Ball Chairs Bounce Into Schools

Less students are slouching in their desks these days, they're sitting attentively upon colorful exercise balls. While many kids report trading a chair for a cushy ball is fun, classroom-designed ball chairs are really about improving learning, reports the Chicago Tribune. Perching atop a ball chair requires kids to constantly engage their core muscles, which is simultaneously turning on their pre-frontal cortex for better mental engagement and less impulsivity.

It's not just school children, either. In a study that looked at college students on exercise balls, the students overwhelmingly prefer a bouncy seat, they self-reported improved concentration and focus, according to a study done by John Kilbourne, a movement scientist at Grand Valley State University. You can bet primary, intermediate and middle school teachers are seeing this same effect or they wouldn't let a single ball chair roll into their classroom. Put your worry to rest about kids tossing their rubber chairs around the room -- they don't scrawl on their bodies with dry erase markers, either -- that's why there's a teacher in the room.

As the mother of an ever-moving, second grade boy, one of these bouncy balls would be a welcome addition at our dinner table. But kids aren't the only clients. Ball chair-seller WittFitt has seen a serious rise in sales the past few years, and their comprehensive sizing tool and personalized assistance can get you the right ball for your home or office. Beyond a standard stability ball with feet, WittFitt offers the Evolution Chair with a moving base, FitBALL Seating Disc and a FitBALL Chair.

If you're slouching right now, and sitting on a ball isn't appealing, perhaps you might try vibrating yourself straight.