If you've ever had back pain, shoulder strain, or other health issues related to sitting for an extended time, active chairs may be the perfect fit for you!
Inactivity is one of the biggest causes of back pain. Most adults that have desk jobs don't get enough healthy exercise and struggle to maintain proper posture throughout the workday.
Active sitting encourages tiny movements in your body and strengthens your muscles while you sit. Seating options like wobble stools, balance balls, and other options help proper posture by engaging your muscles.
So what active work chair would work best for you? Read on and discover the right fit for you today!
Best Options for Active Chairs
For many, sitting all day at work is necessary for your job.
Here are some excellent alternatives to traditional office chairs:
1. Wobble Stools
Wobble Stool design is always a little off-balance to keep you active while you work. These stools move and tilt while you're seated and can be adjusted for seated (23 inches) or standing (33 inches) desks. These stools improve your core strength and posture and can help correct a slouch.
2. Kneeling Chairs
Developed in 1979, the Kneeling Chair is at an incline that is the optimal angle for your spine. These chairs force you to keep your muscles activated, which leads to greater core strength. The Kneeling Chair offers relief from back pain by distributing weight and improving your posture.
3. Balance Ball Chair
Sitting on a Balance Ball Chair causes your muscles to stay engaged while in use. The ball will strengthen the muscles in your core and around your spine, which can help reduce lower back pain. But, it's best to switch back and forth between the ball chair and an office chair, so you don't put too much stress on your lumbar spine.
4. Leaning Seats
Leaning Seats allow you to stand without getting fatigued. This chair angles your torso 135 degrees with is beneficial for good posture. Leaning, like standing, can reduce back issues and increase productivity.
5. Saddle Stool
A favorite of those in the medical fields, Saddle Stools are a fantastic alternative to ergonomic seating. With a design like a horse saddle, these seats keep the users' knees and hips at a 135-degree angle, which allows the spine to maintain its natural "S" shape. Using this stool alternative leads to increased spinal health and reduced back pain.
6. Standing Desks
While this isn't a seat, Standing Desks are becoming a trend for those seeking active seating alternatives at work. Give yourself options with adjustable desks or stool chair alternatives for the best variety. You can also get an anti-fatigue standing mat for comfort and to help encourage micro-movements in your legs.
How to Pick the Right Active Chair
Once you are ready to pick your new active chair sitting option, keep the following tips in mind.
- Don't toss your old office furniture right away. It may take some time to get used to your new furniture options.
- Use a new active chair for 15-20 minutes at a time, and then switch back to your office chair for a while. Since you will be using muscles that aren't used often, you may want to have options.
- If possible, try out a few seating options to figure out what is most comfortable for you.
Contact us today if you're ready to get started!