What Are Sit Stand Chairs?
Sit stand chairs, or standing chairs, are ergonomic chairs that are designed for active work environments as they allow you to move and reach in all directions, without restriction. When tasking, the chairs ensure support is provided as you move, so you can work in comfort, protected from fatigue and strain.
Sit stand chairs tend to have a smaller footprint than typical office chairs which means they do not dominate the available space. This makes them a great choice for busy environments or when a chair is not needed 100% of the time. Depending on the specification, sit stand chairs can also allow you to sit much higher than standard chairs which makes them ideal for use with counter tops and higher worksurfaces.
What Are The Benefits Of Using a Sit Stand Chair?
Sit stand chairs present numerous ergonomic and productivity benefits and some of these are detailed below:
Improved Cardiovascular System
Sit stand chairs encourage a more upright, and if required, perched posture which allows your body to work more efficiently. This upright position opens up your core which makes breathing easier and improves circulation because your organs are no longer contracted. A perched seating position also allows you to move and flex your legs which again facilitates good circulation. This means that oxygen and nutrients are more easily delivered around your entire body and waste products like carbon dioxide are readily removed. The benefits of this are numerous, but to name a few:
- Feeling more energized
- Higher concentration levels
- Working more efficiently
- Greater productivity
- Improved healing capability
- Less chances of strain and injury
- Happier mood
Protection Against Transition Injuries
Sit stand chairs are particularly beneficial in workplaces where there is a need to regularly change your posture between sitting, standing and perching. A standard chair in these environments, aside from being impractical, places unnecessary stress on your body as you change position. At the very least this can result in fatigue and may eventually lead to strain, if not a musculoskeletal injury. A sit stand chair will help protect against this stress and exertion as you will be transitioning from and to an active or perched position.
Protection Against Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a symptom that can develop from standing for extended periods of time. When standing there is an increased amount of tension in the lower back which can lead to spasms and pain. As your muscles tire, your back can arch unnaturally and this puts excessive strain on your lower back, leading to pain. A sit stand chair will help mitigate against this happening. Perching will reduce the tension and tilt the pelvis forwards, allowing the spine to return to its natural ‘S-shape’. This natural posture provides the greatest core strength and allows your muscles to relax and recover.
Facilitates Active Working
Sit stand chairs facilitate a heightened range of movement in a 3D space. Working from a perched position means you can lean forwards, backwards and to the sides, unhindered, and to a far greater degree than with a traditional chair. Some sit stand chairs even follow and support you as you lean, which enhances your movement and maximises your extension.
Strengthening Of Core Muscles
Sitting in a sit stand chair is an active experience and one that requires you to engage your core muscles so you can sit with a good posture. As you perch, you subtly flex and relax your muscles to maintain a healthy, upright position. This subtle workout helps you to develop and maintain core muscle strength without experiencing fatigue.
