In conversation: Michaela Gerg, former German ski racer
Michaela Gerg is one of the most successful German ski racers. She ended her active racing career in 1996, but remained loyal to winter sports: with her own ski school in Lenggries. The committed former top athlete offers courses there for all ages and all levels. She wants to pass on her enthusiasm for snow sports and awaken the joy of exercise. She is also involved in her Snow Crystals Foundation and is in demand as a speaker and Feng Shui consultant.
Sitting still is not for Michaela Gerg. She also relies on a lot of movement in her everyday life. Michaela Gerg owns the "most active chair in the world", a Swopper from Aeris. We wanted to know from the multiple World Cup winner and successful Olympic participant whether, as an athlete, she sees any particular advantages in active sitting and whether everyday mobility also has a positive effect on regeneration.
Ms. Gerg, as a former ski racer you were used to training for hours every day. How do you keep fit today and how do you ensure you get enough exercise in your everyday life?
Today I do sports without any pressure. Instead of focusing almost exclusively on winter sports, as I did before, I now do a wide variety of sports. For example, I love practicing yoga. It's a great way to train my physical and mental flexibility. I love being out in nature, whether hiking in the mountains or jogging and cycling. I'm also an enthusiastic golfer.
80% of Germans suffer from back pain. What about you? Are you free of back pain thanks to regular training and your well-trained muscles?
Towards the end of my career I had major problems with my lumbar spine . You could say it was a slight slipped disc. Yoga and a conscious approach to everyday life help me to keep my back fit and, above all, pain-free.
You know the 3D active chair Aeris Swopper, which was developed to combat back problems and encourage more movement. How would you describe sitting on the Aeris Swopper in your own words?
Active sitting on the Aeris Swopper allows me to spend the hours at my desk without putting strain on my back. By constantly moving slightly, my back muscles are strengthened and I don't fall into a rigid hunched back posture. Lazy "slouching" in the stool is a thing of the past.
The Aeris Swopper was initially considered a "health chair", primarily for relieving acute back pain. Today it is recognized that its unique 3D flexibility is not only good for the back, but also has a positive effect on the entire metabolism by promoting movement. Headlines such as "Sitting can be fatal" or "Sitting is the new smoking" have increased awareness of this function. Sitting for long periods of time - how harmful is it really in your opinion?
I am always cautious with such generalizing statements and prefer to listen to what my body tells me in such situations. However, I generally believe that any one-sided movement without compensation leads to problems in the long run. When skiing, it is therefore important to do balancing exercises to relax. When sitting, this would mean changing your position more often or getting up from time to time. Here, too, the right "equipment" plays a big role. There are rigid chairs and there are chairs that encourage movement. I don't know of any that moves more than the Aeris Swopper. And movement is always good!
Regeneration is an important issue in elite sport. Does “low-threshold” training of the back muscles through active sitting play any role at all?
After my own back problems, I learned that training the back muscles cannot be ignored. I use every opportunity in everyday life to strengthen the core muscles and thus the back. This also includes active sitting.
We read in your CV that you are also a qualified Feng Shui consultant. How do you rate the Aeris Swopper from a Feng Shui perspective? And finally, can you give us a few tips for designing a good home office?
Everyone has colors that suit them particularly well; colors that make them feel particularly comfortable and therefore particularly productive. The Aeris Swopper health chair is available in many colors - and if you can't find the ideal Feng Shui color, you can also put it in your workplace in neutral black or white. Natural materials and round shapes are preferred - there are also Feng Shui points for the round Aeris Swopper. During a Feng Shui consultation, the right sitting and viewing direction at the desk is sought. In general, people who sit with their back to the door are more nervous and prone to making mistakes. It is better to have the door in view, as this supports persistent work. Order in the office is also very important. A tidy office and a desk that is clear and tidy allow for clear thinking.
