A Guide to Kneeling Chairs: Pros, Cons and How to Use Them

The original kneeling chair was created back in 1979 by Hans Christian Mengshoel, and it went by the name Balans chair. This design revolutionized traditional office chairs, introducing a new way of sitting that has since gained popularity. Today, these chairs are characterized by their unique kneeling posture, which sets them apart from conventional office seating. As employees seek innovative ways to alleviate the physical strain of desk jobs, kneeling chairs are becoming increasingly common in workplaces. But are they truly a viable solution for reducing discomfort and improving posture? And how exactly should they be used? This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of kneeling chairs, helping you determine whether they could enhance your office environment. --- ### **What is a Kneeling Chair?** When you first lay eyes on a kneeling chair, you'll immediately notice its distinct design compared to typical office chairs. It features two padded areas—one for the bottom and another for the shins. Unlike standard office chairs, the feet usually don't touch the ground. With no backrest, users distribute their body weight forward onto their knees and shins. This evenly spreads the load, reducing pressure on the lower back and thighs. In fact, the shins and knees bear approximately 20% of the total weight, helping to relieve stress on the back and promote better posture. A standard office chair positions you at a 90-degree angle, with most of your weight resting on your bottom and the backs of your thighs. A kneeling chair lowers your thighs, creating a wider angle—typically around 60 or 70 degrees—between your lower back and thighs. This design not only reduces strain on your lower back but also keeps your core muscles engaged, encouraging a more active sitting posture. Kneeling chairs are compact and can easily be tucked under your desk, keeping your workspace tidy. --- ### **How to Use a Kneeling Chair Properly** Sitting on a kneeling chair requires proper technique to avoid worsening your posture. Follow these steps to ensure you're using it effectively: 1. **Sit Normally**: Begin by sitting on the chair like you would on any other, with your bottom on the seat and your legs flat on the floor. 2. **Get Comfortable**: Adjust your position until you feel relaxed. It might take some time to get accustomed to the new seating style. 3. **Position Your Legs**: Lift your legs and place your knees on the pads provided. At first, this position might feel odd because your muscles aren't used to it. Over time, though, you'll adapt and find a comfortable, neutral stance. Your knees shouldn't carry the full brunt of your weight; your bottom should still do most of the supporting work. However, the chair's design supports your back and alleviates some spinal pressure. If your knees start to hurt, check your posture to ensure your bottom is fully seated rather than perched on the edge. If you're taller, your legs might not fit comfortably on the shin pads. Many kneeling chairs are adjustable, so you should be able to modify the chair to suit your height. Switch up your seating position throughout the day. Start with both knees on the pads, then remove one leg at a time, alternating sides. Also, alternate between your kneeling chair, a regular office chair, and a standing desk whenever possible. This ensures all parts of your body remain active and mobile. --- ### **Pros and Cons of Kneeling Chairs** #### **Benefits** - **Pelvic and Hip Alignment**: Kneeling chairs open your hips and pelvis, aligning your spine, back, neck, and shoulders for improved posture. This also enhances digestion by relieving compression on your internal organs. - **Core and Back Muscle Development**: Without a backrest, your body engages your back and abdominal muscles, strengthening them over time. - **Reduced Spinal Pressure**: Traditional office chairs encourage slouching, which can cause long-term back and neck pain. Kneeling chairs relieve these areas, giving them a break. - **Focus on Work**: Aches and pains can be distracting. Using a kneeling chair minimizes discomfort, allowing you to focus better on your tasks. #### **Drawbacks** - **Restricted Leg Movement**: Kneeling chairs limit leg mobility, leaving your legs suspended in mid-air. Extended periods like this can lead to circulation issues. - **Pressure on Knees and Shins**: Limited leg movement increases strain on your knees and shins. Overuse can result in cramps and aches. - **Practicality Issues**: Office swivel chairs offer free movement and easy access to nearby items. Kneeling chairs lack this practicality, restricting your ability to move freely. --- ### **Are Kneeling Chairs Good for You?** To some, kneeling chairs seem unnatural, but what impact do they really have on our bodies? Are they a solution to chronic back pain and poor posture, or just a fleeting trend? Let’s examine the evidence. #### **Back Pain Relief** If you experience back pain, a kneeling chair might help ease your symptoms. Designed to create a slight arch in your back, the chair positions your hips differently. Since your hips connect to your lower back muscles, improper posture is a major contributor to lower back pain. By angling your hips correctly, the chair reduces pressure on the facet joints, providing more movement and a more natural sitting position. Additionally, your lower back doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you upright, which relieves pain. Instead, your vertebrae stack properly, offering the necessary support. Research published in the *Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine* supports this claim, showing that kneeling chairs reduce excessive inward curvature of the spine (lordosis) in both healthy individuals and those with lower back pain. #### **Posture Improvement** Traditional office chairs offer extensive back support, which is beneficial but means your body doesn’t engage its muscles to stay upright. As a result, people tend to slump. Kneeling chairs force your core muscles to work harder and stay engaged to maintain an upright position. Over time, you’ll likely notice improvements in your core strength after using the chair consistently. However, those with pre-existing knee problems might find kneeling chairs uncomfortable, as they place extra strain on this area. For individuals without knee issues, this isn’t a concern. Better posture could also positively affect organ function, boosting productivity. Sitting upright allows your lungs to take in more air, and your heart can circulate blood more efficiently. Increased oxygen flow can enhance brain activity, making you more alert and productive throughout the day. Another study published in the *Studies in Health Technology and Information* found that kneeling chairs maintain greater lumbar curvature than standard office chairs, suggesting potential benefits for back health. --- ### **Should You Buy a Kneeling Chair?** If you're considering purchasing kneeling chairs for your office, there are key factors to consider. The chair must comply with DSE (Display Screen Equipment) standards, which require: - Stability and easy movement with a comfortable seating position. - Adjustable height and tilt, along with a footrest for those who need one. - A standard office chair with a five-star base for every employee. Thus, kneeling chairs should complement, not replace, regular office chairs. Employees should be able to switch between the two regularly. The goal is to vary seating styles throughout the day to maximize comfort and health. By understanding the benefits and limitations of kneeling chairs, you can decide whether they’re right for your workspace.

For Homeware

Homewares,Seat Cushion,Soft Pillow,Home Organizer

Ningbo Yinzhou Hengxi Winbate Household Product Manufacturer , https://www.winbate.com