In the burnout culture where super long hours at the office read commitment; instead of neck, shoulder, wrist and spine pain, we know better than to let it get the best of us. Spending approximately 13 to 17 hours of chair time is bound to mess up your posture, overall physique, and health. So, apart from trying to do your best outside of the office to not end up in chronic pain – try to do the same thing at the office by choosing chairs that agree with every individual’s needs.
Believe it or not, whether our bodies will be comfortable or not depends on our body shape and size, gender, generation, the way we carry ourselves, and plenty of other factors.
Here are a few things to have in mind when choosing the right work chair:
Pay Attention to Seat Height & Depth of the Chair
When seat height is adjusted correctly, your feet should be flat on the floor or footrest with your knees bent and thighs parallel to the ground. Your spine (the entire back) should be comfortably pressing the chair’s backrest, as well. The front edge of the seat and the back of your knees should have adequate space between them (width of 2-4 fingers). It’s essential your chair has an adjustable seat depth. It is the best and only way to achieve long-term comfort sitting in chairs that weren’t custom-made.
You Need Overall Adjustability
Unfortunately, with so many hours we spend sitting down, most of us don’t get to move as much as we should. When you move your body, it engages your muscles, reduces pressure on the spine, and increases blood flow to your brain. Even though you can’t walk around the office or your lab space much, you should have a chair that supports your body as you move left and right. So, next time you are designing your laboratory or your office space, opt for chairs with overall adjustability.
Go for Recline Gesture
Most of our weight concentrates at our lower back. Having a few extra pounds (as most of us do,) can usually cause both pain in the lower back and overall body discomfort. Being able to recline in your chair relieves some weight from your lower back as it supports the weight of your upper body. When your posture is appropriately aligned, you are more comfortable, and you don’t have to strain your neck, arms or eyes.
Armrest Matters
The modern design may suggest armrest doesn’t play a role, but – it does, more than you think. You’ll know a good office chair when your wrists lay comfortably at the desk surface, and your forearm, shoulders, and neck aren’t strained. The armrest’s height and width, as well as its pivot, and depth adjustability provide personalized support for your arms.
Lumbar Support Is Essential
Lumbar chair support is crucial, especially if you’ve got lower back issues or you share your chair with a few people. A fixed depth lumbar is acceptable if it adjusts vertically and fits you well. A chair without either an independently height-adjustable lumbar support or an adjustable back height may not suit many people.
No matter how passionate you are about your work, consider cutting back on the number of work hours, or find a chair that to sit in will be like heaven. Go custom – partner up with a team that can deliver solutions for your most specific needs.
