Extreme Makeovers for Sitting Styles

If you 're not sure your sitting style has a direct impact on how you think, try tackling an important project in a folding chair or sitting on the floor. An ergonomic chair can make an incredible difference, but not if you're sitting in it improperly. The good news is that there are easy ways to correct or readjust your sitting style to regain the terrific back benefits that your ergonomic chair offers.

Anyone you know?

Remember, bad habits take up to 6 weeks of conscious effort to break.

Back Slumper
If this is your style, you've probably been sitting in non-ergonomic chairs for a while. Now that you're sitting in a fabulous ergonomic chair, make sure you're sitting all the way back (with no space between your back and the seat back). Adjust the lumbar support accordingly to help your chair fill in the space. Another issue is that the Back Slumper's core muscle group (stomach and back) may be weak. While exercising, focus on this group. All of our chairs are designed so if you sit in them properly, your slumping days will be over.

Forward Leaner
A couple of different issues may be involved in this style. First, make sure your monitor screen is around 24" from your eyes. Moving the screen closer to you may reduce your leaning. Second, this is also a habit that was formed while previously sitting in a poorly designed chair. The Forward Leaner needs to be certain that their shoulder blades are touching the seat back. Many of our chairs have forward tilt, which should be used by the leaner. You may also be scooting forward in your chair because the seat pan is too deep. Check your seat pan depth adjuster to shorten your chair. You'll actually enjoy sitting back in any of our comfortable, ergonomic chairs.

Side Sloucher
I'm going to add the "Tuck-Your-Leg-Underneath-You" Sitter to this category. Both of these habits will cut off circulation to your legs, which will cause fatigue and soreness.

First, if you catch yourself leaning, you're definitely putting undue pressure on one hip or the other. Remember to adjust your arm pad so each elbow, when touching the pad, is at a 90-degree angle. Second, if you catch yourself with your leg folded under you, put both feet flat on the floor right away. Try to catch yourself a few times during the day. Old habits die hard, but if you can adjust your thinking, you'll improve your comfort and health.

Whatever sitting style you have, at OfficeDesigns.com, help is only a click or call away.