So you're getting ready to invest in a new chair. You've probably come across all sorts of ergonomic chairs in your search for your next throne. And if you have, then you no doubt have seen the claims that many chair manufacturers make - that these types of chairs are capable of improving your posture.
Is it true? Can an ergonomic chair help your posture?
Today, we'll answer this question once and for all. We'll cover all the reported health benefits of ergonomic chairs - specifically, those related to posture. Then, we'll help you gain an understanding of what to look for to ensure you buy a chair that supports and improves your posture. Let's start with a quick explanation of what an ergonomic chair even is, and what separates these from traditional chairs.
What Exactly Is An Ergonomic Chair?
Before we cover whether or not an ergonomic chair can help posture, we want to describe what these types of chairs are. The term "ergonomics" refers to a design that increases efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
So, what makes an office chair ergonomic? The adjustability they offer. You can adjust an ergonomic chair to fit your unique body. Most of these come with different points of adjustment such as the armrests, seat height/depth, backrest, and even the headrest.
These also feature comfortable, supportive materials to prevent pain and soreness over the course of long days. After all, many of us spend hours upon hours in an office chair every day. With that in mind, it makes sense to make your next office chair an ergonomic one!
Yes - An Ergonomic Chair Can Help Posture!
Ok, being comfortable and efficient is great - and we now know that ergonomic chairs can help you in this regard.
But can an ergonomic chair really help posture?
Those who work an office job spend up to 8 hours a day seated. This prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your hips. And, it can greatly affect your posture as you slouch forward and extend your neck toward your screen. Can the type of office chair you sit in actually affect your posture?
Yes - it's true. Ergonomic chairs can help encourage a natural posture. The best ergonomic chairs are designed to do exactly that. This is made possible through intuitive, adjustable designs. So, without any further ado, let's take a look at how a good ergonomic chair can improve your posture.
How A Good Ergonomic Chair Can Help Posture
We're not just here to tell you that an ergonomic chair can help posture. We're going to explain how. There are four main ways an ergonomic chair can help your posture, and we're going to break them down below.
Ergonomic Chairs Encourage A Proper Posture
The manner in which ergonomic chairs are designed naturally supports correct posture. Typically, these chairs are full length - supporting the entirety of your back and neck. You won't have to worry about your thoracic or cervical spine being unsupported - which can lead to slouching, leaning forward, and the dreaded tech neck.
On top of the full length of these chairs, they feature built-in lumbar support. This maintains the natural curve of your spine, helping you stay healthy and comfortable over the course of long workdays.
There are other features on ergonomic chairs that support proper posture too, including the armrests. These support your elbows and forearms while you type away at your desk. This prevents muscle fatigue in the shoulders and arms. Without this support, you'd start to drift forward and feel your shoulders rounding.
Furthermore, you can adjust the seat height along with the seat depth. This helps you keep your feet flat on the floor - which is really important to maintain proper knee and hip alignment.
Ergonomic Chairs Maintain The Ideal Hip & Pelvis Alignment
If you find that your traditional chair causes low back pain, it could be due to the seat of your chair. An ergonomic office chair, on the other hand, offers adjustable seat depth. This means you can sit further back or further forward in your chair - depending on the length of your legs.
But, these ergonomic chairs also offer more support on the seat cushion. This helps to prevent hip and back pain.
Ergonomic Chairs Prevent Slouching & Tech Neck
Two of the biggest posture-related issues you are at risk of at a desk job are slouching and tech neck - also referred to as forward head syndrome. Not only are these conditions painful, but they're also unsightly!
With an ergonomic chair that features good lumbar support along with a tall backrest - and ideally, a headrest - you can maintain a naturally aligned spine from top to bottom. These types of chairs allow you to sit back against the backrest and headrest, reminding you not to lean forward or stretch your head towards your computer screen.
But, there's more to these ergonomic chairs than just the backing. The adjustable seat depth also plays a role in preventing slouching. And, you can even adjust the angle or tilt of your seatback. This helps you sit back in your chair rather than forward - further eliminating the slouch.
Ergonomic Chairs Eliminate Trunk Flexion
In a traditional office chair, you're forced to lean forward to work at your desk. Whether you're reaching for a glass of water, a calculator, your phone, or anything else, this causes trunk flexion. This not only contributes to poor posture but can also result in back pain.
With an ergonomic chair, however, you're forced to sit more upright. This helps you grab things without having to lean forward at all. It sounds like a minor detail, but in the long run, it helps a ton.
Additional Benefits Of An Ergonomic Chair
As you can see, there is a myriad of ways an ergonomic office chair helps your posture. But, that's not all these chairs do. They also offer a few other noteworthy benefits. Here are some other secondary reasons a good ergonomic chair is such a great investment:
- These chairs increase blood circulation - Prolonged sitting causes not just issues with your posture, but issues with your heart health. This is because many chairs interfere with blood circulation. Ergonomic chairs are designed in a manner that increases blood circulation, keeping your heart healthy.
- These chairs increase productivity - The more comfortable and supported you are, the greater efficiency and productivity you'll enjoy. We're not just saying this, either. We've got studies to back it up!
- These chairs are just more comfortable - Besides just offering greater productivity and health benefits, these ergonomic chairs are just plain comfortable. You spend so much time in your chair that you deserve to be comfortable - and that's what these chairs offer.
Only The Best Ergonomic Chair Can Help Posture
Now that you're aware of all the ways an ergonomic chair helps posture, you're probably ready to pull the trigger and invest in your health and productivity. We want to stress the importance of finding a high-quality ergonomic office chair. They aren't all created equal. If you try and get by with a cheap chair, you'll pay for it in terms of productivity losses, discomfort, and incorrect posture.
There are so many different types of ergonomic chairs out there, each claiming to be the best. How can you tell which one is right for you?
If you want to shop in confidence, stick with the ergonomic adjustable chairs by ErgoTune. These are proven to keep you healthier and more productive. With a 4.7-star rating across 1,400 reviews, you don't just have to take our word for it, either. These chairs have been reviewed by top publications around the globe, too.
With 11 different points of adjustment, these chairs will fit you like a second skin. The built-in lumbar support adjusts to the natural curve of your spine. You can also adjust the seat depth and seat height, along with the adjustable armrests height and positioning
And, these chairs are built from a breathable, durable fabric that will offer comfortable use for years to come. Here are some of the most popular ErgoTune chairs:
These chairs are versatile, and can quite literally be used for any sort of seated activity. Don't take any chances - just stick with the best. Your posture, health, and productivity depend on it!
Final Thoughts On Ergonomic Chairs & Posture
Before we wrap things up, we want to talk about how to actually sit in your ergonomic chair. We know what you're thinking - you don't need to be taught how to sit. You just plop down in your chair and get to work!
But, to truly gain the posture-enhancing benefits of an ergonomic office chair, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here are some recommendations to maintain the ideal posture while staying productive and pain-free in your seat:
- Set the height of your chair such that your computer monitor is at eye level. You shouldn't have to move your head up or down on your screen. This keeps your cervical spine (neck) aligned.
- Sit up straight in your chair with your back against the backrest. If your chair has a headrest, use it. This keeps your whole spine aligned. It prevents slouching and forward head syndrome.
- Set your armrests (and your desk height) so that your arms are parallel to the floor when typing on your keyboard.
- Keep both feet flat on the floor when sitting. Do not cross your legs, either. Doing these two things allows for increased blood circulation - keeping your body pain-free and keeping your mind focused.
By investing in a good ergonomic office chair and following this advice, you'll maintain high productivity, stay pain-free in the long run, and help your posture.
