It is more important to use an ergonomic chair whenever you can these days than ever before. This is because our bodies were not designed to sit for hours at a time in front of a desk or TV, and yet more and more people are finding themselves doing it.
Sitting continuously for hours puts strain on the muscles in the back and can eventually cause the body to suffer work-related injuries. The use of an ergonomic chair minimizes the strain that the body experiences while sitting for prolonged periods.
However, not all chairs are what they say they are and this is particularly true of ergonomic chairs. Some manufacturers call their goods ergonomic chairs just to capture a share in a premium market, where people are suffering from pain caused by strain on the lower back, the neck, the arms, the legs and on the shoulders. A real ergonomic chair is designed to minimize this pain.
So, how can you tell if an ergonomic chair is really an ergonomic chair? A true ergonomic chair has the following elements:
Seat height: An ergonomic chair should be fitted with a mechanism that allows you to adjust its height while you are sitting on it. If your knees are level and your feet are flat on the floor, while you are sitting on the ergonomic chair, it means that its height is correct for you. Also, you should be able to reach the adjusting mechanism of the seat and operate it even if you are sitting down.
Foot rest: Ergonomic chairs do not need a foot rest. If the height of the chair can be adjusted easily and allow you to put your feet flat on the ground while you are seated, then a foot rest is not essential. However, if your table is too high in relation to your chair and if having your feet flat on the floor means you have to strain your arms, then a foot rest is required so you can rest your feet comfortably without causing strain to your legs.
Seat pan: The seat pan of your ergonomic chair should be wide enough to fit your hips and thighs without pinching you in any way. It should also be contoured so your weight can be spread evenly on it. In addition, the seat pan should be long enough to fit your legs. If it is too long, it will hit the back of your knees and stop you from leaning back comfortably.
Seat cushioning: The cushioning of an ergonomic chair should be adequate for it not to become deformed after you have been using it for a while. If the cushioning is not thick enough, the seat of the chair can get deformed permanently and it will become uncomfortable for you to sit on after a while. Later on, it will just lead you to experience pain on your back and thighs.
In addition, you should choose seat covers that breathe freely and are easy to clean. Such seat covers will not feel hot and uncomfortable against your thighs after sitting on the chair for a long time. Airy seat covers also mean that they will not be a breeding ground for dust mites.
Back support: The back rest of a good ergonomic chair should be adjustable to fit the curve of your lower back so that it can provide you with lumbar support. This is very important, especially if you will not be the exclusive user of the chair. Moreover, the back rest should be wide and tall enough to support your mid-back and your upper back as well.
Armrests: The armrests of a good ergonomic chair should be contoured to fit the arms, broad enough to provide sufficient support, and can be adjusted upward and downward as well as inward or outward. The armrests of the ergonomic chair should let the arms and elbows rest naturally, without making you lean forward or lift your shoulders.
Pedestal base: If mobility in your chair is essential to your work, then you should get an ergonomic chair that has a five pedestal base with casters that can let you slide easily over the floor. A five pedestal base will also provide enough balance so that the chair will not tip over when you lean back.
Always look for these features when buying an ergonomic chair for your home or your office. They will prevent your body from incurring injuries brought about by continuous strain to the muscles.
Sitting continuously for hours puts strain on the muscles in the back and can eventually cause the body to suffer work-related injuries. The use of an ergonomic chair minimizes the strain that the body experiences while sitting for prolonged periods.
However, not all chairs are what they say they are and this is particularly true of ergonomic chairs. Some manufacturers call their goods ergonomic chairs just to capture a share in a premium market, where people are suffering from pain caused by strain on the lower back, the neck, the arms, the legs and on the shoulders. A real ergonomic chair is designed to minimize this pain.
So, how can you tell if an ergonomic chair is really an ergonomic chair? A true ergonomic chair has the following elements:
Seat height: An ergonomic chair should be fitted with a mechanism that allows you to adjust its height while you are sitting on it. If your knees are level and your feet are flat on the floor, while you are sitting on the ergonomic chair, it means that its height is correct for you. Also, you should be able to reach the adjusting mechanism of the seat and operate it even if you are sitting down.
Foot rest: Ergonomic chairs do not need a foot rest. If the height of the chair can be adjusted easily and allow you to put your feet flat on the ground while you are seated, then a foot rest is not essential. However, if your table is too high in relation to your chair and if having your feet flat on the floor means you have to strain your arms, then a foot rest is required so you can rest your feet comfortably without causing strain to your legs.
Seat pan: The seat pan of your ergonomic chair should be wide enough to fit your hips and thighs without pinching you in any way. It should also be contoured so your weight can be spread evenly on it. In addition, the seat pan should be long enough to fit your legs. If it is too long, it will hit the back of your knees and stop you from leaning back comfortably.
Seat cushioning: The cushioning of an ergonomic chair should be adequate for it not to become deformed after you have been using it for a while. If the cushioning is not thick enough, the seat of the chair can get deformed permanently and it will become uncomfortable for you to sit on after a while. Later on, it will just lead you to experience pain on your back and thighs.
In addition, you should choose seat covers that breathe freely and are easy to clean. Such seat covers will not feel hot and uncomfortable against your thighs after sitting on the chair for a long time. Airy seat covers also mean that they will not be a breeding ground for dust mites.
Back support: The back rest of a good ergonomic chair should be adjustable to fit the curve of your lower back so that it can provide you with lumbar support. This is very important, especially if you will not be the exclusive user of the chair. Moreover, the back rest should be wide and tall enough to support your mid-back and your upper back as well.
Armrests: The armrests of a good ergonomic chair should be contoured to fit the arms, broad enough to provide sufficient support, and can be adjusted upward and downward as well as inward or outward. The armrests of the ergonomic chair should let the arms and elbows rest naturally, without making you lean forward or lift your shoulders.
Pedestal base: If mobility in your chair is essential to your work, then you should get an ergonomic chair that has a five pedestal base with casters that can let you slide easily over the floor. A five pedestal base will also provide enough balance so that the chair will not tip over when you lean back.
Always look for these features when buying an ergonomic chair for your home or your office. They will prevent your body from incurring injuries brought about by continuous strain to the muscles.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the Home Theater Chair. If you are interested in a Home Movie Theatre, please click through to our site now.
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