What is an Ergonomic Chair?
An ergonomic chair is a chair specially designed to provide optimal support to the body through targeting posture improvement, lumbar support, and optimal comfort. Whether you are a student studying online, a seasoned professional working from home, or just looking to improve your home office setup, ergonomic chairs are essential to creating a comfortable and posture-conducive working environment. Ergonomic chairs are the best option for those who find themselves sitting for prolonged periods of time throughout the day because of their high adaptability. A good ergonomic chair will allow each user to fully adjust the chair’s features to best meet their comfort and lumbar support needs.
Why You Need an Ergonomic Chair
Did you know that the average person spends up to 8 hours sitting at their desk? Sitting for such prolonged periods regularly places stress and strain on the body which can lead to the development of serious health issues in the long-run. While owning an ergonomic chair will not completely eliminate your exposure to these health complications, it will greatly reduce your risk through improved support and comfort. Below we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 reasons you should own an ergonomic chair:
1. Posture support
The main drawback of traditional chairs is that they encourage poor posture due to having insufficient lumbar support. This lack of support leads to a flattening of the lumbar curve and sagging of the upper spine (slouching). Ergonomic chairs are strategically designed to combat poor posture through aligning the body’s neck, shoulders, spine and hips, which promotes a healthy sitting position, thus reducing any unnatural strains. So, instead of you making a conscious effort to maintain good posture, ergonomic chairs ease this process by doing all the work for you.
2. Reduced pain
Say goodbye to back and neck pains! Since ergonomic chairs inherently foster healthier posture, many of the strains and pressures that cause pain from sitting are prevented. The added posture support from an ergonomic chair provides your neck and back muscles with a much-needed break. In the long-run, this reduction in pressure on the back muscles and spinal discs can lead to a prevention of permanent spinal and joint damage.
3. Comfort
When sitting for long periods of time, it is important to be comfortable in order to maintain good posture and avoid strain on the body. An ergonomic chair is designed to provide optimal comfort and support, with features such as adjustable backrests, seat height, and armrests. Ergonomic chairs also have ergonomically-designed backrests that support the spine and prevent slouching. As a result, ergonomic chairs can help to prevent discomfort and fatigue when sitting for long periods of time.
4. Improved productivity
While it may be hard to believe, ergonomic chairs have the potential to boost workplace productivity. Due to its health-forward design and physical benefits to users, workers who use ergonomic chairs report feeling less distracted as well as higher levels of satisfaction. Several studies have also shown that ergonomic chairs are beneficial in improving goal-achievement. If you struggle with staying productive throughout the day, consider getting an ergonomic chair!
5. Increased blood circulation
Ergonomic chairs have been shown to provide some health benefits. One of these benefits is increased blood circulation. When you sit in an ergonomic chair, your body is able to relax more fully, and this allows your blood to flow more freely. The increased circulation can help to reduce muscle tension and pain, and it can also promote better overall health. If you are looking for a way to improve your health and well-being, an ergonomic chair may be a good investment.
Features of an Ergonomic Chair
While the features of an ergonomic chair will vary depending on the brand and quality, a good ergonomic chair will include the following features with full adjustability to ensure the user has the most comfortable sitting experience.
1. Lumbar support adjustment (height and firmness)
When you are sitting in an ergonomic chair, you will notice that it has full lumbar support adjustment. This is important because it helps to keep your posture correct while you are sitting. Poor posture can lead to a number of health problems, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. By adjusting the lumbar support, you can customize the chair to fit your body and ensure that you are sitting in the correct position.
2. Seat adjustment
When you’re working at a desk all day, it’s important to have an ergonomic chair that will allow you to be comfortable all day long. An ergonomic chair typically has seat adjustment features that allow you to customize the height and depth of the seat to fit your specific needs. This can help reduce the risk of back pain or other discomfort that can come from sitting in a chair that isn’t properly adjusted for your body. If you’re looking for an ergonomic chair, be sure to find one that has these important features so that you can stay comfortable all day long.
3. Back adjustment (height and recline)
Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide maximum comfort and support while you’re sitting. One of the most important features of an ergonomic chair is back adjustment. This allows you to customize the chair to fit your own personal ergonomic needs. By adjusting the backrest, you can ensure that your spine is properly aligned, which reduces strain and fatigue. In addition, many ergonomic chairs also have lumbar support, which further reduces stress on your back. Whether you’re working at a desk all day or just spending a few hours sitting in front of the TV, an ergonomic chair with back adjustability can help you stay comfortable and pain-free.
4. Armrest adjustment (lateral and height)
One of the key features of an ergonomic chair is fully adjustable armrests. This allows the user to customize the height and width of the armrests to their specific needs. Additionally, adjustable armrests can help to reduce pressure on the wrists and elbows, which can lead to discomfort and pain over time. By ensuring that the armrests are properly adjusted, ergonomic chairs can help to reduce the risk of pain and injury associated with poor posture.
5. Chair height adjustment
Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide comfortable support while you are working. One of the key features of ergonomic chairs is the ability to adjust the height of the chair. Adjusting the height of your ergonomic chair can also help to reduce fatigue and improve your overall posture. When choosing an ergonomic chair, be sure to choose one that has a wide range of height adjustment options. This will ensure that you can find a comfortable position for both short and tall people.
The Optimal Ergonomic Chair Setup
When it comes to ergonomic chairs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The optimal chair setup will vary depending on an individual’s height, weight, and build. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic sitting experience. Firstly, the chair should be adjustable so that the seat height can be set at a level that allows the feet to rest flat on the floor. Secondly, the backrest should provide adequate lumbar support and should be adjustable so that it can be positioned at a comfortable angle. Finally, the armrests should be adjustable and should allow the elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle when typing or using a mouse. By following these simple guidelines, it is possible to create an ergonomic chair setup that will promote good posture and comfort. Ergonomic chairs also pair perfectly with standing desks and create the perfect ergonomic work from home setup!
The Best Ergonomic Chairs
There are a wide variety of ergonomic chairs available on the market, and choosing the right one depends on several factors, including height, weight, and posture. With all the options out there, it can get pretty overwhelming! But, at the end of the day, the best chair for you will be the one that best meets your personal needs. You’ll know the best chair for you when you find it!