Kneeling chairs, often overlooked in the furniture world, offer a fascinating blend of ergonomic design and health benefits. These unique chairs are designed to enhance posture and reduce strain during long periods of sitting.
Whether you're an office worker, a home user, or anyone who spends a lot of time seated, understanding how to use knee chairs effectively can transform your sitting experience. Let's delve into the essentials of knee chairs and how to maximise their benefits.
Understanding Kneeling Chairs: What are They, and How do They Work?
Kneeling chairs are designed to shift a person’s weight across the body more evenly than traditional chairs. By promoting an angled sitting position that encourages a more dynamic form of sitting, these chairs help to align the spine properly, reducing the pressure on the lower back and distributing weight to the shins and knees.
This design encourages "active sitting," which engages your core muscles and supports better posture.
Setting Up Your Kneeling Chairs: Adjustments for Optimal Comfort
To reap the full benefits of a knee chair, proper setup is crucial. Kneeling chairs typically offer various adjustments to fit different body sizes and preferences. For instance, the Putnams Kneeling Chair features adjustable height and seat angle settings, allowing you to customise the chair for maximum comfort.
It’s important to adjust the seat so that your hips are slightly higher than your knees, promoting an open hip angle that fosters better spine alignment.
The Health Benefits: Why Switch to Kneeling Chairs?
Switching to a kneeling chair can have profound health benefits. Firstly, it naturally improves your posture by encouraging a forward pelvic position, which aligns the back, shoulders, and neck, alleviating common issues such as lower back pain and neck strain.
The active sitting position also stimulates blood circulation, which is essential for muscle health and efficiency. Users often report significant relief from back pain and an increase in focus and productivity.
Tips for Maximum Comfort and Efficiency with Kneeling Chairs
To get the most out of your knee chair, consider the following tips:
- Start Slowly: If you're new to knee chairs, gradually increase the time you spend sitting on one. Start with 30 minutes to an hour a day and gradually increase as your body adjusts.
- Use a Footrest: Adding a footrest can enhance comfort by providing additional support for your feet and aiding in further distribution of weight.
- Adjust Regularly: Regularly tweak the settings on your knee chair as your body and sitting preferences change. The Classic designed Ergonomic Posture Kneeling Chair offers easy adjustments for height and angle, ensuring you can always find your sweet spot.
- Combine with a Standing Desk: Alternating between a kneeling chair and standing desk can provide an optimal combination for those looking to avoid the pitfalls of prolonged sitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Kneeling Chairs
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure you enjoy all the benefits of your knee chair without any downsides:
- Not Adjusting the Chair Properly: Each user’s body is different, so it’s vital to adjust the chair specifically for your body type and desk setup.
- Sitting Too Long Without Breaks: Even with the improved posture that knee chairs offer, it’s important to take regular breaks and stretch to keep your muscles active and prevent stiffness.
- Using a Chair That Doesn’t Fit: Ensure the chair is suitable for your height and weight. The Affinity Kneeling Chair is ideal for users seeking a robust and adjustable design, supporting up to 6kg in weight and providing extensive padding.
Kneeling chairs are not just a novel alternative to traditional seating, but a serious tool for improving your health and productivity through better posture. Whether you choose the Putnams Kneeling Chair, the Classic Ergonomic Posture Chair, or the Affinity Kneeling Chair, each offers unique benefits designed to enhance your daily life by transforming the way you sit. Explore these options and find the perfect match to embrace the art of active sitting!
