Saddle Chairs Encourage Active Sitting With Healthy, Upright Posture
Saddle chairs are perfect for active work environments where tasking requires unrestricted movement and transitions between sitting and standing are frequent. The chairs offer support and relief while providing an open workspace, so you can fulfil your duties unhindered.
Saddle chairs promote the natural ‘s-curve’ of your spine and tilt the pelvis forwards so you sit upright with a strong posture. This is a solid work position that allows you to sit for long periods of time, free from fatigue and strain. Your core is engaged and strengthened over-time to further support optimal, upright posture.
Saddle chairs are particularly beneficial in doctors, dentists, healthcare settings, laboratories, design studios, hairdressers and beauty salons.
What Is A Saddle Chair?
Saddle chairs are ergonomic chairs that take their design inspiration from horse riding saddles. You tend to sit a little higher in a saddle chair which tilts the pelvis forwards and opens up the knee to torso angle to 135°. These chairs are specifically designed to encourage active sitting and facilitate fluid, unrestricted movement. Some saddle chairs have a split seat design that reduces pressure on the perineum and helps temperature control in the genital area.
Benefits Of Using a Saddle Chair
Saddle chairs offer you numerous ergonomic benefits that are good for your health and productivity.
Improved Cardiovascular System
Saddle chairs encourage a more upright posture which allows your body to work more efficiently. This improved position opens up your core which has a positive effect on your cardiovascular system. Breathing becomes easier and circulation is improved because your organs are no longer contracted. A saddle 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 body and waste products like carbon dioxide are removed. The benefits of this are numerous, but to name a few:
- Feeling more energized
- Higher concentration levels
- Working more efficiently
- Greater productivity
- Happier mood
Protection Against Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a symptom that can develop from poor posture and standing for extended periods of time. When standing or sitting poorly 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 saddle stool will help mitigate against this happening. Saddle sitting will reduce the tension and tilt your pelvis forwards, allowing your spine to return to it’s natural ‘S-shape’. This natural posture provides the greatest core strength and allows your muscles to relax and recover.
Facilitates Active Working
Saddle chairs facilitate a heightened range of movement in a 3D space. Working from a saddle position means you can lean in all directions, unhindered, and to a far greater degree than with a traditional chair.
Strengthening Of Core Muscles
Sitting in a saddle chair is an active experience and one that requires you to engage your core muscles in order to sit with a good posture. As you sit, you subtly flex and relax your muscles in order to maintain a healthy upright position. This subtle workout helps you to develop and maintain core muscle strength without experiencing fatigue.