Blog

Whether you’ll be sitting by the pool or working at your desk, it’s good to understand some basic ergonomic principles before buying a new chair. Or maybe you’re here because your chiropractor asked you to look into it. Either way, your body will thank you for considering ergonomics as part of your purchasing process.

Most warehouses and sales employees have a good understanding of ergonomics. They can advise you on which items would be best for your particular needs. When you go to explore your options, make sure you let them know why you need the chairs. The location of the room, the sort of weather it will be exposed to, and the length of time you’ll be sitting in it are all elements that can affect your final purchasing decision. Buying a new chair is an investment, so don’t be afraid to take your time in the research process.

Head Position

Before you buy a chair, you need to figure out how it will support your head. This is more important for some tasks than others. For instance, if you’re looking to outfit your basement with some game room furniture from Fort Myers, then you should be looking for good neck support. Your head will be focused on a gaming console and TV screen, and you will probably rotate between reclining and leaning forward. On the other hand, if you’re outfitting your Florida yard with some outdoor furniture from Fort Myers, then you may not need as much head support.

Keep in mind that height is a major factor to consider before purchasing a new chair. If you are quite tall, make sure you choose a large model that can accommodate your height. Some companies produce different size models, whereas others produce a single model with adjustable head cushion height. If more than one person will be using this chair, such as family members, then you should choose an item with average height or no specific headrest. For instance, lots of plastic lawn chairs don’t have a special headrest area. This allows people of all heights to find a comfortable seat. Most of them are not very ergonomic, however.

Feet Position

Another important component of ergonomics is feet positioning. For something like an office chair, you should be looking for a model that allows you to place your feet flat on the ground. Your soles should be flat against the floor and your legs should form a 90-degree angle between your quads and your calves. Of course, lots of people are fidgety and don’t maintain this position the entire time they are seated. But an ergonomic chair should offer you the option of correct ergonomic posture.

If you’re on the hunt for outdoor furniture in Fort Myers, foot positioning is a bit less important. That is unless you’ll be placing your new chairs on top of a splintery deck or on a rocky beach. If you’ll be placing the chairs on rough ground, then you might want to look for a chair that has a foot bar. A good substitute for a foot bar is an extendable footrest. This is a great way to protect tender feet from dangerous bits and pieces. Before you select new patio furniture in Fort Myers, make sure you research which materials are best for you. If your chairs will be located under a canopy and not subjected to extreme weather, you might consider choosing wood or metal. However, if your new chairs will be exposed to the elements including intense heat and rainstorms, then plastic chairs might be your best bet. You don’t want anyone to burn themselves on a hot chair, after all.

Spine Curvature

Most chairs are built with a straight back, but the natural shape of the spine is actually curved. Office chairs and gaming chairs are the most ergonomically designed chairs on the market. That’s because these items are the ones that people use for the most hours at a time. You sit in an office chair for eight hours a day, so you need great spine support. Committed gamers can spend hours on end in their gaming chairs, and they need spine support so they don’t injure themselves while playing.

Of course, if you’re looking for game room furniture in Fort Myers, you might not be thinking about ergonomics. Maybe you just want a comfortable couch for the kids to sit on during movie night. You might be looking for a fold-out couch to accommodate your parents-in-law when they come to visit. But ergonomics are important no matter which item you’re looking for. For instance, good couches take ergonomics into consideration by making sure the seats are stuffed with the perfect amount of foam so that your tailbone lands softly and your spine feels supported.

Arm Positions

The position of your arm is one more essential ergonomic component to consider before making a new purchase. For people who work at computers, your arms should form a 90-degree angle with the desk. Most chairs have a pump up/ pump down mechanism that allows you to customize your height. But you should also be thinking about how comfortable the armrests are.

For instance, some armrests are extremely cushy with very soft vinyl and comfortable padding. If you work long hours at your desk, you’ll definitely want something like this. On the other hand, if you’re buying patio furniture in Fort Myers, FL, then you probably want something that can stand up to hot weather. You might even be looking for an armrest that has a built-in pocket for your cold drink. Perhaps you want an adjustable arm position so that you can recline comfortably and get an even tan on both arms.

With a little thinking ahead, you’ll be on the right track to selecting a chair that works for you. Ergonomics are an often overlooked consideration when buying a new item, but in the long run, it’s the element that can make the biggest difference.