were, “It forced me to get up and move, instead of just rolling my chair where I needed to go.” “I had to stand up more often, to reach things that were higher.” “The ball was more comfortable than my chair.”
Team WellPro challenges you to give it a try!
