Anyone use one of these kneeling chairs?

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-16-2007, 03:26 PM

I'm doing a lot of detailed PhotoShop work and that means very stiff shoulders for me. Very painful. A friend recommended one of these kneeling chairs.

Any feedback?

kstar · 07-16-2007, 03:33 PM

Perhaps I have a dirty mind, but when I see these chairs I think of interesting "positions".

Best,

Kurt

Gogar · 07-16-2007, 03:36 PM

IMO, I think it will help your lower back out, but if you've "trained" your body to hunch your shoulders up into your neck, the kneeling chair may not help you.

I had a problem with bad upper body posture; with a little help from a chiropractor and some attention to carrying my shoulders correctly, I've come a long way. Not done yet, though.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

My dad used to use one, but they are a PITA to get in and out of. Once you get on it, plan to stay there for awhile.

Joeaksa · 07-16-2007, 04:13 PM

Tried one years ago and it was ok but reverted to the old style.

Try working with either your desk level or move your chair up or down to change your working position with regards to the desk.

Dantilla · 07-16-2007, 05:01 PM

I've used them. I bought one for my drafting table, and a small desk I use sometimes has one.

They work fine. I haven't had back problems with normal chairs, so I can't really comment on how different it would be for someone with stiff shoulders.

But I do find them comfortable. I don't even think about which type of chair I'm using. I just sit down and go to work.

p911dad · p911dad's Garage

We had at least two of those years back in my office, folks were hot for them for awhile but they ended up in a corner of the file room. Eventually recycled.

masraum · 07-16-2007, 08:34 PM

I've had and used a couple. I like them somewhat. They do help with your posture and your back and shoulders feel better when you get out of one.

The problem that I had with the two that I had (one was very similar to the last pic above) was that the quality wasn't there. The one similar to the last above had the underlying board of the seating area crack and the foam wore out what I considered to be prematurely which made my knees sore. The second one also had crappy foam that made my knees and butt sore, and was also covered in a material that even when I was wearing jeans or dockers, made my knees feel weird.

Basically, I like the seating position, but didn't like the chairs themselves.

I think you can get a similar feel from a good adjustable office chair. One key it to keep the seat bottom angled the opposite direction from the norm. Keep it angled to make you slide out, not lean back.

Danny_Ocean · 07-16-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kstarnes
Perhaps I have a dirty mind, but when I see these chairs I think of interesting "positions".

masraum · 07-16-2007, 08:44 PM

I've done some reading in several areas that all pointed me to the same conclusion. I believe that the best seating position for the way we are built is with an angle between your spine and thighs that is slightly more than 90*, but most chairs are designed for angles a bit smaller than 90 degrees.

I did up a quick (very rough) sketch. Below in the position on the right (similar to the Japanese kneeling position 'seiza' (like sitting on your heels, used in Japan, martial arts, Zen meditation, etc...) the angle of the spine to the thighs is a bit more than 90* and allows the lower back to remain straight. If you can manage that position somehow without it bothering your knees, you'll find that it's easy to maintain for long periods and comfortable to your back (it's usually the knees that take the brunt of the position especially when not used to it).

In the other position which is common to lots of chairs, the rear ends up a bit lower than the knees which usually results in a position where the spine and thighs make a 90* angle or sometimes even an acute angle. In this position the lower back is often curved and doesn't support the weight of the upper body well. This usually results in a sore lower back and or shoulders.

I'm no doctor, this is just from reading bits of info in several places and experimenting with my seating position. I take aikido, so we spend lots of time in the seiza position. Once the feet and knees get used to it, it's really comfy. Unfortunately it's not common in the US and is REALLY hard to get used to.

alf · 07-16-2007, 09:23 PM

OK, the secret to good posture is simple. Just turn your pelvis. An old Kendo sensei of mine said that the feeling should be pointing your anus to the heavens

For the upperYour head should feel like there is a string suspending it and be over your shoulders, not infront or behind over.

Works for seiza, works for walking, works for sitting. That is all that kneeling chair is trying to do.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-17-2007, 04:23 AM

Wow! thanks everyone for the great advice! love the drawings Steve.

Alf, it's a small world, your description is close to how I used to coach rowing. Women typically got it, men just love to roll their heads around through the stroke.

I've switch office chairs for today but am going to look at a few of these after hours. Even if I use it just for artwork, it will be worth it.

Porsche_monkey · 07-17-2007, 04:34 AM

Get a a stand up desk. Or use an exercise ball.