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Your chair is killing you(r back)
Despite lumbar support and ergonomic positiong; office chairs aren't very good for your body, you're very prone to slouching and hunching over. For a couple days I tried standing up while working, which works out fairly well, except my legs couldn't handle it for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. And in order to sit down, I had to take apart my setup of keyboard, mouse, and monitors off of the boxes I had them on. So today I tried something different, I purchase an exercise ball at Target for $15 and have been sitting on it at work. After a mere 1hr I can tell it's substanially more comfortable than sitting in a chair. About 3 hours into sitting on the ball I can tell it's giving my abs a good workout (I'm prone to fidget a lot, which is giving me more of a workout). At first I can tell I can't do a full 8hrs on the ball and I'll have to use my chair as backup, but I'm estatic about using the ball at work and I'm glad my coworkers are open minded enough about the idea.
The most important thing to know about the ball you buy is the size, as your height makes it VERY important you buy a specific size ball. Generally there are three different sizes to choose from (55cm, 65cm, 75cm) and if you look at the chart and are in between two sizes, always buy the larger one as you can always under-inflate the ball if it's too big, because a smaller ball that's over inflated simply isn't comfortable.
The reasons I switched are: better for my back, improves circulation in the legs (very important as I'm prone to getting blood clots in my legs), burning calories while sitting, and toning up my abs.
[1] http://www.gearfire.net/10-reasons-to-use-an-exercise-ball-as-your-chair/
[2] http://walking.about.com/cs/fitnesswalking/a/ballchair.htm
PS: the ball I purchased at Target was 25" (63cm) and after figuring out exactly the right amount of inflating (took 3 tries) it fits me perfectly, and I'm 5'-6" (167cm). For those willing to try it, I'd say it's worth the risk of buying the better $30 balls because if you're open minded enough to try it out, you'll be sold within the first 5 mins. I'll keep this blog updated on my progress of finding the best way to work but I'm pretty sure in a couple days I'll be returning this ball and buying a higher end model.
Day 2:
My first full day of using the exercise ball and by lunch time my lower back needed a break and I went back to my chair until about 3pm, and I felt good enough to do the ball for the rest of the day.
Day 3:
Sitting on the ball you don't really realize it requires a fine amount of exercise, especially since I fidget so much on it. After about 30 mins I had to sit in my chair for the entire day to make up for the past 2 days. I haven't given up at all, my body just needs a break. Obviously I need to slowly work my way up to using the ball for extended periods of time. Hopefully I can do a full 8hrs everyday as soon as the 6th day (second week).
Day 4:
Still had to take rest, only used the ball for about an hour.
Day 5:
I'm back on the ball (pun!) but I can feel this is working out my lower back a lot. I have a busy weekend so I was weary of staying on it all day because I couldn't afford a sore back but it wasn't too bad and I stuck with it. You truly don't realize how much of a work out this is until you've put 8hrs on it. I did about 5hrs today.
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