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Gaiam Guys and Gals Bouncing Around in Cubicle Land
by Everett | August 20th, 2009 | 26 Comments
topic: Gaiam Happenings
Being the original Balance Ball people, Gaiam employees tend to do a little more bouncing during the day than people at most companies. A picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s go on a quick walk around our department …
To the right is me, Everett. I make sure search engines like the one on my shirt bring you to Gaiam when you search for terms like Balance Ball or fitness ball or stability ball.
There’s Nicole! She works on Gaiam’s subscription websites like Gaiam Yoga Studio. She likes zucchini and she’s a composting expert.
Norbert is one of our developers. He’s the guy I go to when I need some help with PHP or CSS.
Rick is my SEO intern. As they’d say in Boston, he’s Wiked Smaht, which explains how he snagged our one novelty megaball. I wish I could hire him full time but I’d be scared he’d take my job in a few years. And he has good taste in music.
We’re not the only ones to use Balance Balls around the office – some of our international friends do too! Based in Mexico, Fernanda is helping develop our Gaiam brand down in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean……as you can see, she really enjoys sitting on her Balance Ball!
Do you sit on a Balance Ball? If so, upload your pictures to a photo site like Flickr and share them with us in the comments below! If not, what are you waiting for? Spending part of your day on a Balance Ball is good for your back if, like us, you do a lot of sitting. They’re also fun and, best of all, you’ll look super cool bouncing while you work. ;-)
We use the ball chairs at Pangea too! Makes work a *little* bit more like play!! xo Gaiam ~Linda
I wish we had ball chairs at work! They look like so much fun!
Linda how about sharing some pictures of the Pangea staff on their ball chairs? I love Pangea Organics. But don’t tell me wife that. She thinks she’s just buying product for herself. ;-)
I love the Gaiam newsletters. Seeing them arrive to my in-box is automatic smile and relaxation. I have wanted one of these chairs forever. It one be perfect for my small studio where computer and paint share (chair?) space.
When I had to take a desk job because of the economy ( was a yoga teacher and a substitute teacher) I took my big blue ball with me. I don’t have the chair part, but I do enjoy the playful bouncing and the rolling. My back doesn’t hurt..like it did with the regular chair they provided me and my abs are solid. Not bad for a 50yr old who sits all day!!
Anyone have any idea how many calories you burn bouncing vs. sitting?
I first saw the ball chair at my Chiropractor’s office…an “ah-ha” moment, came home dialed up Gaiam and placed an order. In no time my back felt so much better after sitting hours at a time writing. My daughter publishes a magazine and spends a lot of time at her computer also, so I ordered one for her. Everyone should have a BALLCHAIR! I’m in great shape at 72!
sincerely, Vangie C.Rich
I cannot say enough great things about how much I LOVE using a balance ball at work instead of a regular desk chair. I’ve been using mine for over a year now and have noticed huge improvements in my posture while sitting, (no more slouching!) Not to mention what it’s done for my core muscles. I did take a lot of ribbing from my co-workers when I first brought my ball to work. They were sure it was just another passing fad. I would recommend this to everyone.
What an amzing idea and comfortable way to do work. I don’t think the banking industry I work in would approve of this “playful” way of getting your work done comfortably. I’ve almost convinced my company to allow me to work from home; when that happens, I am definitely getting rid of my computer chair!! Thanks for sharing!!
Loved seeing all the ways with sitting on the ball. I especially like the big green one that makes your butt look smaller than actual size.
P.S. “Wicked Smaht” if a phrase from Bahston (Boston) not New Jersey – I know I’m a Jersey girl.
Cool. My 7th grade son is excited that they are using yoga balls as chairs in his science class this year.
A few years back, a school in my district got a grant and got balance balls for all the kids in one classroom to sit on at their desks instead of their desk chairs. I don’t have a pic, but if I track one down, I’ll let you know. It was an awesome sight! Also, I loved not only seeing the pics of the balance ball sitting you shared, but really loved seeing pics some of the staff of one of my favorite companies! Thanks for sharing!
I have a ball chair. Good for your back. Engages your core. Unfortunately the chair has no arms. This is a problem. I want to use my ball chair but does not work in my home office. As long as your desk is very neat and you can rest your forearms on your desk it is OK.
Our ball chairs were a HUGE hit at a “Night at The Museum Event” held at the Hands On Museum in Ann Arbor, MI.
We brought them so people had somewhere to sit while viewing a few of our e-Learning courses. People were just drawn to these chairs!
It was a great fit for an interactive environment like this museum… The set-up was a perfect way for people to see what we do at TorranceLearning in a comfy cool seat!
I, and everyone who uses my computer, love my ball chair. I had major back problems and this chair helps all of us to maintain healthy posture. Thanks!
Everett!
I wish I had a camera to do so! Maybe Ill shoot some camera phone flicks… The same day you posted this blog, Mike (our west coast inside sales guy) must have rolled onto something pokey… because his balance ball popped right out from under him. It was HILARIOUS… but he didnt think so ;) BTW>>> would you email me personally? I want to ask you a non-blog question: linda.driscoll@pangeaorganics.com
P.S. >> will Gaiam be at the Yoga Journal Conference this year?
Is there a ball chair for people over 6′ tall?
I keep looking at the site for about a month now questioning whether I should buy the ball or not. I have purchased things in the past and then I regret it.
Will I regret this ball?
I sat on a ball chair at work for 4 1/2 years and one day management came in and said everyone must sit in company issued chairs.. ugh any research I can get to help me defend my chair would be greatly appreciated
thanks for any help :)
Are there simpler, less expensive ball “chair” bases? It might just need to be a base as opposed to a entire chair frame. I have tried just the ball and love it, but find I go flying across the room at times.
I’m new to the balance ball exercise rehab program. My problem is storing the balls when not in use. They take up my whole room.
Any suggestions?
Hi Carol,
Balance balls are great for fitness but finding a spot for them when not in use can be a challenge! It really all depends on the set up of your home. Some people stash them in a closet on top of their other “stuff,” others keep them hidden behind the couch or in a spare bedroom. Or, you can use your balance ball as a substitute for a desk chair when you aren’t working out with it.
Good luck and enjoy!
–
Valerie Gleaton
Assistant Editor, Gaiam Life
valerie.gleaton@gaiam.com
Thank you Valarie. Now maybe you can help me with this other problem. I bought a medium size ball which is green. My therapists suggested I get a large ball for some of the balancing exercises we will be doing. When I brought my large, the box was marked large 75 cm, ball home I found after I inflated it that it is smaller than my medium ball, which is green and marked 65 cm. Do I have a med. and a small ball, or a large and a medium ball? I went back to the store and all boxes marked large contain smaller balls than the medium.
Sorry you’re having trouble with the balance ball sizing, Carol. Please shoot our customer service team an email at customerservice@gaiam.com and they’ll be able to advise you on inflation and dimensions. Or you can call them at 1-877-989-6321.
What are the sizes (centimeters or inches) of the balls on which Everett and Nicole and Norbert and Fernanda are sitting? What size is the ball that fits in the chairs?
What is Gaiam’s recommendation for people 6′0″ and above who want to use a ball chair.