Most of us spend a third of our day sitting at our desk.  The right chair can make a huge difference in your productivity, comfort and health.  Are you ready for a new one?  You probably are if...

• Your shoulders and neck are stiff and sore
• You have to stretch to reach your mouse or keyboard
• Your lower back aches
• The seat cushion provides little or no padding
• Your chair does not slide under your desk
• You have eyestrain
• Your chair is too narrow, long or short in the seat
• You're just plain uncomfortable!

Whether you sit at your desk for hours at a time or in spurts throughout the day, it's critical to select a chair that supports your shoulders, arms and back.  Having an ergonomic chair that offers support prevents you from hunching over or overstretching which can lead to chronic muscular problems.  Ergonomic chairs allow you to make several adjustments to the height, back, arms and lumbar region.  This is not a one size fits all, and there are many options form which to choose.

Here are a few tips on selecting an ergonomic chair that works for you.

Consider how you work. Do you spend a lot of time on the phone?  Do you need to quickly access files or other items in desk drawers?  Do you use the keyboard and remain in the same position most of the day?

Try them out.  At Twist, we carry a variety of ergonomic chairs that you can try out.  Don't become concerned if you sit in an ergonomic chair and it feels uncomfortable.  It probably just needs adjusting to your specific body type.  Once you find a comfortable one, consider the following:

Height: You should be able to sit comfortable, feet flat on the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. Look for a seat with a pneumatic lever you can raise or lower while seated.

Arms:  Armrests take the pressure off your shoulders and neck which is especially important if you sit at the computer for a significant part of the day.  When typing, your forearms should be just above the armrest, with your elbows resting on it.  Look for armrests that adjust for both height and position to accommodate different activities.

Back:  We all have a natural curve in the lower part of our spine, and it's this area, the lumbar region, that ca cause the most problems if not properly supported.  That's why a good ergonomic chair should include a lumbar support with adjustments for up and down, forwards and backwards to suit the natural angle of your spine.  It should be high enough to support your shoulder and neck, while allowing for movement so you can reach for items when you need them.  Spend a lot of time on the phone?  You may want to check out chair backs that recline to suit your posture.

Seat width and depth:  Look for a chair that gives enough depth in the seat so you have two to four inches betweent he back of your knees and the edge of the seat.  The width should be at least one inch wider that your hips and thighs.

Headrests and footrests:  These features aren't for everyone, but may be right for you.  Headrests provide good support and prevent neck pain when talking on the phone in a more reclined position.  If you want a footrest, select a free-standing one that allows you to rest you feet, keeping you knees at a 90 degree angle.

With so many options available, we can help you find the perfect chair to support your body and prevent muscle aches for years to come.  Give us a call today and our furniture specialist will work with you to find the chair of your dreams.