Office Saddle Chairs: a Simple Guide to Fighting the Risks of Prolonged Sitting

office saddle chair

Although we all share different professions, for most of us, sitting takes up the majority of the day. And it’s no secret that spending 8 hours from Monday to Friday being physically inactive can have disastrous effects on your health. So, what can the average office worker do to stay healthy and avoid nagging back pain? Frequent walking breaks might be one solution, as long as you can afford to take a break every 20 minutes. But if you’re like the rest of us whose jobs require them to work like a horse, then the best solution might be to saddle up like one. Introducing – the office saddle chair.

office saddle chair 2

You’ve probably seen this type of chair at your dentist’s office, but considering its features, it’s a great addition to the modern office environment as well. It got its name because it literally has a seat in form of a saddle, and also because it features a tilting mechanism that creates movements similar to those riding a horse. This means that although you remain seated, the office saddle chair will still actively engage your muscles which helps improve circulation and prevent muscle pain.

As you can see, the fact that the saddle chair engages your muscles means that you’ll also burn some calories in the process, which isn’t something that can be said about traditional chairs. The office saddle chair is also the only chair that can effectively prevent you from slouching. Why? Because the chair is raised higher than a conventional chair and features wheels but no backrest, which means that leaning forward will launch the chair from under you. So, unless you want to hurt and humiliate yourself by falling in front of the whole office, you’ll try to stay seated upright at all times.

It can also be said that the chair also works similarly to a stability ball. The fact that it tilts a little bit prompts you to maintain your balance by rotating your pelvis forward, which helps support the spine’s natural lumbar curve. This way, there’s less pressure on the spine and the lumbar disks which helps eliminate the risk of back pain as well as shoulder and neck pain. By putting your body in a natural position, there’s also less pressure on your muscles, joints and ligaments which puts your body in a more relaxed state.

But just like any type of chair, saddle chairs can differ from one model to the next, so it’s important to find the one that will feel the most comfortable for you. Make sure to check features such as cushioning, footrests, and adjustable height. Also, consider the material the seat is made off. Leather does look more luxurious, but it can make you sweaty when it’s warm. On the other hand, mesh is very breathable but it may require more frequent cleaning. Make sure to do your research before purchasing a saddle chair.