Dr. Judith A. Ingalls, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Vermont and a family practitioner living in Arizona. For Dr. Ingalls, the PostureBall is more than a therapy tool; she sits on the ball herself while at work and at home. "Sitting on the ball encourages good spine alignment, the key to good posture", Dr. Ingalls says. "Proper spine alignment while sitting on the ball at the computer seems to be stimulating to the nervous system. I personally am more alert while using the ball at the computer."

Dr. Ingalls has recommended the PostureBall as an in-home aid to patients suffering from arthritis and back pain. Some patients had initial concerns of falling off the ball, but Dr. Ingalls explains, "Proper technique in sitting on the ball is easy to teach and to learn. The benefits far outweigh the risks here."

Dr. Ingalls also recommends the ball to depressed patients, because the movement of the ball releases endorphins that stimulate well-being. She says, "The neurological stimulation while on the ball seems to enhance alertness which leads to greater productivity. Teachers have used the ball with children with attention disorders; observations indicate more focused attention to their tasks."

For Dr. Ingalls, the most important benefit of the PostureBall is "the sense of doing something good while sitting."

" They are a big hit at our seminars.  It keeps people invigorated.   I have abandoned my chair for the Ball and other employees are jumping up and down to get them."
-- Mitsy Wilson - Times-Mirror. 
 
" PostureBall converts, who had previously experienced a range of aches and pains from their desk chair, talk of being pain-free and feeling more alert."
-- Chicago Tribune
 
" Reduces stress, boost energy, ease aches. While perched on the PostureBall you make continual movements that strengthen back, shoulder, and abdominal muscles and keep posture perfect."
-- Family Circle Magazine

Patsy Heberle, A teacher at Sonoran Sky Elementary School in Scottsdale, Arizona, entered into a partnership with The Fitness Co. to explore the effects of putting an entire class of 3rd graders on the ball. Here is what she said:

"We are on the ball in Resource. Literally! Our students have had the opportunity to sit on balls instead of chairs. This enables them to gently release some of their extra energies that distract them from learning. Matt says, "The ball puts me in a good mood. It lets me feel ok about my problems with trying to sit still and listen. So, I feel happy and ready to go with my work!" The ball also allows for the children to sit up straight, providing good posture, besides getting a good flow of oxygen to the brain."

Will Rodgers founder of The Innovative Thinking Conference, which showcases new ways of thinking in business. At the IT Conference, the PostureBall was first introduced to corporate America as a seating device. Will Rodgers quotes Eric Hoffer in saying,

"In times of change the learners will inherit the earth. The knowers will find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exits."

Maggie Silk works at SRP as secretary to Manager of Public Affairs. She says,

I have been very pleased with the ball because of my better posture.

I read an article on the ball about a year ago, and then my boss, Peter Hayes, saw one at SHR. He was very interested because of his bad back. He wanted relief from the pain he gets sitting in his chair. He sits on the ball one hundred percent of the time now.

I had arm trouble because of carpal tunnel and stress. But now, I am feeling better and more relaxed. I feel lighter and more rested at the end of the day. It really gives you a bounce!

I feel more free than I did sitting in the chair. It took very little time to adjust- only a couple of days. I now sit on the PostureBall at home, as well. When people listen to me and read about the PostureBall they all become very interested!

My favorite thing to do on the ball is to put music on the CD rom and get into it by moving to the music.


Ellen McKenzie also works at SRP. She says,

The PostureBall has really helped my posture. My whole work area is now adjusted to me rather than me having to adjust to it. Even while I'm not on the ball, I walk with a spring in my step and my shoulders stay back more. I like it a lot better than a chair and it wasn't hard to get used to.

When asked about the stability of the ball, she responded, "I don't know how you could fall off really, unless you just lifted your legs off the floor. It's really very stable. No chair has ever been this comfortable.

" Bouncy new seats keep students alert.  Schools are reporting better attention spans with the use of the PostureBalls.  Teachers don't have to nag students to sit still in their chairs.  It really soothes their little bodies and it helps them to keep on task."
-- Arizona Republic
 


Joanne Carthey, CEO of NetPro Computing, Inc., states,
When sitting on the PostureBall, productivity goes up. You don't get as tired because it energizes you.
I was using the Ball, and so I gave the okay for employees to use it. We began making them available and letting interested employees try them.




Bob Bosserman is the Chief Financial Officer of NetPro. He was the first to introduce the ball to NetPro after enjoying its use at his home office. He says,
The PostureBall is comfortable. It assists my rehabilitation from a leg and hip injury.
You have to sit better, and you move your carriage around differently. It helps to build strength in my back. Sitting on the ball perks up our employees and helps them gain positive energy.










NetPro Employees Enjoying the Benefits of the PostureBall



"The PostureBall.  It sounds good to us."
-- Psychology & Health
 
" New office chairs a real ball."
-- Daytona Beach News Journal  


Copyright 1996, FitnessCo., All Rights Reserved.