Ergonomic Kneeling Chairs – Are They Worth It?

At first sight, kneeling chairs might seem like a really unusual way to sit. But what exactly do they do to our bodies? Are they the solution for bad back pain and poor posture, or are they just a passing trend in office furniture? We take a look at everything to do with kneeling chairs and if they’re worth your time and investment.

What is a Kneeling Chair?

Before we begin, let’s quickly talk about what a kneeling chair is. Afterall, they’re a bit different from your standard office chair! 

A kneeling chair is a type of chair designed to encourage a more ergonomic sitting position. It has a seat and knee rests which let you sit and position your hips forward, with your knees resting on a pad below. So for example, a regular office chair will likely have you sitting at a 90 degree angle, whereas a kneeling chair will drop your thighs. The whole idea is that you’re distributing your body weight more evenly, helping to reduce pressure on your lower back and thighs.

Are They Good for Your Back?

With less pressure on your lower back and thighs, a kneeling chair is good for your back then right? Yes, we think so anyway. Due to the way you’re positioned in a kneeling chair and the fact there’s no back rest, there’s no possible way of being able to slouch. And slouching in an office chair can cause all sorts of issues with the spine – especially when it’s done over long periods of time. So if you find yourself slumped in an office chair for 8 or more hours every day, a kneeling chair may well be the answer your back is looking for!

Are They Bad for Your Knees?

We’ve established that kneeling chairs are good for your back. But is that at the cost of your shins and knees? We think it depends. For example, a high quality kneeling chair which is intended to be used in shorter bursts shouldn’t cause you any issues. 

But if the knee rests are not well-padded, or if the chair is not properly adjusted to your body, it’s entirely possible that your knees may start to feel some discomfort, especially during prolonged use. So if you have any concerns about your knees, we’d simply avoid using one and opt for an ergonomic office chair, which may be a more suitable choice.

How Long Should You Be Sitting in a Kneeling Chair for?

One thing health professionals all agree on is that moving regularly is good for you. And as a kneeling chair is designed to promote active sitting, experts recommend using one for no more than 2 hours at a time. This is to help prevent overloading specific muscles (or joints) and provide a balance between different sitting postures.

While some individuals may find it comfortable sitting in a kneeling chair for extended periods, it should be known that they’re ideal alternatives to regular office chairs, rather than a straight replacement.

Where Can I Buy an Ergonomic Kneeling Chair?

Right here at Ergo Outlet! We sell the Infinity Kneeling Posture Chair, a standout in the world of ergonomic seating. Its unique infinity-shaped design not only looks good but also ensures comfort by encouraging a more natural body posture.

Conclusion

All in all, are kneeling chairs worth it then? While not suited to everyone, we do think they’re a great way to address and improve your posture, spinal alignment, and back pain. As with any ergonomic solution, individual preferences and needs vary, so if you’re unsure, we’d always suggest trying a kneeling chair first before committing to it for regular use. Feel free to contact us if you need any help.