As I sat down to interview Fitterfirst president Louis Stack, he insisted I do so on what he called a “Swopper Chair.”

With its coiled-spring support column and unique platform, it looks something like an ejection seat you might have seen in the Bugs Bunny/Roadrunner Hour, but I reluctantly took him up on the offer.

“Not bad, eh?” Stack said.

“Cool,” I replied as I bounced lightly on the Swopper.

President Louis Stack (left, on a Swopper Chair), wife Margaret (on a Trikke 6) and her son Marq (on a Fitter Ball) display a few of the many popular fitness products available from Fitterfirst.

“Feels like it’s part of me when I move.”

“That’s it’s intuitive design working with you,” he added. “Now, imagine trading in your old office chair for the Swopper.

“You’ll notice that you are sitting with good posture without straining. This chair is great for your health – instead of sitting still all day, getting cramped up while slouching at the desk, you are literally ‘sitting in motion.’ ”

The Swopper, a revolutionary seating platform that allows you to move fluidly in all directions while seated, is one of Fitterfirst’s many FUNctional products proven to improve office workers’ health as well as their productivity.

“An improper seating position is a major threat to your physical wellness, yet Albertans continue to do the 9-to-5, sitting all day in front of their computers,” said Stack, whose success in marketing balance- related fitness equipment earned Fitterfirst the 2002 Small Business of the Year award from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“People can spend several hours a week working out, but if you’re harming your body 80 per cent of the time, the overall results are going to be pretty grim.

“It’s like the investor who put 10 per cent of his or her portfolio into real estate and got a 30-per-cent return on that investment,” he explained. “But if the other 90 per cent of the portfolio was in mutual funds that dropped 15 per cent, the ultimate return is dismal.

“I’m not talking about running a marathon with your computer every day – just do what you spend the most time doing (in most cases, sitting at a computer) in a productive manner, so you’re building your health instead of destroying it.”

The Swopper is an appropriate name, given the number of Albertans swapping their old office chairs for this functional phenomenon.

And if the Swopper ($999) isn’t in the budget, you can still be on the ball with any of the wide range of Fitter Balls.

When you sit on a Fitter Ball or Swopper Chair, your spine works with gravity to naturally determine your best posture. It puts a little bounce in your work life, and the active sitting means you subconsciously keep shifting your trunk to find the ideal position. Besides encouraging better posture, these funky chairs stimulate and tone your spinal stabilization and core trunk muscles all day long.

(Writer’s note: I’m testing a Fitter Ball as I’m writing this story, and it works great – no need for back support, and I can’t help but sit in a better posture.)

Fitterfirst, launched 19 years ago by Stack from his Calgary basement with a $3,000 loan, is now a multimillion-dollar concern with global distribution and thousands of satisfied customers. Named one of the 30 Fastest Growing Companies in Alberta in both 2001 and 2002, the company has become a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of simple but highly functional balance and stability products.

“We design, manufacture and market functional products that encourage the integration of muscle and movement for rehab, fitness and general wellness,” said Stack, noting that his good friend SAM (Stability, Agility and Mobility) can make all the difference in your ability to age with grace.

And whether it’s the Swapper Chair, Fitter Ball Chairs, Pro Fitter 3-D Cross Trainer, Balance Boards, Bongo Board or any other item in the catalog, these products put the fun in FUNctional.

“It’s all about establishing a positive relationship with gravity, and our objective is to add a little fun to your day while helping you achieve that relationship,” he said.

“You’ll be amazed how much more enjoyable life is when you’re not slouching, limping or aching.”

Stack said helping elite athletes such as Ken Read and Dave Irwin has been gratifying, but he gets the most satisfaction from going into an office and helping establish a healthier work environment.

“In terms of ergonomics, our products immediately create a healthier worksite and happier workers,” he said.

One company that has embraced Fitterfirst products in the workplace is Calgary-based ENMAX.

Since Fitterfirst’s presentation, ENMAX has purchased more than 900 Fitter Balls to complement existing traditional chairs. Wobble Boards and Digit Fidgets are also used throughout their offices.

“ENMAX management expected up to 10 per cent of staff to buy into the concept, and we’ve already trained 75 per cent of the office staff on correct use of their new functional office equipment,” said Stack. “Human resources and senior management are excited about the overwhelming acceptance of the program can see that the employees appreciate that the company is investing in their health.”

For more information on how you can put more bounce in your office, call Fitterfirst at 403.243.6830.