Chairs for the Health Conscious

With 2013 coming up, many of us are planning our  resolutions.  The most popular of which are health related and include "going to the gym", "eating better", "losing weight", etc.  If you're working at an office, you might want to add something extra to your list of resolutions: staying healthy at work. Studies show that sitting all day has many negative effects on the human body. Unfortunately these damages cannot be undone by going to the gym before/after work. But don't be discouraged, with a few simple adjustments you'll be on your way to a happy & healthy new year!

For healthier workstation, we recommend these chairs:

1. A Perch:

Perches are ideal for workers who spend all day standing, but need a break every so often.  A perch is similar to a stool, but it's meant for leaning on as opposed to being fully seated.  Its function is to give the body a short rest.  Perches are varied in design, some are more simple and some are more intricately designed to provide more comfort and hold more weight.








Example: The Perch by Symmetry.  It's adjustable, has an extra wide comfort seat, and it's sturdy enough to hold 300 lbs.  It's also the winner of the reddot design award.

2. Yoga Balls:

Stability Balls have become quite popular in many workplaces because they require your muscles to work instead of rest.  Balancing on a yoga ball can strengthen your core and help improve your posture.  However, according to health officials, using a yoga ball for long term can cause adverse affects.  Their lack of  lumbar support can cause lower back injuries.  We advise using yoga balls for short periods of time throughout the day.







Example:  Zenergy by Safco.  It's a yoga ball base with a mesh covering and stationary gliders. It has the comfort of a yoga ball with more durability and style!

3. Drafting stools:

If you're just starting out with a standing desk we recommend pairing with a drafting stool.  Unlike perches, most drafting stools come with backs and armrests for better lumbar support.  These chairs are better for taking longer breaks from standing.  However, you should avoid taking too long of a break, otherwise you defeat the purpose of having a standing desk!





Example: apollo by eurotech seating
It has an adjustable seat to match your height and the height of your desk.  The armrest and the adjustable back provide lumbar support for extended periods of sitting.  It's also designed with a waterfall seat to improve circulation.






For more information please see:
Sitting Risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
Livestrong: Pros & cons of sitting on a stability ball