Wondering how to use a kneeling chair? You're not alone. They're definitely unusual and not like other chairs, so how exactly do you use them properly?
Let’s look at how to use a kneeling chair correctly and whether they are actually good for you...
Let's get started!
What is a Kneeling Chair?
Kneeling chairs were invented in 1979 and are designed to offer support for the entire body. They provide users with a 110 degree angle from the buttocks to the back and a 60 to 70 degree angle from the thighs to the calves. In comparison, a traditional chair provides 90 degree angles.
This type of sitting can help us prevent the negative effects of sitting and offer a way to work without being tempted to slouch. A kneeling chair positions the shins and knees onto the padded rest which takes some of the weight and tension off of the back.
This supports good posture and will help to distribute your weight around the body. It can help to alleviate back pain and reduce the amount of compression and tension throughout the body in the joints, back, and organs.
Is a Kneeling Chair Good for You?
Bad posture can harm the body because of the compression in the spine, core, and other areas. In addition, since a kneeling chair distributes weight around the body, there is less stress that can lead to aches and pains.
In addition, kneeling chairs promote active sitting, especially when they are rocking kneeling chairs. Active sitting allows you to move while you are sitting which is great for overall health. Sitting is usually associated with a sedentary lifestyle, but active sitting challenges that assumption.
A rocking kneeling chair moves back and forth so that you can move while sitting (although it is also best to get up and move around in addition to sitting in a kneeling chair).
A kneeling chair will only be good for you if you use it correctly. Many people decide to buy a kneeling chair without knowing how to use one and that can lead to additional problems.
Read More >> Kneeling Chair Knee Pain [Causes + Solutions]
How to Use a Kneeling Chair
Kneeling chairs are a lot different than traditional office chairs and most of us are so used to sitting in a traditional chair that it can be difficult to adjust. First, it is important to note that despite the name, a kneeling chair will not put too much pressure on your knees. Instead, the shins rest on the “knee pad” and the body weight is distributed around the body.
When you first get a kneeling chair, you should not use it too much. If you go from sitting all day in a traditional chair to sitting all day in a kneeling chair with no adjustment, then you are likely to develop pains and aches. Instead, gradually increase the amount of time that you use the kneeling chair.
Read More >> Best Ergonomic Kneeling Chairs (2021 Review)
With that being said, a kneeling chair is actually not designed for all day prolonged sitting (neither is a traditional chair for that matter). Therefore, it is best to switch between sitting in a kneeling chair and standing and possibly even sitting in a traditional chair.
The kneeling chair will take pressure off your back and legs so that you do not have to use them the whole day while standing or sitting in a traditional chair.
Even if you gradually adjust to a kneeling chair, you may still feel some stiffness. This is particularly true with the core muscles that are used when active sitting in the kneeling chair.
This is another reason why it is not a good idea to use one for a prolonged period especially when you first get one. It may also help to do stretches and exercises to stay limber.
How to Adjust a Kneeling Chair
You should also be sure to adjust the chair correctly and the best options allow you to adjust the height and the angle of the seat. However, those options are few and far between, but you do want to make sure that the one that you choose can adjust to the correct height for your body type and size.
Tall people often have trouble with kneeling chairs. This is because the length of their legs pushes them too far up the seat or their feet do not have enough room between the floor and the bottom side of the seat cushion. Finding a chair with a large height range will make it more likely that you will find a comfortable and beneficial setting.
If you do not purchase a kneeling chair that has an angle adjustment feature for the seat, then you should find an option that has at least a 25 degree angle. In addition, you should always position the kneeling chair so that your computer or other work is right in front of you. You never want to twist your body while you are using a kneeling chair. Doing so can lead to pain and even moderate back injury.
What is the Best Kneeling Chair?
While this is a subjective statement, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you want to promote active sitting, then you want to purchase a chair that has a rocking feature. In addition, you want a chair that is comfortable which means a decent cushion should be available.
A thick cushion is not always good either though. While it may be comfortable, only some thick cushions offer adequate support. You want an option that has a significant amount of support for your back. Saddle seats may also be a good option, especially if you already suffer from lower back pain.
One of the best kneeling chairs on the market is the one with the original design called the Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair. The design of this chair is perfect for those looking for the health benefits of a kneeling chair because it moves the pelvis forward and promotes good posture. In addition, it offers an optimally angled seat and a modern design that looks good in the office.
The materials on all of the Varier chairs utilize the best quality. Their chairs are strong and durable and made for long-lasting use. The wood is also durable and strong while remaining flexible for comfort. The chair also has a rocking motion that can offer even more benefits to a motionless kneeling chair.
Read More >> Are Ergonomic Kneeling Chairs Worth It?
What is a Kneeling Chair Used For?
A kneeling chair can be used for a number of reasons. The most common reason that people buy kneeling chairs is for the reduction in back pain. When you use a kneeling chair it can provide your spine with good posture for its natural curvature. This can help to alleviate back pain caused by compression.
In addition, your body weight is distributed evenly throughout the legs, back, and shoulders when you sit in a kneeling chair. This can take some of the pressure off of the back and alleviate pain as well. A kneeling chair does not allow the user to slouch either which can be good for posture and pain relief.
A kneeling chair may also help to relieve hip pain. This is because it allows the hips to open up and it also decreases the amount of tension around the hip joints. Weight will not be placed directly on the hips and those options that have saddle seats can help to provide a large range of motion that can help with flexibility and strength in the hips.
A kneeling chair is also good for strengthening the muscles around the hips and lower back. This is because you have to maintain your own good posture. The active sitting and rocking motion can also help to build these muscles and prevent injury.
Read More >> Best Rocking Kneeling Chairs (2021 Review)
By reducing pain, a kneeling chair can be used to increase productivity. It is important to note that when you first change to a kneeling chair that you may require time to adjust to work without distraction. However, most people do not have a problem adjusting quickly and completing regular work while using their kneeling chair.
Pain influences productivity greatly and when a kneeling chair reduces pain, a user’s productivity should increase. A kneeling chair can also be used to aid your blood circulation. This can provide your mind with more energy and nutrients that can help improve your mood and help with productivity.
Finally, a kneeling chair can also be used for better breathing and digestion. This is because it is more difficult for our organs to function properly when the body is compressed or crunched up in a position used for traditional chairs. This may even be one of the reasons that there are so many health problems associated with prolonged sitting.
Final Thoughts on Using a Kneeling Chair
A kneeling chair can be used to alleviate pain in the back and hips which may indirectly improve your productivity and output. However, to achieve the health benefits associated with a kneeling chair, you will have to use it correctly. This means that the adjustments should match your size and body type. In addition, you should switch between a kneeling chair and standing and try not to use the kneeling chair for prolonged periods especially when you first make the switch from a traditional office chair.
