Journey towards modern seating
Chairs have been the only convenient seating for a man for many centuries now, having under gone a series of changes to adapt to the requirements of generations. Once referred to as a symbol of richness and glory, chairs today are the fundamental need of living. Shifting from a need to adjust to modern requirement from traditional obligations, chairs have had a great impact on civilization and lifestyle.
Chairs have a great ability to cope up with changing domestic and business environment, allowing quality enhancement of the seating system. In the modern world, majority of us are bound to a seating routine by either being glued to the computers or operating machinery.
Though being seated is considered to be a relaxed posture for the body, prolonged sitting can add stress to the spine. The world being dominated by people involved in desk-bound jobs and an immobile lifestyle, prolonged sitting has led to many health related issues. Such critical requirements have led to the invention of modern office chairs, maximizing comfort, while preventing health problems caused due to persistent sitting.
Chairs antiquity
The invention of chairs have an interesting history dating back to 300BC. Used only by the royal class, the earlier chairs were made of metals studded with precious stones. Later in the sixth and seventh century came the marble chairs introduced by the Romans. Moving slowly towards the medieval age, round, marble chair with high back became famous. The common usage of chairs began to get notified by the 16th century, until then the seating arrangements were limited to chest, bench and stool.
The journey of chairs from thrones to stools is magnificent. The evolution of chairs from metal frames to the modern chairs have seen a series of drastic changes, shifting from metal, marble, wood and plastic materials; the seating change was majorly to add comfort to life.
The early stages of manhood being involved in more of physical activities, such as farming, which did not demand for a seating requirement; the rarely used wooden or metal chairs was sufficient to fulfill his needs. However, the modern man mostly being involved with activities confined to computers, comfortable seating has become the need of the time.
The modern chairs are designed to adapt to the current lifestyle as they come with features of headrest, armrest, cushion seat, padded seat, comfortable back support and wheels for mobility.
Modern chairs, a boon to great posture and increased focus
Though sitting needs less effort than other physical activities such as standing and walking; human body was not designed to be seated in a single posture for long hours. With the changing lifestyle and work culture, prolonged sitting has become an inevitable part of our lives. Reversing the modern changes back to the traditional ones, is not within our reach; but adjusting to the current situation and making things more comfortable is definitely in our control. To overcome the hazards of prolonged sitting, the traditional chairs can be replaced by modern ergonomic office chairs. Complementing the modern work atmosphere, office chairs, computer chairs and office desks have become a major attraction for any workstation, for improved productivity and quality. Beyond luxury, office chairs increase comfort, maximize efficiency and provide an impressive appearance.
Criteria for selecting ergonomic office chairs
Spending long working hours in office has adverse effects on our physical health; which is why it is advisable to adapt to comfortable office chairs that provide the required support to the back. The best chairs to consider in office should be the one that are ergonomic. The following criteria should be considered while selecting good office chairs –
Height adjustment:
The chairs should be well equipped with height adjustment features, making its usage easy, irrespective of their height. With proper height adjustment, a right position suitable to work on the desk can be attained.
Backrest:
Many chairs feature cushioned lumbar support that can be adjusted up and down. The curved back of the chair support the back giving it the much needed comfort. Providing easy reclining and good posture, ergonomic chairs helps maintain a healthy spine.
Armrest:
A wide, adjustable and cushioned armrest, gives your body a proper support. A good armrest also helps to perform various activities pertaining to computer usage.
Wheels:
Chairs with wheels helps in easy mobility, without you having to get up from the chair for every small activity. The chairs with wheels avoid the noises made by conventional wooden or plastic chairs, when moved.
Seat material:
Mostly, padded seats are preferred to add comfort, as hard seats will lead to stress and pain.
Get the right posture to perform better
In order to cope up with the risk of prolonged sitting, incorporating the right sitting posture can be of great help. The appropriate sitting posture includes certain Do’s and Don’ts –
Avoid sitting for a long time by giving your body the much needed physical activity at regular intervals.
Support lower back properly- a correct adjusted chair will reduce strain on the back.
Foot placed slightly lower than the hip, use a footrest if necessary.
Monitor should be placed in an arm’s distance, near or far distance of the monitor will lead inappropriate bending of your neck and back.
Ensuring the necessary items are within reach.
Ensuring you keep the mouse close by, with your arm well rested and wrist kept straight.
Relaxed upper arm hanging close to the body.
Never rest elbows on hard surfaces.
Rest should be given to the eyes occasionally by focusing on distant objects.
Healthy options for improved seating
Though an unhealthy practice, prolonged sitting has become an unavoidable part of our life. The only choice left is to switch to a healthy sitting alternative. With the changing style and pattern of chairs, new healthy office chairs have been introduced for the benefits of mankind. Some of them include - walking desk, exercise ball, kneeling chair, balance stool and recliner chair. Working on the concept of balancing the body, sitting on exercise ball and balancing stool help to work on the improvement of the muscles constantly.
Walking desk similar to a tread mill provides an option of exercising while at work; reducing the fatigue caused by long sitting hours. The recliner and kneeling chairs have similar effects of providing comfort to the body.
The development of office chairs with innovative features being a recent advancement, has given us the privilege to experience the best of seating options available today; in a path to attain comfort and convenience without compromising on the functionality and design. Keep trying unconventional office chairs for better health benefits and to outperform and lead a better life.
