Active seating stools and chairs wiggle, wobble, bounce, and tilt to help you keep moving all day. These types of dynamic stools and chairs help you work your core muscles. If your core muscles are weak, then your back muscles have to work harder—which can lead to back pain. Good active seating will work your core muscles and your back, as well as your leg muscles, while helping keep your spine aligned.
Moving around increases blood flow, which helps boost oxygen to your brain. That can help keep your energy levels more constant throughout the day, and contributes to overall health.
Here are some questions to answer when considering an active seating purchase.
Is it lightweight? You may want to move your active sitting stool or chair from place to place: from your desk to the conference room, for example. Check the manufacturer specifications for the item’s weight to make sure you can easily lift it.
Is the height adjustable? Some active sitting chairs and stools are
designed primarily for either sitting or standing. If you’re switching between
sitting and standing during your workday, you’ll want to look for an option
that is height adjustable so you can continue using it no matter your position.
Does it come assembled? Some products will be shipped fully assembled, while others will require assembly. Many manufacturers or sellers have assembly manuals or videos available on their websites, so check them out to be sure you can do it yourself. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire someone to assemble it for you.
Is the seat cushioned? With the wide variety of options on the market, you’ll find that some active seating is more cushioned than others. This can affect how long you’re comfortable using it, so check the product images and specifications to learn more. You might even want to see if you can find reviews online that discuss the comfort of the seat during long-term use.
How much space does it use? Some active sitting stools have a very small footprint, while others with built-in footrests may take up quite a bit of space. Make sure you look at the measurements to determine whether your chosen active sitting chair will fit in your space.
Can I afford it? The range of pricing for active seating is as wide as the range of available options. Even similar items can vary greatly in price. Once you have a good idea of the kind of active sitting stool or chair you want, you should be able to find one that’s within your budget.
No matter which active seating you choose, you may find that you need an adjustment period, so don’t get rid of your existing chair just yet. And, if you’ve got serious back issues such as herniated discs, you might want to check with your doctor to make sure active seating won’t worsen your condition. But as you gradually increase the use of your active sitting stool or chair, you’ll be improving your posture—and may be boosting your energy and productivity as well!