Man sitting in a kneeling chair at his desk At first glance, a kneeling chair looks a little odd because it is unlike your standard chair. Although they entered the market back in the 1970s, kneeling chair popularity has grown in recent years due to increased research around the negative physical effects of sitting for extended periods of time. If you are interested in the purpose, types, and how to use these kneeling chairs, we’ve compiled some answers to the most common questions users have about kneeling chairs.

So...How Do You Use a Kneeling Chair?

When someone encounters a kneeling chair for the first time, a common question that arises is, “how do I sit correctly on a kneeling chair?” The proper way to use a kneeling chair is to rest your shins along the lower padded platform, then rest your buttocks on the seat like you would with a standard chair. The kneeling chair’s ergonomic design is intended to position your body in the most natural and comfortable position possible. The kneeling design naturally helps you sit up straight while distributing your weight across your shins and buttocks instead of your lower back. Kneeling chairs often look like a stool with an unusually high footrest, while other models have a backrest, like the Jobri Jazzy Kneeling Chair. Select models also offer a backrest one as an add-on option. However, a classic kneeling chair does not have a back rest. Also, a majority of models have wheels similar to a regular office chair, which makes it easy for you to maneuver around your desk or work space.

What Are Some of the Benefits of a Kneeling Chair?

It is widely acknowledged that poor posture can eventually lead to back pain and even injury. And unfortunately, most standard office chairs don’t encourage correct posture. They often force the spine into an unnatural posture and create compression throughout the spine. Many people spend hours each day sitting in these type of chairs at work, while commuting, and even at home. Over time, this poor posture and extended sitting can result in painful and permanent back problems. A study comparing the physical effects of kneeling chairs versus standard computer chairs showed that a kneeling chair keeps your spine upright and shifts the pelvis in a way that softly arches the lower back, helping to maintain the back’s S-curve as nature intended. Instead of forcing you to slump forward or sit in a static position for hours at a time (as is the case with a standard office chair), the kneeling chair engages your core and your back muscles in a comfortable way. This alleviates pressure on the spinal joints, and may prevent long-term damage sustained from years of sitting in unnatural, unhealthy positions. Studies have shown that people with lower back pain who used a kneeling chair were able to gain some relief. Additional research indicates that, if a person spends time sitting in a natural posture (like that encouraged by a kneeling chair), it helps strengthen the person's core and back muscles. This also aids in improving their overall standing posture, too.

Who Benefits from Using a Kneeling Chair?

If you suffer from back pain as an effect of sitting for long periods -- or if you would like to take preventive measures -- you may want to try a kneeling chair. Individuals who have knee problems may assume that a kneeling chair is not best for them. However, depending on the nature of the knee problem, a kneeling chair may still be a good option. When seated on a kneeling chair, your weight is not pressing directly on your knees, and is instead distributed across your shins and buttocks. This can help alleviate any pain caused by excessive weight pressing down on your knees.

How Do I Choose the Right Kneeling Chair?

Several different styles and models are available so that you can find a kneeling chair that best fits your individual needs. For example, you can choose a model with a backrest for additional support and so you can sit like a standard chair. This may also keep your ergonomic chair from “standing out” in an office setting. You may also want a model that has a height adjustment feature, or you may want a model with extra padding on the cushions. Ultimately, the best way to choose the a kneeling chair is to try them out for yourself. It also helps to talk to an experienced dealer about the benefits you want from owning and using a kneeling chair. Want to find out more about kneeling chairs? The staff at The Back Store is ready to assist you!