When beginning the search for a new ergonomic office chair for your workplace, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the numerous options. Saddle chairs, kneeling chairs, classic desk chairs, and exercise balls are just a few options that may populate when you do a quick search for office chairs. But which of these options is the best chair for you? With so many highly personalized details, the chair that is right for you, may not be the right chair for your co-worker. While no one chair fit’s all, there are many factors to take into account when shopping for a new ergonomic chair. Let’s explore some expert tips and recommended factors to consider when choosing the right ergonomic chair for your office work,
Many office workers spend nearly 8 hours a day sitting in a chair as they complete their work. Spending so much in one place means that when searching for the right ergonomic chair to introduce to your office it is incredibly important to choose a chair that is right for you. When searching for a chair there are a few factors that experts across the board recommend taking into account.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Ergonomic Chair
One thing to consider when searching for your new office chair is the height of the seat. Seat height is incredibly important to the comfort of the chair. If a chair is too low or high off the ground, it can be difficult to find a working position that allows for sustained periods of sitting. It is recommended to purchase an office chair that is easily adjustable and is between 16-21 inches off of the ground. This height will allow the chair user to comfortably keep their feet planted on the ground while working.
Another important factor to keep in mind when searching for a new ergonomic office chair is the depth and width of the seat. The seat depth should allow the user to sit comfortably with their back against the backrest of the ergonomic chair while leaving between 2-4 inches of space between the user’s knees and the edge of the chair. Choosing a chair that has proper seat depth and allows for the forward and backward tilt of the chair gives the user more versatility and comfortability when sitting for long periods of time.
When choosing the right ergonomic chair for you, it is also important to make sure that the chair you are purchasing features lumbar support and a backrest. When sitting for long periods, our lower back faces stress. Choosing an ergonomic chair that offers adjustable lumbar support will give you the freedom to adjust the lumbar support for a customized proper fit and support.
Why is it considerable?
After considering these factors, there is still the question of what style chair is best for me?
One ergonomic chair style that is highly popular is the saddle chair. This style of chair puts the user in a position that is between standing and sitting. The result is an office chair that reduces lower back pain by allowing the user’s legs to drop naturally into a healthy position. Over time, this style of chair can even support the development of back muscles and improved posture.
Another highly popular ergonomic chair style is the kneeling chair. This chair has no back and features rests at the shins which allows the user to sit in a modified kneeling position. The forward-slanting seat of this ergonomic chair stimulates good posture by sliding the user’s hips forward and aligning the back, neck, and shoulders.
If you suffer from back pain then the recliner chair might be the best fit for you. This style of ergonomic chair features a footrest that can be beneficial to those who suffer from intense lumbar back pain.
The exercise ball is a chair style that has gained popularity in recent years. While this chair style does encourage movement, its positive effects are negated by the fact that within one hour of use, significant spinal shrinkage has been recorded.
Last words
Regardless of which chair style you choose to use, experts recommend taking time from sitting to standing for short periods of time during the day. You may also want to consider a stand up desk as well to alternate between sitting and standing. By choosing the right ergonomic chair and alternating postures throughout the day you can optimize your comfort while working, which translates into increased productivity and higher workplace satisfaction.