5 Benefits Of Using A Saddle Chair

If you're tired of traditional office chairs, either because they haven't been able to provide you with proper support or because you're simply looking for something new, saddle chairs might be the solution you've been looking for.

Saddle chairs, which fall into the category 'active seating' chairs, have been rising in popularity thanks to their versatile use cases, simple designs, and compact compositions. Let's dive into what makes them so unique, and whether they might be the right seating choice for you.

The design of saddle chairs promotes a natural S-shaped curve in the spine, encouraging proper alignment and keeping you from slouching or hunching over. By supporting the pelvis in a forward tilt position, saddle chairs engage the core muscles and encourage an upright posture, which can alleviate strain on the back and neck.

Many people experience discomfort in their lower back from prolonged sitting in traditional chairs. Saddle chairs help distribute the body's weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the lumbar spine and soothing aches and pains.

As anyone who works from a desk knows, sitting in a traditional chair for long periods can impact blood flow to the legs. Saddle chairs support healthy circulation by encouraging an open hip angle and allowing unrestricted blood flow to the lower half of your body.

Sitting on a saddle chair requires active engagement of the core muscles to maintain balance and stability. This continuous muscle activation helps strengthen the core over time, leading to improved stability and support for the spine.

Saddle chairs are versatile seating solutions that can be used in various settings, including offices, clinics, and studios. They’re typically smaller in size and more nimble to move, which makes them great companions to a variety of smaller, dynamic spaces.

Overall, the benefits of using a saddle chair extend beyond improved posture and reduced discomfort to encompass healthy circulation, core engagement, and versatility. If you incorporate a saddle chair into your seating arrangement, you can enjoy a more comfortable sitting experience.

When choosing a saddle chair, it's essential to consider several ergonomic factors to ensure optimal comfort and support. This section will break down all the different parts of the saddle chair that you can customize for ergonomic comfort.

Look for a saddle chair with adjustable seat height to accommodate your different height preferences. The seat height should allow your feet to rest comfortably on the floor, with your knees positioned slightly lower than your hips.

Some saddle chairs (or stools) feature a tilt mechanism that allows you to adjust the angle of the seat. This may also come in the form of a ‘wobble base’ that will lean in the direction that you’re pushing your bodyweight. This feature lets you find the most comfortable and supportive sitting position for your body, whether you prefer a more forward-leaning posture or a slightly reclined position.

Look for a saddle chair with adequate padding and cushioning to provide comfort during prolonged sitting sessions. The padding should be firm enough to provide support while still allowing for some degree of flexibility and movement.

Make sure the saddle chair has a stable base with non-slip feet to prevent tipping or sliding during use, or a strong five-star base with casters for easy movement. The base should be wide enough to provide stability and support for users of all sizes.

Saddle chairs are versatile seating solutions with applications across various industries and settings. You should definitely consider a saddle chair if you're one of the following types of people:

Individuals who spend long hours sitting at a desk can benefit from using a saddle chair to improve posture, soothe discomfort, and support comfort during extended periods of sitting. Saddle chairs promote active sitting and engagement of core muscles, leading to enhanced productivity and well-being in the workplace.

However, it's important to note that if you'll be sitting at your desk for eight hours a day, every day, a saddle chair likely won't provide you with enough support for those long hours. That's because you'll want an ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support, a larger seat, and armrests to rest your elbows and wrists.

In clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and dental offices, saddle chairs provide good seating options for healthcare professionals who perform tasks while seated. Saddle chairs enable practitioners to maintain proper posture and minimize strain on the back and neck during procedures, examinations, and consultations.

Artists, designers, and crafters often spend hours seated while working on creative projects. Saddle chairs offer ergonomic support and freedom of movement, allowing you to focus on your craft without discomfort or fatigue. The open design of saddle chairs also facilitates easy access to tools and materials, enhancing workflow and creativity.

In educational settings, such as classrooms and lecture halls, saddle chairs provide students with ergonomic seating options that promote attentive posture and active engagement. Saddle chairs encourage proper alignment and support, helping students stay focused and comfortable during long periods of sitting.

Ensure your office space is properly heated and cooled to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. Consider installing programmable thermostats that allow employees to adjust the temperature, promoting individual comfort and satisfaction.

Saddle chairs offer an innovative approach to seating that can revolutionize the way we sit and work. With their ergonomic design, saddle chairs promote proper posture, soothe lower back discomfort, and enhance overall comfort and well-being for users across various industries and settings.

Whether you're an office worker seeking relief from aches and pains, a healthcare professional performing procedures, or an artist immersed in creative projects, saddle chairs provide a versatile and effective solution for improving sitting habits and productivity. Understanding the benefits of saddle chairs and considering factors like ergonomic features, seat design, and user preferences will help you choose the right saddle chair to support your needs and promote a healthier and more comfortable sitting experience.

Sources:

If You Have Back Pain When Sitting, Here’s How to Fix It | HSS

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Symptoms & causes | Mayo Clinic

Assessment of the ergonomic risk from saddle and conventional seats in dentistry: A systematic review and meta-analysis | NIH

Guide to Good Posture | MedlinePlus