How an Ergonomic Stool Could Change the Way You Work

An ergonomic stool allows you to rest somewhere between sitting and standing, and often is used that way at a standing desk. It combines comfort and ease while stimulating your metabolism.

Ergonomic stools usually can be adjusted for height. You can simply sit on one if you like. But you also can take advantage of its height range to work at a standing desk. This gives you a huge advantage over furniture that allows only full-on sitting or standing. You can easily take a break and rest your legs without adjusting the height of your standing desk.

Another vital feature of the ergonomic stool is that it allows secure movement while you rest on it. The heavy, beveled base of the stool should have a non-skid surface, like the Sedus:fit stool and standup seat. That allows you to lean the stool forward without feeling like it will slip out behind you. The seat is padded and has sloping edges to avoid cutting off circulation in your legs.

The main draw of an ergonomic stool: It promotes "active sitting." Also known as dynamic sitting, this occurs when you're engaging some of your muscles while sedentary. Certain types of ergonomic office chairs also promote active sitting.

Sitting on an ergonomic stool at an angle close to 120 degrees opens your hips, improving your circulation. Standing still for long periods (at an angle of 180 degrees) can lead to swelling of the lower legs. When your lower leg muscles aren't flexing, it can have a negative effect on your circulation.

A stool for standing desks addresses this problem by allowing you to lean or sit from time to time. This allows you to flex the lower leg muscles to ensure proper blood circulation in the lower body.

While a standing desk has many benefits, it can potentially increase pain and fatigue if not used properly. The lower back muscles stay in a state of constant tension when standing for long periods. If left unchecked, it could lead to bad posture with your lower back curving too far inward.

This is where an ergonomic stool can help. By allowing you to tilt the pelvis slightly forward, the stool can make it safer for you to bend forward. Then, you can easily return to your natural position. This ensures the stability, strength, and health of your entire body.

You can avoid strain on your legs, feet, and backby occasionally resting on an ergonomic stool. One of the primary benefits of the standing stool is the reduction of strain on your knees. This is because it takes minimal effort to transition from a leaning position to a fully upright standing position. Conversely, rising from a traditional office chair requires the type of effort that can lead to lower body issues over time.

Ergonomic stools can engage the same core muscles — the ones in your abdomen and back that stabilize your hips and spine — that we use when walking or standing. Strong and balanced core muscles keep us stable and upright. Sitting for extended periods can cause weak core muscles. This is because the muscles used in your abdomen and back that support proper posture go slack.

This is the main reason to try an ergonomic stool. While resting at a forward tilt with a healthy posture on an ergonomic stool, you can be comfortable and keep your core muscles engaged. It's not a magical solution to improve posture, but it's a helpful compromise between sedentary and active.

Another benefit of ergonomic stools is that they can help some people focus more than sitting in a chair does. Some people need to fidget or stay physically occupied when they use their minds. An ergonomic stool might change the game for them. This is why you'll often see "wobble stools" in progressive classrooms. Wobble stools and ergonomic stools promote movement with an unstable seat or base.

An ergonomic stool may be helpful for someone who dislikes standing desks or adjustable-height desks. Some people need to sit to focus. If you still want to stay active but need to be comfortably seated to focus, try an ergonomic stool. It gives you the stability and comfort of a chair while still engaging and challenging your muscles.

If you've tried an ergonomic stool and it's not for you, don't worry. Plenty of other ergonomic office furniture can help solve the problems caused by an entirely sedentary work day. These active sitting chairs and stools are alternatives:

• Balance ball chairs. A balance ball chair is similar to a big yoga ball that can be used for sitting. It will strengthen the leg and core muscles, improve blood circulation, and increase energy expenditure. Some have casters for mobility, backrests for support, and a stand for stability. A balance ball chair should be used in 20- to 30-minute bursts (alternating with an ergonomic chair) to prevent poor posture over time. Also, note that these are not easily stored, and the chair height cannot be adjusted. 
• Kneeling chairs. Kneeling chairs sport an angled seat that shifts your body forward and shin rests to take your weight. They are designed to ease back pressure. The 110 degree trunk/thigh angle opens up the body from the 90 degree angle seen with traditional chairs. This can help lead to improved digestion and blood circulation. The forward-tilted seat encourages good spinal alignment with a natural s-curve. It significantly reduces spinal compression and lower back pressure. Though it isn't painful to the knees, it can still restrict blood flow when used for long periods. 
• Saddle chairs. Saddle chairs (or saddle stools) promote the same forward-angled trunk and downwards-facing thighs as kneeling chairs. A declined sitting neutral position has been shown to reduce lower back fatigue. It also directs some bodyweight to the thigh muscles, improving posture. Saddle chairs are suitable for prolonged sitting. They might also boost productivity, balance, hand-eye coordination, and lower-limb muscle tone. 

When it comes to high-quality ergonomic office stools, Sedus is your one-stop-shop. Their vast range of options for stylish, ergonomic furniture makes shopping for the right office stool seamless and personalized. Contact them and check out their office furniture solutions today!