Everything from your spine to your neck and the angle of your wrists is affected by how you sit. You’re probably going to sit in your office chair for longer than you use your couch, so it will definitely affect your posture and the possibility of aches. Regularly sitting for extended periods of time is detrimental to health in the long term, causing problems as severe as dementia. Here are a few popular alternatives you can try:
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1. Standing Chairs and Desks
If you feel like sitting is not doing your back any favors, you can simply stand. Standing in the correct posture maintains the spine’s natural curve and any pressure on the lower back and neck. However, standing at work will be counterproductive if your desk is of a standard low height, so getting a standing desk can be beneficial. Such desks are meant to be used when standing. If you work for slightly longer periods of time, you can invest in a standing chair. These come with a horizontal platform on which you stand, a height-adjustable pole, and an adjustable back pad to give a person support while standing.
2. Kneeling Chairs
These come with an angled seat, no back support, and a knee resting pad. Using a kneeling chair keeps the core engaged as one needs to keep micro-adjusting their posture. A straight, unsupported back keeps the pressure off the lower back, and the lack of a straight seat distributes the weight more evenly across thighs and shins. Both the standing desks and kneeling chairs are beneficial in how they keep the abdominal area open. You can read their comparison here.
3. Saddle Stools
Sitting on saddle chairs works like sitting on a horse’s saddle, though the opening angle is smaller. The height of these stools can be varied, and the seat is tilt adjustable. The open hip angle because of the tiltable seat lets you lean forward straighter without rounding your shoulders, and the lack of a backrest keeps the core engaged. Unlike conventional chairs, these chairs allow you to get closer to your work and don’t force you to sit static.
4. Exercise Ball
If your office time isn’t very long, you can use an exercise ball for sitting. Exercise balls are well known for how they can help in mild workouts and with posture adjustment. While sitting on them, the continuous adjustments to balance you’ll have to make will keep your muscles engaged. There are balance ball chairs that come with a backrest so you can extend the time you spend sitting on them.
Endnote
It is no secret that sitting for prolonged periods can be detrimental to joint, muscle, and spine health. Explore your options, especially if you’re uncomfortable with that ergonomic office chair. If you want to ditch conventional sitting for good and would rather stand or use the exercise ball, you’ll find a detailed comparison of a stand up desk vs exercise ball here. We will not recommend using just one option. Switching between sitting and standing, or your office chair and an exercise ball, can let you ensure that you do not get tired and keep yourself engaged at the same time.
