Once you have chosen an ergonomic office chair, you have already taken the first big step towards a more comfortable way of working. But truly ergonomic working goes beyond choosing an ergonomic office chair. To really reap the benefits, there are a number of things you can take into account when you start using your chair. We offer 7 tips for an optimal sitting posture. This will allow you to take full advantage of the ergonomics of your new office chair:
1. Adjusting the seat height correctly
The correct sitting posture starts with setting the right seat height for your body. When you sit down in your office chair, your knees should be at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. This ensures that your legs are at a right angle to the floor and prevents the muscles and blood vessels in your lower legs from being pinched. This correct angle also minimizes shear forces, allowing you to remain seated comfortably.
2. Adjusting the seat depth correctly
The correct seat depth is just as important for providing good support for your legs and lower body. An ergonomic office chair usually offers the option of adjusting the seat so that the correct distance can be set for your height. A seat that is too short is uncomfortable, and a seat that is too long can cause pinching in the lower legs when they rest too much on the edge of the seat.
There is a literal rule of thumb for the correct setting: there should be a fist's width of space between the seat and your lower legs. By adjusting your office chair so that this space is available, you can be sure that you are sitting correctly.
3. Choosing the right height for the backrest
Is your lower body well supported thanks to the correct settings? Then it is important to pay attention to your back. Depending on the length and shape of your back, the backrest will need to be set higher or lower. The lumbar support should be adjusted so that the curve starts at approximately the waistband. This allows the curve to fill the hollow of your spine exactly, providing the necessary support.
4. Loosen the backrest
Some ergonomic office chairs offer the option of loosening the backrest. This allows it to move with your body when you move forward or backward while sitting. As a result, the backrest always provides the right support, unlike standard backrests that are fixed in position. This is good for your back. You maintain support at all times, while your body still has to help slightly to maintain balance. And that slight activity is beneficial for your body, especially when you sit for long periods of time every day.
5. Utilize armrests
The armrests of an ergonomic office chair should not be overlooked. When positioned correctly, they provide the necessary support for your arms and prevent neck, shoulder, and wrist complaints. Adjust them so that your forearms just touch the armrests when you sit in the chair with your shoulders relaxed. Also, make sure they are set far enough back so that they do not hit the edge of your desk when you pull up to it.
6. Sit upright in your ergonomic office chair.
Have you optimally adjusted your ergonomic office chair using our tips? Then make sure you sit upright in it. Sitting upright prevents your body from slumping and your lungs and intestines from being compressed, which can have a negative effect on your vitality. What's more, the office chair can provide you with the best support when you adopt this upright posture. All the elements that you have just adjusted to the optimal position will work best when you sit upright. This ensures that you get the most out of your comfortable office chair.
7. Take a close look at the rest of the work environment
An optimally adjusted office chair is just the beginning of ergonomic working. If you want to really reap the benefits, it is wise to also choose a matching ergonomic desk. This allows you to adjust the desk completely to your own body, so that you can work at the correct height. Would you rather not sit all day? Then a sit-stand workstation is the solution. This allows you to vary your posture and gives your body more movement during the working day.
In addition to an ergonomic office chair and matching desk, ergonomic working naturally goes even further. Do you want to fully pursue this healthy way of working? Then read our blog with 7 tips for ergonomic working!