Ergoblog

Jobri Kneeling Chair Gets Positive Review

I was over at someone's place the other day, and they have a kneeling chair, so I was able to try it out.  He is an avid computer gamer (read: oh, I forgot to go to bed last night because my guild was on a dungeon raid...) who logs 100  hours or more at the keyboard (he has a computer job in addition to his gaming addiction), and his old chair (an Office Depot special) wasn't cutting it.  Since he wasn't able to afford something like the Aeron (this is the chair I have, and you can read my review at the appropriately named Herman Miller Aeron Review post), he picked up a kneeling chair by Jobri for a couple hundred dollars.

Anyway, he's a big fan of it and sits in the thing for hours on end without any back pain (before he was having trouble with lower back pain and tension knots in his neck and upper back).  I got to try it out and it felt a little weird at first (I just felt like my balance was off... you feel like you're being pushed into the kneeler cushion), but after a few times getting up and down and typing for a while, I got used to it.  It actually did seem comfortable too.

The kneeler chairs work by taking more of your weight on your knees (you rest them against the padded lower cushion), which is supposed to let you sit in just the right position to keep the natural S curve to your spine.  Apparently, this is a good thing.  All I care about in a chair is whether or not it's still comfortable to sit in at the end of the day.  And this fellow swears up and down by the chair, saying it's totally gotten rid of his back pain.  (He wasn't trying to sell me one or anything, so I believe him.)

He said it was by Jobri, but I'm not sure if the one pictured here is the exact model I tried (it's what I could find a picture of for you on Amazon).  Still, I think they are probably similar.  This one has Tempur-Pedic cushioning (yes, the mattress people do chairs too) and runs $229, which sounds about like what my friend paid for his.  That makes it about 1/3rd the price I paid for my Aeron, so if a kneeling chair works for you,  it's probably not a bad bet, financially or ergonomically speaking.

Jobri Kneeling Chair (affiliate link)

Custom-built Computer Desks?

I've been looking for a new computer desk (something that's ergonomically correct yet has room for my copious stuff) for more than a year.  (Ok, I haven't spent a lot of time looking, but I've been keeping my eye out, ya know?)  The pieces I see at Office Depot and stores like that never quite fit the bill.  Desks at real furniture stores are more likely to be about style than ergonomics or economy of space.  After a friend told me about some custom-built bookshelves he had done, I started thinking about having a desk custom-built. 

I haven't done anything about this yet (I probably need to do some sketches of exactly what I want), but I have started to look at web sites of companies that do custom-built furniture.  In case you're in the same boat, here's a few of the links I dredged up:

http://www.woodenitbeniceinc.com/
http://www.woodwiseinteriors.com/
http://www.montanawood.com/
http://www.designerantiques.com/

I have a feeling a local carpenter could probably make what I want (for less), so I'll be checking into that too.

Colorful Ergonomic Chairs

As much as I like my Herman Miller Aeron, it's a touch... monochromatic.  (That's code for all black.) Though I haven't had a chance to sit in an Azeo GT office chair, I like the color options they offer: "durable ergonomic seating available in your color of choice" is the product's tag line.  Glossy red doesn't have to be just for cars any more...

http://www.globaltotaloffice.com/

More Ergonomic Office Chairs

I mention the Herman Miller Aeron quite often because, well, it's what I've got.  There certainly are other ergonomic office chairs out there, though.   Here's a few I scrounged from around the Web:

The Trendway TF series chairs are high-backed with a curved dual-compound seat and adjustable height.  I don't like that the arm rests don't seem to be adjustable, and it's not clear whether the back has a tilt option, but the TF series has a range of seat sizes with five arm choices available, so you may find something that fits just right.

http://www.trendway.com/ (look under "managerial task seating")

When I saw the Knoll Chadwick Chair, I thought it looked awfully similar to the Herman Miller Aeron, and then I found out Don Chadwich was the designer of the Aeron and the Equa I (haven't seen that one).  The Chadwick Chair is his newest project.  It has active suspension and resilient support via the "elastometric" back and seat fabric.  It comes with variable seat depths, flexing arm pads, forward tilt, and lumbar support.  The frame is black glass-filled nylon with a breathable 100% polyester fabric available in beige, silver, brown, green, and black.  Hm, I think this one goes on my Christmas wish list.  It seems to have everything you could want in an ergonomic computer chair.

http://www.knoll.com/

The Kimball Office Wish Task Chair sports a synchronized-tilt recline, multiposition back lock, five-zone tilt tension, and pneumatic height adjustment so users can easily customize the chair to get just the right fit.

http://www.kimballoffice.com/

I haven't actually tried any of these chairs (maybe some day!) and a lot of the blurbs are summaries of the manufacturers' own descriptions, so you'll want to do some more research if you're thinking about buying any of them.  I'd love to hear comments from anyone who has tried any of these chairs.

(Pictures came from the product section of InteriorDesign.Net)

The Ultimate Home Office Desk

I've been half-heartedly looking for a new ergonomic desk/workstation for a while.  If only I had an extra $4,500 in the couch cushions, I'd have to check out this armoire and desk with built-in fitness center with treadmill and tv (to watch while you work out of course).  Now, I'm not sure there's anything ergonomic about it, but my sore hands and wrists always feel better after doing some cardio at the gym, so I believe there's a real benefit to getting that blood flowing.  Every time your break reminder program goes off, you could just hop on the treadmill for a few minutes without leaving the room.  *drool*

via Luxist

Height Adjustable Keyboard Drawer

One of my beefs with keyboard drawers is that the keyboard usually ends up being at the wrong height for me.  I found a height-adjustable drawer while browsing at Amazon though (3M Adjustable Keyboard Drawer). Since Amazon didn't have a picture, I hit the 3M product catalogue and found some more information. It looks like the keyboard trays come out from a metal monitor stand, at least from the pictures.

It wasn't clear from the product description whether it just sits on the desk or holes need to be drilled (I'd be more likely to drill a hole into the bottom of my desk than the top).  Has anyone used one of these adjustable drawers?  If so, do you like it?  I'm still looking for something to hook up to my desk.  Right now, I tend to just put the keyboard in my lap to type.

Herman Miller Cella Chair

Since I already have a Herman Miller Aeron, I probably don't need to buy a new ergonomic chair anytime soon, but for those in the market, the Cella work chair won the "Best of NeoCon 2005" awards at the annual industry exposition in Chicago.  The award was for Innovation in the Seating (Ergonomic Desk/Task) category.

For a little more on the chair and the award, you can check http://www.dexigner.com/product/news-g4867.html or get product information from the Herman Miller site.

Egg Chair?

I noticed an advertisement for an "ergonomic egg chair" and decided to take a peek.  It looks like the same sort of idea as is behind those ball chairs, except instead of sitting on a ball, you're sitting on the tip of an egg.  The site that's selling them is http://www.sellcom.com/ergochair.html.  The price listed is $198 with free shipping to the continental US.  Personally, I'm happy to stick with my Herman Miller Aeron, but if anyone has tried an "egg chair" and would like to leave their comments, I'd like to hear some opinions.

Office Chairs Aren't Socks...

There are a number of articles out there on how to pick a good ergonomic computer chair, but I liked the "office chairs aren't socks--one size doesn't fit all" comment in Are You Comfortable with Your Office Chair?  It goes into selecting an office chair that fits you and emphasizes why what works for your co-worker won't work for you.  The blurb, borrowed from OfficeMax, suggests adjustable chairs and lets you know all the places your chair should be adjustable (up and down isn't enough, folks).

Michael Jordan Ergonomic Chair?

Apparently the designer of Michael Jordan's ergonomic chair (didn't know he had one, but then what do computer geeks know about sports?), is being auctioned on eBay and creating a stir.  There's a picture of it at the following link: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/?d=79318.  It looks... tall. 

Adjustable Desks

Mention adjustable desks one day in a post, and magically there is an article on them the next day somewhere.  Not bad.  Adjustable desks to combat RSI actually looks more like a press release designed to stir up interest in a product, but I thought I'd mention it anyway since it's relevant.  They have this to say about Keytools' adjustable desks: "Designed to keep RSI at bay, the range offers two types of adjustability: crank handle — a mechanical system — and electric, allowing the employee to alter the desk height to whatever is most comfortable."

What Desk/Workstation for the Home Office?

Since first developing RSI a couple years ago, I've made some changes in my computer habits, and I've been gradually revamping my home office (I work from home, so spend a lot of time there) to be more ergonomic.  I've got the iGesture (mouse replacement), the Kinesis Contour Keyboard (review forthcoming), a break reminder program, and the Herman Miller Aeron Chair.  The one thing I haven't done anything with yet is my desk.

Currently, I have this Office Depot... thing (the one that takes so long to assemble that it alone seems like it could give you Carpal Tunnel Syndrome).  There's a slide out keyboard ledge, and it's really not at the right height to allow me to type without raising my arms from the natural 90 degree angle (with your upper arm) the experts recommend.  Instead, I've been typing with my keyboard in my lap.  I've thought about removing the slide out dealie and attaching an adjustable Kinesis (or similar) keyboard tray, but it seems strange to have a keyboard tray that costs twice as much as the desk.  And I can't help but wonder if there's a better desk option out there.

I've looked into those full-blown ergonomic workstations like the Microsphere and the PCE (this one is targeted more toward gamers), but they seem a little extreme for me (and expensive).  Even with the writing desk attachments, I don't think I'd find myself with enough room to spread out with the Microsphere.  I have numerous stacks of papers and books scattered around my desk in medias res as it were.  In other words, I need lots of room not just for computing but for writing notes and such by hand.

So, this is a long rambling post to declare my intentions to hunt for a desk that is either nicely ergonomic in nature or (more likely) would have plenty of room and work well with a keyboard tray that I would buy separately.  I've also come across desks that can be raised and lowered (so, you can change things up, sometimes sitting to work at the computer and sometimes standing).  There's something appealing to me in that idea, too, and from what I've read, there's some science that suggests moving around, engaging the big muscles, promoting oxygen flow, etc. can help stave off RSI kind of symptoms.

It'll probably take me a couple of months to find something I want to invest in, so if anyone wants to posts any thoughts about ergonomic desks/workstations that have worked well for them, that would be welcome.

Balls as Office Chairs Not a Good Choice

There are ball chairs and then there are just balls. I've heard people comment favorably on their experience of replacing a typical office chair with one of those fitness balls or swiss balls, but there's no back support, and when I tried it, a couple hours was enough to convince me it didn't feel that great.  According to a recent opinion piece on Ergoweb, that perception may be justified. In Balls as Office Chairs a Bad Idea, numerous experts in the ergonomics field are quoted, all suggesting that the lack of back support doesn't make them a good choice.

The exercise ball might be great for strengthening and toning in the gym or at home, but it can’t compete with a truly ergonomic chair for long-term sitting in an office environment.

The Swopper chair was also mentioned and put into the same category--a neat idea for short term use maybe, but not as a replacement for a more conventional office chair.

The article mentioned "ball chairs" as well, but seemed to be referring to the swiss balls again, which was a bit confusing since there are also chairs based on the ball principle (ball for a seat) but with the more traditional 5-support base and back rest. It sounds like the critics would be less likely to object to something like that.  The generally low price of the ball chairs (such as the Gaiam Balance Ball Chair I found at Amazon for under $100) does make me wonder about their quality though.  I think I'll stick to my Herman Miller Aeron.

Plasma 2 Computer Workstation

As much as I like my Herman Miller Aeron, I wouldn't mind trying out the Plasma 2 Multi-Position Chair and Computer Stand by HealthPostures LLC. Designed to alleviate back pain, the Plasma 2 system allows users to change from sitting to kneeling to standing positions by simply adjusting the triggers under the armrest. The monitor, also adjustable, raises and lowers to stay at the viewer's eye level.

Website: www.plasma2system.com

Adjustable Workstations

It's no secret that sitting in the same position all day, staring at a computer screen, typing and clicking, can have detrimental effects on your body. Adjustable workstations allow people to change things up by alternating standing with sitting. Designnews.com posted an article, revealing the results of studies conducted on workers comparing stationary desks to adjustable workstations. "Fresh research from a prominent ergonomics expert verifies what most of us instinctively knew: Changing positions relieves the strains of cubicle life."

Article: Antidote to Office Pain: Adjustable Workstations

Ergonomic Chairs for The Tall

Since I'm not exactly a tall person (comfortably average, thank you), I haven't thought too much about ergonomics for people who don't fit into height range for "average". After reading the blog of a 6'6" fellow who was complaining that he couldn't find chairs that fit, I decided to scrounge around and see if there were any manufacturers of ergonomic chairs addressing this issue. In short, yup.

ErgoGenesis, makers of the BodyBilt Ergonomic Chair, released a chair specifically for tall workers late last year. It's called the BodyBilt Stretch Chair™ and has, "Optimal Ergonomic Fit for the Extra Tall Seated Worker."

You can read more about the BodyBilt Stretch Chair™ on their New Products page.

I had a little trouble finding a price on the web (lots of BodyBilt Chairs, but adding Stretch to the search didn't bring anything tangible in the first couple of pages), but if you fill out a request for information on the ErgoGenesis page, they say they can get you in contact with dealers in your area.

Ergonomic Chairs--What Features Do You Really Need?

By now you know you're not supposed to type hunched on the edge of a packing crate or any other equally evil garage-sale reject of an office chair. You need an ergonomic chair. But will you know one when you see one?

I found a helpful article called "DeMystifying all those chair adjustability options" that you may want to check out, especially if you are planning to purchase a new chair any time soon.

It's a Chair, No It's a Ball, No It's a Ball Chair...

An article in the Houston Chronicle discusses the ergonomic benefits of swapping a typical office chair for one of those fitness balls you see in the gym. The idea is that it makes sitting (which, when done day in and day out, can put a strain on your back) a more active pursuit since your muscles need to adjust continually to stay balanced on the ball. Using the ball "virtually prohibits the slouch and removes the temptation to cross your legs."

This isn't the first time I've read about using ball chairs, or just fitness balls, for sitting; believe it or not, I actually own one (even if the sitting thing doesn't work out for you, they're awesome for ab work). I rolled it over to the computer and gave it a try for a while, but found the one I own doesn't quite fit (despite being rated for a person of my height, I was lower than a chair puts me, and I had to look up at my monitor). A round with my bicycle pump only improve the situation slightly. However, I bought the ball as a toy for my home gym, and I wasn't thinking ergonomic seating. Talking to a therapist might help you find one that's just the right fit.

Just the balls themselves aren't too expensive. The actual ball chairs (they look like regular chairs with back rest, legs, etc., except that the seat is a ball) I've seen run a about a hundred dollars.

Ball Chairs at Amazon

Fitness Balls

Read the Houston Chronicle ball benefits article

Massage Chairs, the Answer to Pain?

In more than one of the books on repetitive stress injuries (RSI) that I've read, massage has been recommended as part of a program for alleviating pain. In particular, It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! recommends deep tissue massage to help with muscle spasms and localized massage to eliminate "trigger points" (I recently purchased a book on trigger points, so expect to hear more about that in forthcoming posts).

The Spine-health site has an article on massage chairs for pain relief, noting benefits and possible risks. The article doesn't guarantee massage chairs will put an end to back problems, but it does suggest they could be beneficial in reducing tension and pain. Unlike with professional masseurs, you don't have to make an appointment.

The prices I've seen on massage chairs range from about $2,000 to $4,000. For now, it'll have to remain on my Christmas wish list. Along with that small tropical island.

Massage Chairs and other Ergonomic Office Chairs at OfficeDesigns.com

Got money? Check out the PCE Workstation

Now, I've never seen a PCE (short for Personal Computing Environment) workstation in person much less sat in one, so don't whip out your credit card on my say so, but I think they're worth checking out if money isn't too much of an issue (lucky you). The RSI sufferer in me likes the concept of this workstation, and the retired gamer in me just thinks it looks cool.

According to their site, the PCE workstation is "a radical re-design of the personal workspace, a modular and scalable platform that surrounds you with ultimate ergonomic, computing and entertainment solutions."

Too bad the bare bones model starts at $2,275.00. Although, considering a good ergonomic chair can run you $1,000 and that doesn't even touch on the desk, keyboard tray, possible monitor riser, and other ergonomic accessories, an all-in-one workstation might not be such a bad idea.

MYPCE Ergonomic Workstation Site

Entrepreneurs Say Ergonomic Chairs Are It

An article in Chicago's Daily Herald spotlights Home Office Solutions Group, a business dedicated to delivering ergonomic chairs and other home office furniture online. As more of us have figured out sitting down isn't supposed to be painful (and we're willing to pay more for it not to be), the business has grown very successful.

No surprise to me. Even non-computer jobs seemed to involve a lot of sitting at the computer for prolonged periods anymore. It definitely takes its toll on the body.

Stop by and read the whole article. My Herman Miller chair (well not my chair specifically, but Herman Miller chairs in general) got a mention.

Home Office Solutions Group online stores:
HomeOfficeSolutions.com
OfficeDesigns.com
UltimateBackStore.com

The Swopper Chair, the New Ergonomic Chair?

The Swopper Chair advertises itself as, "a stool that allows you to sit in motion," basically an alternative to more mundane office chairs. It's supposed to strengthen your back muscles (there's no backrest) thus alleviating back pain. It can tilt forward and back and side to side (all this tilting is supposed to help energize you by keeping you from being completely stationary all day).

I think I'll stick to my Herman Miller chair, but I've known people who swear by sitting on those big fit balls, and it seems to be a similar concept. The Swopper Chair is $500 (more for the Tempur-Pedic version), so you might want to find somebody who has one you can try before committing yourself.

To order one, get more information, or just look at pictures, you can check out the Swopper Chair homepage.

Herman Miller Aeron Chair Review

I received my Herman Miller Aeron Chair a few days ago. As promised, here is a short review.

I ordered the most basic model (i.e. cheapest) which was still $600. The basic Herman Miller Aeron Chair comes with adjustable seat height and back rest (a knob adjusts the amount of tension required to lean back in the chair). The more expensive Aeron Chairs also have adjustable armrest, arms that swing in and out so you don't always have to use them, and I believe there is also some sort of adjustable lumbar support. Unfortunately, the snazzier Aeron chairs also cost a couple hundred dollars more. Because a good ergonomic chair should have adjustable armrests, I almost wish I had sprung for the more expensive chair, but this model feels good and I am pleased with it.

Because I ordered over the Internet, I did not need to pay tax. I ordered the Aeron from Sit 4 Less (links at the bottom). Shipping was free and took about a week to arrive. Assembly was extremely simple. The chair arrived in two halves (bottom and back rest) which were easily connected with the accompanying Allen wrench and four bolts. Even with the help of my cat (who has a penchant for laying on directions), it only took a few minutes to put my chair together.

The Aeron Chair itself is quite sturdy; it has a solid frame that could take a beating and keep on, er, seating. I remember being surprised at how heavy the box was on the porch (of course, most things seem heavy when being dragged up a flight of stairs).

The seat and back are made of a sort of dense mesh that is designed to give good support yet remain cool unlike those leather chairs. The basic casters work fine on my short carpet (Herman Miller has some alternate casters for deep carpet which cost more).

My old chair tended to suck me in, and it was big enough (too big) for me to fold my legs under me or throw them up on the desk, not really the ergonomic thing to do. It was really too large for me. The Aeron Chair is not at all restraining or inflexible, yet it encourages my body to maintain better posture because it fits better.

In conclusion, I believe my Herman Miller Aeron Chair is a solid piece of equipment that will last me for years to come.

Sit4Less
Herman Miller

My New Herman Miller Aeron Chair is on the Way

I've been needing a new ergonomic chair for a long time. The one I have was purchased at Office Depot a few years ago, and let's face it, real ergonomic chairs don't come from Office Depot. I've been fluctuating back and forth between ordering a chair and a complete workstation such as the Microsphere Ergonomic Workstation. The problem with the workstation is I would have to give up a lot of my desk space and built in shelves. As long as I'm living in an apartment with limited space, I don't really have room for both in my home office/living room.

So, after some deliberation, I decided on the Herman Miller Basic Aeron Chair. It came in at $629 which included the optional lumbar support. I ordered from a place called Sit 4 Less because they were offering free shipping. They had some snazzier chairs, but the prices jumped into the thousand dollar range. Compared with what I have now, this should be a notable improvement. I will post a full review once I've received my chair, assembled it, and tried it out for a while.

[June 19th Update: Here is my Herman Miller Aeron Chair Review]