The use of a large “gym” or “rehab” ball can be an important part of your daily fitness.

The Right Fit

Gym balls come in a variety of sizes. Picking the correct size for your body is important. To choose the size for you, go and sit on a properly inflated ball. While sitting, the backs of your knees should form a 90-degree angle.

Exercises

One of the most satisfying exercises is the back arch. While lying on your back atop the ball, gently allow your spine to curve around the ball. With time you will be able to have your heels touching the ground. I find this exercise to be so beneficial for farriers because we spend so much of our time bent over forward. This exercise helps to straighten us back up.

Lose Your Chair

Using a gym ball in place of a desk chair in your office can also be very beneficial. The ball requires you to have proper posture while maintaining balance. Lightly bouncing on the ball can take the boredom out of doing paperwork and it can help to nourish your intervertebral disks.