Ergonomic desk stools are an excellent way to take a load off while standing at your desk. They give you the best of both worlds — the ability to both sit and stand — allowing for greater health and productivity. But, given their recent surge in popularity, there is also a lot of confusion about what makes a good ergonomic desk stool, how they work, and what to look for when purchasing one.
Don't worry, we're here to help you find the best active stool for you! Let's dive into how you can find the best standing gestures for office settings.
How Do Ergonomic Desk Stools Work?
Ergonomic desk stools are typically made of one of two materials: wood or metal.
They have a seat that is adjustable in height, and the user can sit down when it's time to be low while working at their standing desk. The height of the stool is often adjustable as well. This means that you can easily stand up while using them, making them a dynamic addition to your ergonomic desk setup!
What Are the Different Types of Ergonomic Desk Stools?
There are a few different types of ergonomic desk stools available for purchase. Here is a description of each type:
Standard: This type of ergonomic desk stool comes with an adjustable seat height that can be used as a standing desk stool when it is in its lowest position.
Dual Seat: This type of ergonomic desk stool also comes with an adjustable seat height, but the seating area has two holes for your legs. This allows you to use the chair while standing up or sitting down without having to readjust the height every time.
Stool with Back Support: This type of ergonomic desk stool comes with back support attached to the seating area, similar to what you would expect from an office chair.
Wheeled: This type of ergonomic desk stool is made up largely of metal and features four wheels that allow it to glide across the floor quickly and easily.
One of the above types of stools is guaranteed to meet your needs.
What Should I Consider When Looking for Ergonomic Desk Stools?
There are a few things you should look at when purchasing an ergonomic desk stool, including:
Seat area size: Some seats are larger than others and can accommodate the legs of taller users comfortably.
Height adjustment: Look for a chair that allows you to adjust both your weight and seat height. This will give you the most flexibility when using your chair, allowing for greater health benefits and less discomfort.
Weight capacity: The weight limit of a given ergonomic desk stool is important because it ensures that it can hold up without falling apart or damaging your floors.
Armrests: If you want to be able to rest your arms on the armrests while working, look for an ergonomic desk stool that comes with a pair of armrests.
This is a great way to increase comfort and prevent issues arising while using your chair. it will also help you find the best standing gestures for home offices, as those who work from home typically spend a large amount of time sitting down.
The best standing desk chairs for office spaces will be able to meet your needs in the above categories.
What Type of Materials Should I Look For?
A good ergonomic desk stool should be made of high-quality material. You will want to look for something that feels sturdy, is easy to clean, and won't leave marks on your flooring or other surfaces. Make sure it can hold up during extensive use without breaking, as this is something that could easily cause injury to the user.
When looking for the best standing desk chairs for home offices, be sure that you choose one made from sturdy materials.
Why Are Ergonomic Desk Stools Important?
They help increase your health and productivity by decreasing discomfort in your legs, back, and hips while working at a standing desk.
The ability to be seated when you need to relax your legs provides an opportunity to relieve the tension you would otherwise experience. It can alleviate pain or discomfort in your back that you would otherwise experience from sitting down for long periods.
It allows you to stretch your legs, which increases blood flow and reduces the risk of developing blood clots or other issues associated with remaining seated for too long. Being able to switch between standing and sitting allows you to have more flexibility in your work routine.
After all, imagine how much easier it would be to make multiple trips from your desk if you are more or less already standing.
All of these benefits can help heighten your overall awareness of your body's needs, which will help you feel better over time if you're having issues. Of course, you should visit a medical professional as soon as possible if you have legitimate concerns about your health. Getting the care you need is something that you should never delay.
What Are the Health Complications Associated With Prolonged Sitting?
Sitting for long periods, regardless of whether or not you are on the job, can be dangerous.
This is because prolonged sitting keeps your hamstrings and back muscles in a shortened position, which can weaken them over time. It also reduces blood flow to these areas. Prolonged sitting can cause numerous complications:
Poor circulation: Prolonged sitting reduces blood flow to the areas of your body that remain inactive for hours at a time.
Decreased flexibility: The lack of movement decreases blood flow and can cause muscles to go limp if they're not used regularly. It also increases the risk of conditions such as tendonitis.
Increased stress on the spine: Leaning over your desk for long periods can cause serious damage to your lower back. It can also result in pain, numbness, tingling, and other complications.
Weight Gain: When you sit all day rather than moving around or exercising, it increases the likelihood that you will become overweight. Since ergonomic desk stools allow you to easily stand up and sit down, this becomes less of an issue. This is because it puts your body into a sedentary state, which causes the production of cortisol to increase.
Poor mental alertness: When you sit for long periods, you are likely to feel lethargic or tired rather than mentally sharp.
You can avoid all of these complications by alternating between sitting and standing while you work. This will maintain your health while allowing you to keep working at your office desk without disrupting office productivity.
What Is the Difference Between a Traditional Ergonomic Desk Stool and an Adjustable Ergonomic Desk Stool?
Traditional ergonomic stools such as those that come with multiple casters allow for easy mobility in tight spaces while providing you with stability when needed. They are easy to move even while seated, which allows you better access to your workstation without having to get up every time you need something.
Adjustable ergonomic stools generally sit on top of a gas spring or hydraulic cylinder that can be adjusted manually.
These types of stools allow for a wide range of positions, so you can get the exact position that is right for your height and needs.
How Should I Determine the Correct Ergonomic Desk Stool Height?
It's important to get an ergonomic chair that fits you perfectly.
You don't want one that's too short or too tall, since this will decrease comfort and productivity. In some circumstances, it could even begin to affect your overall health if it strains your body to use it.
To determine the correct ergonomic chair height for you:
- Sit on your new ergonomic stool and adjust it to a comfortable position
- Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are slightly above horizontal
- Make sure your knees do not bend when they rest on the front of the seat
- Your feet should be thought on the floor and your niece should be below your hips
This will help ensure that your chair is as comfortable as possible. So, be sure that you adjust the chair as much as you can until you find a position that works best.
From here, you'll be able to easily find the best standing desk chairs for back pain.
What Factors Should I Consider When Purchasing an Ergonomic Desk Stool?
There are many factors that you need to consider before purchasing an ergonomic desk stool, including:
Lifestyle - Do you spend long hours at your office desk or do you move around frequently throughout the day? For those who move around frequently, this is the ideal option.
Comfort - Can you adjust your ergonomic stool to fit your specific needs? Does it adequately support the lower back and align the spine? Does it allow you to comfortably sit while using your standing desk?
Durability - Is it made of high-quality materials that will last for years to come, even with regular use? Cheaper chairs are often less durable than more expensive models.
Space Requirements - How much space do you have in your office or cubicle? Does the ergonomic chair take up too much space, or will you hit your knees on the desk or computer? Of course, this is something that a bit of rearranging can often fix.
Adjustability - Can it be adapted to fit everyone who uses it, including people of different heights and weights? If you are particularly tall or heavy, then you might want to do a bit of research before you purchase a specific chair. There is a chance that it might not be able to accommodate you. In a case like this, it could cause more harm than good.
Affordability- You often get what you pay for when it comes to purchasing an ergonomic desk stool. However, that doesn't mean that every stool that you buy needs to be expensive. It's possible to find stools on the lower end of the market that can satisfy all your needs. In some cases, they may prove to be just as enjoyable to use as higher-end models.
These factors should never be overlooked, as they will help determine the best choice for you.
What Else Should I Know?
When you're shopping for an ergonomic desk stool, keep the following design features in mind:
Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment – This allows you to control how far the seat moves up and down. Some stools have a pin that controls seat height, or a knob underneath the seat itself. You want this to be easy and smooth to adjust. Otherwise, you risk damaging the chair.
Back Angle Adjustment – Some ergonomic stools provide a reclining backrest to help you find the most comfortable position for your lower back. Make sure you can easily adjust the seat forward or backwards to accommodate it.
Tilt Lock Control – You need to be able to lock the stool into place when sitting on it. This is especially important when you're typing and doing work on your desk, as this will help ensure that the seat doesn't accidentally slip out from under you.
Padded Seat – You want a comfortable seat that won't leave you with a sore backside after sitting in it for hours at a time. Make sure the cushioning is high quality and will provide ample support for your lower back. These are often the best standing desk chairs for back pain.
Non-Skid Casters – Some casters are made with low-quality materials that can easily skid or slip when you move around, which can be dangerous and potentially cause accidents. Make sure the wheels on your stool (if there are any) don't have this problem.
A stool without the above attributes is likely one that will be uncomfortable or of low quality.
Finding the Best Ergonomic Desk Stools Is Easier Than You Think
The above guide has everything you need to know to ensure that you make the decision that is best for you. Otherwise, you might find that you begin to develop health complications over time. When you choose the right ergonomic desk stools, though, you'll be able to increase both your comfort and productivity.
So, feel free to reach out to us and discover the ergonomic desk tools we have to offer.