Imagine yourself at your desk, knocking out emails and taking names for client leads. Go you, you’re rocking it! Hopefully you’ve got your laptop up on a stand, you’re using an ergonomics mouse – YES! But wait…what are you sitting on? How much thought did you put into picking out that desk chair?
Before I dig into chairs and their many options, I need to highlight that sometimes your nagging neck or back pain may not be related to your chair! Instead it could be a postural problem (are you hips symmetrical?) or immobility problem (are you sitting too much!). In order to determine this, check out this article from PTX Therapy to evaluate if you even need a new chair!
Once you have decided to move forward with a purchase…
But when you’re chasing down a deadline, your glutes and legs are going to be killing you. Not to mention your back and neck muscles left without ergonomic support. I paint a grim picture, but don’t worry, I’m also here to tell you how to fix this!
Are you wondering what even makes a chair ergonomic? The answer: adjustability! Each body is different just like each workstation is different, so it’s really important that you are able to adjust the chair in many different ways. For example, the chair I’m using in the video is the ErgoCentric chair (purchased through Applied Ergonomics) and it can be adjusted SIX ways!
Make sure to check out the video, I demonstrate each one of these adjustments and what it will look like when adjusted correctly:
- Height adjustment allows you to be at the correct angle relative to your desk. We’re looking for that 90 degree bend in the elbows.
- Seat pan adjustment lets you find the optimal distance between the front of the seat and the back of your legs
- Seat pan tilt adjustment allows you to find the right tilt of the seat for your hips.
- Seat back tilt adjustment to find the comfortable angle for support on your back and the openness of your hips.
- Lumbar support adjustment is available by moving the seat back up or down until the support is in the right part of your back.
- Arm rest adjustment is important because if they are set incorrectly it will really increase the tension in your neck and shoulders. On this chair the arm rests can go up and down, in and out, and even swivel.
That is one impressive chair, don’t you think? Look at how many ways I was able to customize it to be the exact right ergonomic fit for me, or anybody really. Remember, adjustability leads to good ergonomics! Questions? Visit Applied Ergonomics and they will help you choose your perfect chair!
