With absenteeism in South Africa currently costing employers R12 billion per annum, this is an area that SME companies can no longer afford to ignore. A major stumbling block is that small businesses do not have the facilities or resources of large corporations.

By employing fitness consultant Yossi Montrose of Performa Ball Corporate, Menachemson was able to give his whole team a 30 – 60 minute weekly workout in ball skills. No special clothing was required and apart from the fee for sessions, Menachemson's sole investment was the purchase of one Swiss ball per employee. Minimal space was required, so the training could take place at his office.

Why ball exercises specifically?

“Ball exercises are based on the Pilates concept and develop core strength,” says Montrose, “improving overall posture and lowering the incidence of back pain. The ball absorbs gravity reducing stress on the back. It is also more effective as a training tool than circuit or weight lifting programmes, without the risks attached. All the small stabilizer muscles are worked on the ball, including the superficial muscles. Ball exercises are also progressive and unlimited.”

Part of the furniture

Although balls are still a novelty in South Africa, they are literally part of the office furniture at international corporations such as Volkswagen, Siemens, Bosch and Google.

Initially used for clinical rehabilitation in the 60s, the Swiss ball was eventually integrated into the training programmes of athletic trainers, sports coaches and personal trainers due to its effectiveness in developing balance and core strength.

A study published by The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research in 2004 shows that Swiss ball training significantly affected the core stability of eight young athletes who performed two Swiss ball training sessions per week for six weeks.

According to Menachemson, another big plus of ball exercises is the fact that sessions are fun and good for team building. After a few weeks of training, one of his staff members said that she was no longer experiencing persistent lower back problems and the team unanimously elected to continue classes.

Between weekly workout sessions, Menachemson noticed that at least half of the employees were sitting on their Swiss balls and exercising and stretching during work breaks. “We also make a point of bouncing a bit before and during long meetings,” he says.

Other ways

Although scheduled team exercise sessions are an optimal way to get employees off their butts, there are other ways to work small spurts of physical exercise into a workday.

Toronto Public Health has identified a few “Get Active Activities” suitable for companies of all sizes. Their recommendations include parking a few blocks away from work or an appointment and walking; taking the stairs instead of the lift; taking brisk walks at coffee breaks and lunch; having 2 – 3 minute ‘fitness' breaks during long meetings; doing a few stretches or push ups while waiting at a photocopier or fax machine; and having an occasional day when everyone comes to work in tackies.

“Every movement counts at work,” it stresses. “Even short periods of movement can add up to significant health benefits.”

For further information, go to www.discovery.co.za, www.performaball.co.za and www.toronto.ca/health. Authors Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud have written an illustrated guide to sitting on a ball at work titled “Working on the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness” available from www.amazon.com.