Kneeling chairs can be highly beneficial, but that is only the case when you use them correctly. In fact, if you improperly sit in a kneeling chair, it could do more harm than good.
One of the main considerations is how high the desk is when compared to your sitting position in the kneeling chair.
Before we look at how high the desk should be when you use a kneeling chair, let’s check out a brief overview of the benefits associated with using one.
Benefits of a Kneeling Chair
A great kneeling chair can provide your body with the right angles to encourage good posture. Sitting in these chairs also opens up the body and the hips and evenly distributes your weight to take pressure off of your joints, back, shoulders, and legs.
These chairs are often used to reduce back pain. This is because of the good posture that they promote. When you sit in a traditional office chair, after a while you are likely to start slouching and slumping which can lead to back pain. The weight is also all pressed onto your buttocks which can compress the back muscles and joints. A kneeling chair helps to maintain the natural curvature of your spine.
Good posture may also help you improve your blood circulation. This can be beneficial for the body and the mind and may even help to increase your production output. The reduced compression may also help you breathe easier which can supply more nutrients and oxygen to your brain. The reduced compression in the gut may allow you to process and digest food easily when compared with a traditional style of chair.
Kneeling Chair Desk Height
More and more people are choosing to use kneeling chairs, but that does not mean that they are using them correctly. Most options have a highly adjustable height, which makes it easier to use it correctly even if you do not have an adjustable desk (although I highly recommend a standing desk that you can use to alternate between using your kneeling chair and standing!).
You may find that the desktop height is vastly different for a kneeling chair than it is for a traditional office chair. While sitting in a comfortable position in a kneeling chair, you should be able to comfortably reach all of the materials you will need while you work. Make sure that pens, paper, mouse, and last, but definitely not least, coffee is well within reach and easily obtainable.
When you hold your arms out over the desktop, they should be slightly higher than the surface of the desk. You should be able to relax your arms comfortably on top of the desk. When you use the keyboard, you should not have to move your wrists or extend your arms uncomfortably.
It may feel uncomfortable at first and you may even be tempted to adjust the desk to a different height. However, in the long run, if your arms are able to comfortably rest on top of the desk and the keyboard, you will have better benefits and satisfaction with the kneeling chair experience.
Also, you will want to make sure that the angle of the seat allows you to reach the desktop and that it is also good for your spine. Typically, you will want a kneeling chair that has a 25 to 30 degree slope in the seat. This will allow you to lean a little bit forward so that your core is in front of your hips when you have the desk at the correct height. This also prevents you from sitting too far back into your seat.
One other thing to think about related to the desk is your distance from it. You should always have the kneeling chair facing it directly so that you do not have to twist your body and back to reach things. You also want to be able to reach the middle of the desk without extending your arms or stretching too far. Conversely, you do not want to crunch up your arms in order to rest your hands on the top of your keyboard.
This is a major problem with first time users of kneeling chairs. When you sit back further in the seat, you will be further away from the desk. This will often lead to improper desk or kneeling chair height. Try to ensure that you are properly sitting in the seat. But how do you do that?
How to Sit in a Kneeling Chair?
When you are trying to position the height of the chair when compared to the desk, you will want to sit into the chair. Never try to eyeball the height because this can be difficult even for people who are experienced in ergonomics and kneeling chairs.
When you sit into the chair, you should lower it until your knees rest on the knee and shin pads. This will allow you to put some weight onto them without putting too much pressure or weight onto any part of your body.
Also, every time you sit into the chair, it is important to double check the height of the kneeling chair and desktop. This is especially important if you are using the kneeling chair at different locations because it needs to be properly placed according to the exact user and desktop heights.
Read More >> Best Ergonomic Kneeling Chairs (2021 Review)
Tips for a First Time Kneeling Chair User
First of all, a kneeling chair can certainly take some getting used to. Most people are so used to sitting in a traditional chair that they have grown accustomed to it despite the negative health risks that are associated with prolonged sitting.
When you first start using a kneeling chair, you may find that it feels uncomfortable after a short period of time and you may even experience some minor pain. This is normal and it is just related to your body getting used to a new position.
However, you can reduce the discomfort and eliminate pain by just using it a little bit at first. Then, you can gradually increase the amount of time that you use it until you get to the amount you desire. Remember, though, that they are not designed for sitting all day (and neither are traditional office chairs).
It is also a good idea to find one that has a supportive cushion that is also comfortable. Many options have thick cushions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are good for you. You want one that will support and maintain the natural curvature of the spine, but that will not be too firm to become uncomfortable quickly.
Another thing to remember is that movement is the healthiest thing you can do while you are working at a desk. This means that you should get up and take walks or even do exercises throughout the day. But what about those times when you are sitting in the kneeling chair? Well, you can incorporate movement into that time as well.
Switch up your position. Instead of having the legs on the knee pad, for example, you can put them flat on the floor in front of you. Or you can try sitting with one leg on the pad at a time. All of this can keep you flexible and reduce the chance that you will develop any unnecessary aches and pains.
Read More >> Best Kneeling Chairs for Back Pain (2021 Review)
It is also important to note that not every chair will work for people of every height. Tall people have more problems finding one that suits them than average or short folks. The length of a tall person’s legs has a tendency to push them too far up the seat and sometimes it can be difficult for them to have the room for their lower legs and feet as well. You will want to make sure the chair has the right distance between the components to allow for comfort no matter what size you are.
Finally, the type of chair may be important for you as well. There are rocking kneeling chairs available to maximize movement and there are also options that will allow you to adjust more features.
Some options have angle adjustments for the seat or backrests. IT is important to remember that the kneeling chair itself is supposed to promote good posture and that the back rest is not really necessary. In fact, if you do have one that has a backrest, you do not want to use the backrest very often. You should only use it when taking small breaks. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of the kneeling chair when it comes to posture.
Final Thoughts on Kneeling Chair Desk Height
A lot of people do not know how to adjust their kneeling chair and desk to offer the greatest amount of comfort and ease of use. You should never have your arms or any other part of your body too far extended or compressed. Instead, you want to be able to relax in the kneeling chair and allow your arms to rest comfortably on top of the desk. Be sure to adjust your desk and kneeling chair accordingly to fit your body size and height and good luck!
