If you are having problem while using an ergonomic office chair, you likely don’t know how to sit in it right. Join FittingChairs in this article to find out how to sit in ergonomic chair properly.
How to sit in ergonomic chair?
You may own an ergonomic chair right now. But do you really know how to sit in ergonomic chair properly?
Here are some tips on how to sit in an ergonomic chair properly:
Place your upper arms parallel to your spine
The first tip for how to sit in ergonomic chair is when sitting at your desk, your upper arms should be comfortably placed parallel to your spine and your forearms and hands rested on the work surface.
Your elbows should be bent at a 90° angle. If they are not, adjust your ergonomic office chairs higher or lower as necessary.
Placing your arms unusually high or low will cause pain for your shoulder joints and the upper back.
Raise your chair to support your sit-to-stand movement.
Boost your feet for support
A perfect seat height is a level at which you can easily place both feet on the ground and bend your knees and hips at a 90° angle.
If your seat position is too low, you will end up bending your upper body more while attempting to get up, increasing stress on your hips, knees, and ankle joints.
Adjust your work surface to match your height
If you are tall and have to bend forward to type on your keyboard or read printed material, consider raising the height of your workstation or desk.
This will allow you to raise to a more suitable chair height, which will reduce strain on your back.
Measure the depth of your seat
This is an important tip for how to sit in ergonomic chair. Having the correct seat depth can make a difference in your back pain. Seat depth refers to the length between the back edge and the front edge of your seat.
To check for proper seat depth, sit all the way back in your chair first. Then, check the room between the front edge of your chair and your calves by making a fist and bringing it to the edge of the chair and pushing it on the calf.
If you can fit your full fist between the front edge of the chair and your calf, you likely have enough space for blood flowing.
If not, your chair is likely too deep.
An ergonomic is a possible solution to this problem.
Adjust your chair’s swivel and back support
The next step for how to sit properly in an ergonomic chair is to adjust your chair’s swivel and back support. Your ergonomic chair should provide back support by angling up to or just past 90°.
Some chairs may have excessive swivel and recline options, which can be locked to prevent the chair from tipping back.
Others also offer lower back support with an adjustable band that can be moved up or down to fit in the small of your back for extra support.
Re-evaluate your sitting posture
Maintaining an ergonomically supported posture is critical to good spine health.
Try to press your bottom against the back of the chair, and avoid slumping or slouching, which can place extra stress on your lumbar discs and other structures of the lower back.
You should take a break and move around or walk a short distance every 30 minutes to an hour.
Watch the height of your screen
This step is for how to sit in ergonomic chair so that it’s suitable to your screen’s height.
Once your chair has been adjusted to the height of the table, your legs have gotten comfortable and your back is supported, face forward with your eyes looking at the center of your computer screen.
Adjust the screen so it is level with your gaze.
Adjust your armrest to support your shoulders
And the last tip for how to sit in ergonomic chair is to adjust your armrests to support your shoulder.
Armrests can reduce neck and shoulder strain and diminishing the likelihood of slouching forward in your chair.
Adjust your chair’s armrest to the point where your arms are slightly lifted at the shoulders to support just the elbow and take the weight off the shoulders.
How to adjust ergonomic chair?
If you have an ergonomic office chair and you are experiencing discomfort, you are not using your chair correctly.
In order to get the benefits of an ergonomic office chair, you must know how to sit in ergonomic chair and adjust it properly.
Seat height
To adjust your ergonomic office chair to fit you, change your seat height. Your feet should be flat on the ground with your legs bent at a 90° angle.
If your chair is unable to adjust low enough, you can use a footrest.
Seat depth
If your chair has an adjustable seat pan, you will want to adjust this properly.
Make sure to adjust the seat so that there is at least one inch between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees, with your back flat against the backrest.
Backrest
Most chairs will have varying backrest adjustments. If your chair has backrest height, move the back so that the lumbar area fits into your lower back.
Adjust the backrest tension so that it provides support, allowing you to move freely.
Lumbar
If your chair has lumbar depth, adjust it according to your liking.
Some chairs have built-in lumbar, while others allow you to adjust it. The lumbar support should sit at your lower back.
Armrests
If your armrests have width or can pivot, move these until they fit you comfortably. Make sure your armrests are always at the same height.
They should sit at about elbow height when your arms are vertically against your sides.
Headrest
For chairs with a headrest, adjust the headrest to the base of the back of your head so that your head should not feel like it’s being pushed forward or downward.
Best posture for sitting at a desk all day
Having the good posture for sitting at a desk all day is important. Poor posture can change the shape of your spine and cause physical issues.
Here are some tips that improve your posture at your desk all day:
- Don’t cross your legs, knees, or ankles
- Keep your shoulders back and your back straight
- Never sit for long periods of time
- Don’t sit in the same position for too long
- Find an adjustable ergonomic chair that has adjustment features
See more:
- What is ergonomics
- What is ergonomic hazard
- How often might ergonomic training be offered in the workplace
After knowing how to sit in ergonomic chair, you should correct sitting posture to improve your health as well as your spine’s shape. Follow FittingChairs for more information.
