Regardless of how much an ergonomic chair costs you, if you have not adjusted it properly, you will likely not be maximizing the comfort you gain from it. It is absolutely necessary for you to take out the time to properly adjust your chair according to your workstation. This includes customizing the height, distance from the desk, and more.
When spending hours of your day on this chair, you must ensure it supports your back and spine. This is why we have compiled this guide that gives you practical tips and a step-by-step guide on adjusting ergonomic chairs.
Why Is It Important To Have a Properly Adjusted Ergonomic Chair?
Adjusting your ergonomic chair is vital when you first buy it simply because it enhances your comfort. When you are comfortable, you can enjoy a plethora of other benefits. For example, you would enjoy working more and maximize your productivity. Achieving goals and targets becomes easier when you work comfortably on your ergonomic chair.
Moreover, spine and back health are often compromised when one has a desk job. This is because humans are not designed to sit in the same position for too long. It can cause strain on your back, shoulders, and neck. As a result, your risk of developing long-term health problems is also higher. However, an ergonomic office chair protects you from all of these risks as it keeps your spine aligned and back in a comfortable position.
All in all, an ergonomic office chair is a worthwhile investment. However, you would only be reaping the benefits of the chair when you have properly adjusted it. Luckily, this guide will provide you with all of the tips on how to do that.
Steps on How to Adjust Ergonomic Chair
There are certain guidelines that every person should follow when they have an adjustable ergonomic chair. It will help you make the most out of your chair and protect your back and spine. However, the specific instructions depending on the exact chair you get, so it is important that you read the manual the book comes with first.
This will help you understand the basic instructions for maneuvering the chair. Once done, follow these steps in adjusting the ergonomic chair for maximum support:
Adjust the Chair Height
Height is one of the most important factors to consider when adjusting your ergonomic chair because it makes the greatest difference to your comfort. The ideal ergonomic position for your chair should be where your seat is flat on the ground, and your knees are positioned at a 90-degree angle.
Hence, you should adjust the chair to a height where it allows you to keep your knees at that angle. Sit back in your chair and then adjust using the handle or cylinder for adjustments. If your chair cannot go low enough for your legs to be in that position, you should consider getting a footrest.
Raise the chair a little higher if you feel pressure on your lower body. However, if you feel more pressure on your legs, then you must adjust the chair lower.
Adjust the Seat Pan Depth
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, adjustment people have to make to ergonomic chairs is the seat depth. This refers to where you sit in relation to your chair's backrest. How deep the seat is can significantly affect your comfort level. If your chair has an adjustable seat pan, you should customize it according to you as well.
Typically, this adjustment can be made through a button underneath the seat or at the back. Hence, to adjust the depth, you should sit on the chair with your feet flat on the floor and then check how deep the backrest is. If the edge of the seat is digging into the back of your legs, you should adjust the seat back. If your knees are sticking out and there is too much space, you must slide the seat forward.
Ideally, there should only be an inch's gap between the back of your knee and the edge of the seat.
Adjust the Lumbar Support
When people typically buy an ergonomic chair, they are looking for one that features lumbar support. Hence, adjusting this feature is quite essential. Not only is having lumbar support in a chair necessary but being able to adjust it according to you is also vital. Most chairs simply offer lumbar support, but some also provide the ability to adjust it.
Ideally, the lumbar support should comfortably hug your spine to allow maximum comfort. It should sit right on your lower back. Hence, you should adjust the lumbar support to fit into your spine's natural curve. Do this until it is at the most comfortable level for you. If you feel a lot of pressure on your spine and lower back, let out the support a little bit.
Adjust the Arms
By this point, you are nearly done with adjusting your ergonomic chair. Another step you must pay attention to is the armrest. They should be sitting comfortably on your side. Otherwise, the risk of developing strains and aches on your arms, hands, shoulders, and neck would be higher. Luckily, most chairs offer adjustability to the armrests.
Some chairs can pivot or have width, which allows for further customizability. You will need to tweak these until you are comfortable.
Adjust the Headrest
Ergonomic chairs also feature a headrest to provide support to your neck, back, and head while working. This is especially helpful when you are sitting in an incline position. Most of the time, these are also adjustable. You should adjust these until the back is comfortably supporting your neck and your head is at eye level.
Set the headrest in a way that your eye meets the monitor. This will prevent eye strain from developing.
Adjust the Tilt Tension and Recline
Now, you're almost done with setting up and adjusting your ergonomic chair. This step is for people with recline and tilt tension option on their chairs. Most ergonomic chairs feature this, while some might not. Reclining is often an essential feature for most people with desk jobs because it allows them to relax while working. It enhances blood circulation and redistributes pressure throughout the body.
The recline feature helps them relax the pressure on the spine. This is not a feature you have to adjust necessarily. You can simply do it throughout the day whenever you want to take a break. The best angle to recline the chair at is 110. However, you can recline the chair further back whenever you need to.
Ergonomic Tips for Maximum Support
Besides adjusting your ergonomic chair, another way to reap the most benefits out of your chair and work comfortably is through certain strategies. This will help you achieve better ergonomics. While seated on your ergonomic chair, you must ensure you are doing all you can to support your back and ensure the health of your spine.
Therefore, take a look at these tips for maximum comfort:
Keep Your Arms Parallel to the Spine
When you are sitting at your desk and working, your arms should be parallel to your spine, and your forearms should rest on your desk comfortably as well. Similarly, your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle. If they are not, you must adjust your chair's height accordingly.
Don't Leave Your Feet Hanging
If your chair is too high, your feet might hang. In such cases, you should get a footstool or rest to place your feet on. If you leave them hanging, there will be too much pressure on your feet, which may lead to prolonged aches.
Re-Evaluate Your Posture
Make a conscious effort to have the right posture while working. Your back should be straight and your shoulders aligned to your back. Avoid slumping or slouching as it can place extra pressure on your spine and lower back.
Take Breaks for Stretching
It is crucial that you take breaks throughout the day to support your back. This will also ensure maximum comfort during the time you are working on your ergonomic chair. You should take an hour break to stretch, walk around, and simply move. This will relieve muscle tension and promote blood circulation. All in all, it will be a good way to refresh and energize yourself while giving your mind and body a break.
Final Words
Make these ergonomic adjustments to your chair today to maximize your comfort, productivity, and efficiency. This will relieve unwanted stress on your spine and pressure on your back throughout the day.
If you invest in the high-quality, comfortable and adjustable leather ergonomic chair from FlexiSpot, you can make all these customizations and more. This investment will be worthwhile and make all the difference to your workstation!
