It is often assumed that sitting is a relaxed position for the body; however, sitting for long stretches of time actually puts enormous stress on your shoulders and back. The key to relaxing your body while sitting is to maintain good posture. The chair in which you sit has the single greatest impact on your posture and, eventually, your productivity.
Here are some useful keys to choosing a desk chair that supports good posture and minimizes pain:
First, consider the place where you sit, also known as the seat pan. When trying a chair, sit down to confirm that the pan is wide enough for a comfortable fit, with at least an inch to spare. Your weight should also rest evenly across the pan to prevent points of pressure, and after sitting for an hour, the chair should still feel comfortable. The seat should not be too deep that it touches the back of your knees.
Secondly, look at the height of the chair. Any good office chair must have height adjustment capability. It is also best if you can adjust the height while in a seated position, to get the correct position. Good posture requires that both feet are placed firmly on the ground.
Thirdly, evaluate the backrest. The lumbar support is vital to a comfortable work chair. An adjustable back rest is a nice option, but not necessary. Without this feature, you need to find a chair that comfortably fits the curve of our back. It is also helpful to have a chair that will easily recline for different positions; it is hard on your body to be in a single position for an entire day.
Lastly, determine if you need armrests. When typing, it is important to properly support your arms and hands, without adding strain to your wrists. The more flexibility you have in the armrests, the better support you can achieve. The height of the armrests should definitely be adjustable. When set correctly, your bent elbows should rest on them while your arms are in a relaxed position at your sides. It can also be helpful, but is not necessary, to be able to move them entirely out of the way. Occasionally typing without the armrests can decrease the pressure on the ulnar nerve in your elbow.
A good office chair will encourage good posture, and protect you against pain and discomfort caused by poor body positioning. Use these tips to carefully evaluate your office work chair. An ergonomic chair that fits properly and adjusts to meet your needs can impact your comfort and productivity each day.
- C. Sumner







