Great Health With the Perfect Chair

By Donna Stark

Sitting may seem like one of the most simple acts to do, but it can actually be one of the most complicated, especially when it comes time to pick the perfect chair to work in. And that's because we sit in hundreds of different positions throughout the day. We sit upright, we sit on one foot, we cross our legs, we lean to one side, we slouch, we straddle, and we stretch our feet out as far as we can. Sometimes, if we are feeling a bit adventurous, we may even rock back and balance our chair on two legs.  Rarely though, do we sit still, so if we want to pick the perfect chair, those movements we make need to be taken into consideration.  

Picking the Perfect Chair

The chair you are sitting in should always be comfortable, but comfort isn't where you should stop. It should also be posture-friendly and meet certain ergonomic standards. Take a look at the following tips on how to pick the perfect chair.

• Right size - Goldilocks taught us an important lesson in life ... the right-sized piece of furniture makes all the difference in the world, so make sure the chair you spend the most time in fits your body. If you can, head to the stores to try it out personally and choose one that enables your feet to sit firmly on the floor.
• Posture-friendly - Chairs that don't have adequate lumbar support could lead to back pain, poor circulation, and tense muscles. Look for those that support the natural curve of your spine to help prevent these issues.
• Adjustable features - Having a chair that can be adjusted is a great compromise because it allows you to change the height, incline, and armrest positions. In other words, you can customize it to fit your body.
• Moveable - Speaking of adjustable chairs, it is also important to choose a chair that can move with your body. Does the chair you are looking at have some flexibility? Is it on rollers? Supporting your body's natural movements with its own will help you avoid unnecessary twists and turns that could lead to injury.

Healthy Sitting

Yes, healthy sitting is a thing and it is easy to achieve. By choosing a chair that is ergonomically designed to provide the right fit, support proper posture, adjust in size, and move with your body, you can look forward to healthier days no matter where you sit!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Franklin, Tenn.