Last updated: August 20th, 2023
Imagine sitting in a regular chair and feeling sluggish, experiencing discomfort in your back and your legs falling asleep. That’s no way to enjoy a productive workday. Enter the kneeling chair. Yes, I know it looks weird, but hear me out.
Here are seven kneeling chair benefits that could persuade you to invest in one today.
But first…
Kneeling Chairs vs Regular Chairs: What’s The Difference?
A traditional office chair has four straight legs, a platform for sitting, and a backrest. The chair itself sits at a 90-degree angle.
- A kneeling chair is built like a rocking chair with rounded legs and sits at about a 110-degree angle.
Two pads sit at either side of the top of the rounded legs to rest your knees.
1. Better Circulation In Your Legs.
Especially if you are an office worker, you spend most of your time sitting in front of the computer, which can hinder circulation in your legs.
- Traditional office chairs fix your thighs at a 90-degree angle.
Kneeling chairs increase that leg angling to 110 degrees, which encourages better blood flow.
(Related: Best Office Chairs For People With Bad Backs).
2. Improved Posture.
A kneeling position enhances your posture because your weight sits evenly on your legs and buttocks.
The even weight distribution elevates your back into a straighter position, lowering the odds of sciatic and back discomfort usually experienced when sitting in a traditional office chair.
(Related: Complete Guide To Proper Sitting Posture).
The 90-degree angle of traditional chairs is also not ideal for your back because the elevation of your legs means your hips slide forward, which encourages slouching.
3. Stronger Back And Abdominal Muscles.
Because of your angled legs and straight back, you will gain stronger back and core muscles with repeated use.
- Kneeling chairs are curved at the bottom to induce a rocking motion that encourages active sitting.
This means your body can move readily even as you stay seated to give your core muscles a mini workout.
People with stronger back and core muscles experience less discomfort in their middle and lower back while sitting for a long time.
Expert Tip.
For even better core stability, invest in a top-notch standing desk. My review of the best sit-stand desks in Australia reveals my picks for every budget. Pick up a chair for a standing desk while you’re there to create a full ergonomic setup.
4. Better Breathing.
Slouching in a regular office chair compresses your diaphragm – the muscle that controls your breathing. Breathing is compromised as long as you stay seated.
Opting for a kneeling chair encourages better breathing because a corrected posture enhances a straighter sitting position.
5. Happier Hips.
Since your spine and hips are connected via the sacroiliac joint, poor posture eventually leads to discomfort in your hips.
Kneeling chairs improve your posture and reduce the discomfort you may feel when sitting for an extended time in a regular chair.
- Saddle seats on kneeling chairs are one of the best models for keeping hip discomfort at bay.
They help your hips to have a place to rest and to stay happy – even as you reposition yourself in the kneeling chair.
Expert Tip.
An ergonomic office chair is a good alternative to an ergonomic kneeling chair. Read my review of the best ergonomic chairs you can buy in Australia to pick the right one.
6. Boosted Focus.
Improved focus is a domino effect from improved posture and a happier body.
Because your body is not uncomfortable and your brain is getting ample oxygen from improved breathing, you can stay alert and productive for long periods.
7. Improved Productivity.
Improved productivity is another domino effect of all the other kneeling chair benefits.
You will not be distracted by discomfort in your body, which means you’ll be able to get more done.
How To Start Using A Kneeling Chair.
Using a kneeling chair is something you have to train yourself to get used to.
- Start by trying it out for 20 minutes on the first day.
- Increase the time you sit in the chair by 10 minutes each day to help your body get used to the new position.
Final Thoughts About Kneeling Chair Benefits.
Yes, kneeling chairs aren’t for everyone. Unlike traditional chairs, they look odd and can take a while to get used to.
- That said, the benefits do outweigh the cons.
If you have a tendency to lean forward in your existing office chair, I suggest you get one and get past the initial discomfort to unlock a way of sitting you didn’t know existed.
Steven
