What Makes An Office Chair Ergonomic?
Interested in ergonomic chairs and what makes an office chair ergonomic?
In this article, I will go over the key characteristics of chairs, and share what makes them ergonomic and provide answers to some of your most asked questions.
Ergonomics Explained
Finding a chair that will allow you to be your most productive is a necessity when spending hours behind a desk.
That’s why ergonomic chairs are a must, allowing users to sit in a position that’s beneficial for their health.
Below, we’ll go over ergonomics, and what it means for your office sitting needs.
What Does Ergonomic Mean?
Ergonomics is a science, one that fuses technology with humanity.
In ergonomics, experts take a look at technology and biotechnology to try and work out the most comfortable and safe postures and positions to support the human body.
When talking about chairs, those that are ergonomically designed take the human body into consideration, with each angle there to support the body for maximum comfort, correct posture, and limited effects on the spine and muscular health.
Read More >> Are Ergonomic Chairs Better than Gaming Chairs?
Key Characteristics of Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic chairs might come in a number of designs, though there are a few key things that each one has.
Though there are a number of parts to an ergonomic chair, all of which are made for your utmost comfort, they only work effectively if you’re properly seated and know how to use it.
To correctly use your chair, you should:
- Keep an arm’s length away from your computer screen
- Sit up straight Keep your neck neutral and screen at eye level
- Keep both feet flat on the floor
All of these are necessary to have the best experience when you’re spending hours behind your desk, though it’s also critical to know the features of an ergonomic chair and how to adjust them.
There are many adjustable areas with an ergonomic chair, all of which we’ve included below.
Adjustable Seat:
One of the most important parts of an ergonomic chair is the seat. It’s adjustable in a number of ways, including the height, the depth, and the tilt.
When it comes to adjusting the seat, be sure that you have it at a height that will allow you to have your feet flat on the ground.
When it comes to the depth, the seat should be deep enough to fall near the back of your knees without putting pressure on them.
Tilt is also important, as anyone who sits long is at risk for anterior pelvic tilt.
The tilt of your chair should be one that allows the spine to rest neutrally, keeping the knees and ankles aligned too.
Lumbar Support:
The spine makes a natural “S” shape, keeping everything properly aligned and minimizing pressure.
Lumbar support works to fit perfectly with the “S” shape, following the natural curves of the spine to reduce slouching and overall stress on the spine.
Backrest Recline:
Not everyone’s spine is the same, which is why no two chairs will fit perfectly.
With a backrest recline, users can adjust their chair to their spine, adjusting it throughout the day when they need more or less support.
Read More >> Top 5 Best High Back Office Chairs
Swivel:
A swivel feature is fun but it’s also helpful for the spine and the muscles. Swivel will move around with your movements, allowing you to reach and spin to get the most use out of your chair while in the office.
Armrests:
Armrests are there to ease tension in the shoulders, though they’re not recommended if a big part of your job is typing.
Make sure to use them only if you need some relief in your shoulders and avoid using them throughout the day if your number one task is typing.
Read More >> Best Office Chairs for Programmers and Developers
Headrest:
A proper headrest is necessary to support the head and provide the proper angle for the head and neck when looking at a computer screen.
How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair?
Once you’re ready to choose your ergonomic chair, there are some key things that you should consider.
Keep in mind that if you have any pain in the muscles or joints, you should first talk to your doctor about your options.
Making sure there are not any underlying conditions. When choosing an ergonomic chair, make sure to:
Check out the features:
Make sure that you can adjust the chair of your choice in a number of ways that will allow you to get the fit you want.
Consider your budget:
Ergonomic chairs come in all shapes and sizes, falling into many different price ranges.
Before taking off its shop, it’s worth it to first consider your budget, finding one that you’re comfortable spending for your new chair.
Read More >> Standing Desk vs Ergonomic Chair (Which is Better?)
Consider the size:
If you’re in a cramped office space, the last thing you need is a large chair that will take up all the space.
Instead, find one that works for the area you’re hunting for, making sure it fits perfectly where you need it to.
Try before you buy:
Before you purchase your chair, it’s a good idea to first give it a try.
Adjust it to your liking and sit down, seeing how it feels in key areas like your back and your neck.
This could be your make or break when deciding between more than one chair, making it an important part of the process.
Final Thoughts on What Makes An Office Chair Ergonomic
Ergonomic chairs are rising in popularity, especially as more and more jobs more online. The internet has revolutionized the way that we do work, which is why chairs need a bit of updating.
To save your back, posture, and overall health, an ergonomic chair is recommended for your office.
The characteristics that make a chair ergonomic include areas like the seat, the headrest, and the armrest, all of which work together to create the perfect sit for a long day’s work.
Before purchasing your ergonomic chair, it’s recommended to first give it a sit, adjusting it to your liking and making sure it’s the fit you’re looking for.
