Finding the Perfect Ergonomic Chair {A Relaxing Way to Sit}
Do you spend hours sitting in front of your computer? Many people assumed that sitting is a relaxing for the body; however, sitting for too long can strain your shoulders and back. The key to relaxing your muscles while sitting is to maintain good posture. Finding the right ergonomic chair can have an enormous impact on your posture and your productivity.
The perfect ergonomic chair is one that can be adjusted to fit your body comfortably and encourages good posture by its very shape and design. You may need to try several different ergonomic chair designs and styles to find a good fit. Here are some tips to determine which chair is right for you.
Seat Pan: Start by sitting down in the chair. Do you feel comfortable? It should be wide enough to leave a few inches of space on each side of your hips. Also, make sure the seat pan is not so deep that it puts pressure on the back of your knees. Finally, your weight should feel evenly distributed across the seat with no pressure points. If this sitting test reveals any problems, move on to the next chair.
Chair Height: It is important that the ergonomic chair you choose can easily be adjusted to fit your height. While sitting up straight, your feet rest firmly on the floor. You also can use a foot rest, too, if your feet don’t rest comfortably on the ground.
Back Rest: To provide proper support for good posture, you need to find an ergonomic chair with a back rest that fits the contours of your spine. Some back rests are adjustable so that you can raise or lower you back rest to find the best fit. However, ultimately the most important feature of your chair is the lumbar support. Make sure you have enough support in your lower back. For a quick fix, you can add a rolled towel or portable lumbar support.
Armrests: While it may seem a small issue, your armrests on your chair can impact your posture and comfort. Your armrests should only be used for periods of rest, not while you are actively typing. Your arms need to have complete movement at the elbow while typing and your shoulders should be relaxed. Using your armrests too much can cause pressure on the ulnar nerve in your elbow. If your armrests are too firm and cause pain, you can try using padded armrest covers.
A well-adjusted, supportive, ergonomic chair can greatly impact your energy, comfort and productivity each day. Take the time to find the right ergonomic chair, and adjust it to fit your body. You can also use additional tools, such as portable lumbar support or a foot rest, to create a better fit. A good, ergonomic chair will help you maintain good posture and make your sitting more relaxed and productive.