Kneeling chairs, the unique seating wonders, have steadily gained popularity for their myriad benefits, especially in contemporary workplaces. They may sport an unconventional design, but that’s precisely where their magic lies.
Beyond their appearance, kneeling chairs promise an array of advantages that can transform your seating experience. But before we dive into these benefits, let's first understand the essence of a kneeling chair and what sets it apart.
What is a Kneeling Chair?
A kneeling chair is an ergonomic chair that promotes a unique sitting posture, with the user's hips angled forward and their knees resting on a lower pad while their weight is distributed between the seat and the knee rest. The chair allows the thighs to incline to around 60° or 70° from the vertical while the user sits.
Compared to traditional ergonomic office chairs, kneeling chairs sit at about 110° with rounded legs, which may or may not have a backrest. They feature two pads on the top of the rounded legs to allow you to rest your knees. Thus, your thighs are not parallel to the floor, nor are your feet flat on the floor when seated. This allows for an active seating posture with several benefits.
9 Benefits of a Kneeling Chair
There are several interesting benefits of using a kneeling chair. From active sitting to a healthy posture and increased productivity. See the full list below:
1. Improved Posture
One of the most significant benefits of a kneeling chair is its ability to promote good posture. Aligning the spine, pelvis, and neck in a natural position reduces the strain on the back and neck muscles. This is unlike the traditional chair that has a 90° and encourages slouching. Similarly, without the need for a backrest, the kneeling chair spreads your weight evenly between your legs and buttocks.
2. Reduced Lower Back Pain
Sitting in a traditional office chair for extended periods can lead to lower back pain. A kneeling chair can help alleviate this discomfort. By distributing the body's weight between the seat and knee pad, a kneeling chair eases the pressure on the lumbar region, relieving strain and tension on the lower back muscles.
3. Enhanced Core Strength
Using a kneeling chair engages the core muscles to stabilise the body in the kneeling position. Over time, this can improve core strength and stability, contributing to better overall posture and reduced risk of back injuries. Specifically, the back and abdominal muscles benefit more from increased strength with the angled legs. Besides kneeling chairs, height-adjustable desks also do an excellent job of helping you build core strength.
4. Active Sitting
Kneeling chairs promotes active sitting. The kneeling position keeps the body slightly off balance, enabling subtle movements and weight shifts. This is important to avoid sedentary behaviour, which has significant negative health implications.
Active sitting engages various muscle groups, improving circulation and preventing stiffness resulting from static sitting. Also, the curved button of kneeling chairs allows for a gentle rocking motion that keeps you active.
Other alternatives to kneeling chairs for active sitting include ball chairs, which engage your core muscles; saddle seats, designed to reduce pressure on your spine; and task chairs, offering customisable support for extended comfort during work hours.
5. Increased Concentration and Focus
The ergonomic design of a kneeling chair promotes proper blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. By increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, this improved circulation can enhance concentration, focus, and overall cognitive function.
6. Improved Breathing
The forward-tilted position of a kneeling chair opens up the chest, allowing for deeper, unrestricted breathing. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience shallow breathing or spend long hours sitting in a fixed position. In a regular office chair, the diaphragm is compressed, especially when you slouch, restricting the ease of breathing.
7. Hip Joint Relief
Kneeling chairs reduce the pressure placed on the hip joints compared to traditional chairs. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other joint-related conditions, as it minimises discomfort and helps maintain joint health.
8. Increased Productivity
The enhanced comfort and support provided by kneeling chairs bring increased productivity. By reducing physical discomfort and fatigue, you can focus on your work or the tasks at hand. Active sitting, optimal breathing, and healthy blood circulation are essential to boost productivity.
Boost your productivity while working from home by checking out my specialised guide for more valuable tips.
9. Versatility and Portability
Kneeling chairs are typically lightweight and portable, allowing you to easily move them between different workstations or use them in various settings. Their compact size also makes them a practical choice for home offices, shared workspaces, or any environment where flexibility is desired.
How to Use a Kneeling Chair?
Using a kneeling chair is easy and can provide you with ergonomic benefits. Here's how to use one effectively:
- Adjust the Chair Height: Start by adjusting the height of the kneeling chair so that your knees comfortably rest on the lower pad while your shins rest on the upper pad. This position helps distribute your body weight evenly and reduces pressure on your lower back.
- Kneel and Sit: Kneel in front of the chair and carefully sit back on your heels, positioning your shins and knees on the pads. Keep your feet relaxed and hanging behind you. Your hips should be slightly tilted forward.
- Maintain Posture: Sit upright with your spine in a neutral position. Engage your core muscles to support your back and maintain good posture. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.
- Adjust the Angle: Some kneeling chairs allow you to adjust the angle between the seat and the knee pads. Find a comfortable angle that works for you, balancing between comfort and proper alignment.
- Use a Cushion: If the kneeling chair doesn't have padding, you can use a cushion on the seat for added comfort.
- Take Breaks: While kneeling chairs promote better posture and comfort, it's still important to take regular breaks. Stand up, stretch, and walk around to prevent any stiffness or discomfort.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels while using the kneeling chair. If you experience any discomfort or pain, make adjustments to the chair's settings or consider alternating between the kneeling chair and a traditional chair.
- Gradual Adaptation: If you're new to using a kneeling chair, give your body time to adapt. Start with shorter periods and gradually increase the duration as your muscles get accustomed to the new sitting posture.
Individual comfort and preferences vary, so don't hesitate to experiment with the chair's settings to find the best fit for your body. Using a kneeling chair correctly can help reduce strain on your back and improve your overall sitting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the use of kneeling chairs.
Are kneeling chairs suitable for everyone?
Kneeling chairs are generally suitable for most individuals; however, personal comfort and physical conditions can vary. Some people find kneeling chairs more comfortable than traditional chairs, while others may need an adjustment period to adapt to the new sitting position. People with existing knee or ankle issues should consult a healthcare professional before using a kneeling chair.
Can kneeling chairs help alleviate back pain?
Yes, kneeling chairs are designed to alleviate back pain by promoting better posture and reducing stress on the lower back. The kneeling position encourages the spine to maintain its natural S-curve, which can help relieve pressure on the lumbar region. However, it's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and those with chronic back conditions should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
How do I adjust a kneeling chair for proper ergonomics?
To optimise the ergonomics of a kneeling chair, adjust its height to ensure your knees rest comfortably on the lower pad and shins on the upper pad while maintaining a forward hip tilt. Then, adopt a kneeling position with neutral spine alignment—if possible, experiment with the angle to find the most supportive configuration. Let your feet hang naturally behind you, engaging your core muscles to uphold an upright posture and tailor the adjustments to your body's proportions.
Are kneeling chairs suitable for long hours of sitting?
Kneeling chairs can be suitable for extended periods of sitting, but it's important to take regular breaks and vary your posture. Even with the ergonomic design, sitting in one position for too long can cause discomfort or strain. We recommend alternating between sitting on the kneeling chair and standing or walking throughout the day to promote circulation and reduce the risk of prolonged sitting-related issues.
The Final Lean
While kneeling chairs may require an adjustment period to get accustomed to the kneeling posture, their benefits outweigh any initial discomfort. As with any ergonomic seating solution, finding the right fit and adjusting the chair to suit individual preferences and body proportions is essential.
A kneeling chair offers surprising advantages for those seeking an alternative to traditional seating options, ultimately promoting better posture, reduced pain, and improved overall well-being and productivity.
