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Anyone use a "kneeling chair"?

5 years ago from , Creative Director @Offroadcode

I'm getting ever more concerned about my dreadful posture sitting hunched over a keyboard all day and it's something I need to address but it seems no amount of ergo-chairs will help the fact that I slouch forward and have done for 20+ years in the office.

I have a vari-desk and stand periodically but I'd like a better sitting solution than a standard office chair.

Wondering if anyone else uses a kneeling chair of some sort and how you get on with it in terms of straightening up you back and improving posture etc?

28 comments

  • Yasen DimovYasen Dimov, 5 years ago

    I used one of those yoga balls...

    5 points
    • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, 5 years ago

      So do I, and it’s great. I’ve used lots of different kinds of chairs, trying to find something that helps and reduces back issues. I’ve used a standing desk as well. I tried a kneeling chair and it was okay, but I’ve been using yoga balls/exercise balls for years now. Not so much fun when they inevitably break while you’re sitting on them, but still worthwhile.

      4 points
      • Dirk HCM van BoxtelDirk HCM van Boxtel, 5 years ago

        Get. Out.

        They break?

        I'm so tempted now just to get it to that point and laugh my ass off.

        Is it as slapstick as I'm imagining it right now? :]

        2 points
        • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, 5 years ago

          So far I’ve broken a few. One made a slow leaking noise and I wasn’t sure if it was some audio driver white noise issue coming from the speakers until I figured it out (I’ve had issues like that before, and I often have to reach for the volume quickly before it gets too loud). Another exploded and I landed really hard on my ass. It hurt a fair bit.

          The comedy can be as slapstick as you imagine it to be.

          2 points
    • Julian H, 5 years ago

      One of these "balance discs" worked wonders for me.

      1 point
  • Pablo StanleyPablo Stanley, 5 years ago

    I recommend using a stand-up desk and saying goodbye to the chair :)

    1 point
  • Stephen Thomas, 5 years ago

    Been using a kneeling chair for 15-20 years. Can't imagine working at a desk without one. At the moment I'm sitting on a Varier Kneeling Office Chair. Not cheap, but am quite happy with it.

    1 point
  • James Young, 5 years ago

    Thanks for all the replies folks, interesting to see the range of responses.

    I might pick up one to add to the mix, I have a decent chair and use a vari-desk for standing too but I think engaging the core a bit more while not standing can't hurt when it comes to posture.

    I don't really want to look like Mr Burns by the time I'm 50.

    0 points
  • Leon Ephraim, 5 years ago

    Kinda late to the party but here's my contribution; I've been using a Stokke kneeling chair (this one

    0 points
  • Ayesha Khan, 5 years ago

    I originally thought along these lines, yet no. You'll constantly lean somewhat forward and get naturally into an all the more straight stance. The best thing is its adaptability. You sit and stand up quicker and more agreeable. You can pivot and so on... Best piece of my setup is that I utilize it with standing work area, so I can even set the seat somewhat higher when I need the setting between sitting/standing. Gurgaon Aerocity Hotels

    0 points
  • Johannes Neumeier, 5 years ago

    Got a kneeling chair that physically rocks back and forth also, and it does super well for my lower back. Can recommend.

    0 points
  • Tom Martin, 5 years ago

    I use a game chair. I forgot about back problems when I bought it.

    0 points
  • Jesse Bennett-ChamberlainJesse Bennett-Chamberlain, 5 years ago

    I've been using a Thatsit balans chair for the past 5 years. I've been fairly happy with it, although I wish the build quality was better for how pricy it is.

    I really like that I can move between kneeling and sitting throughout the day.

    0 points
  • Payton Biddington, 5 years ago

    I have an ergoErgo stool (adjustable, air-filled plastic stool that's designed to engage your core, similar to a fitness ball but it won't roll away). It's a nice switch-up from my normal desk chair.

    I also have a "leaning stool" called MOGO by Focal (good if you have a standing desk) that essentially is a tripod leg for your butt. You end up somewhere in between standing and leaning… not quite a stool, not quite a chair. Really wonderful during the day when I don't want to sit down but don't want to stand up straight all day.

    I can recommend both (and both are rather inexpensive), but I've also been curious about kneeling chairs.

    I find the best method is to change your seat often and keep your body moving around as much as possible.

    0 points
  • Luke VellaLuke Vella, 5 years ago

    I just ordered a HAG Capisco chair today. Can't vouch for it as I have only tried it in stores but I've heard some good things about it helping to improve posture. I quite like the idea of being able to sit in different positions on it and I'm hoping that it will help me built some core strength which is the first step to being able to sit properly for long periods.

    0 points
    • Jesse Bennett-ChamberlainJesse Bennett-Chamberlain, almost 5 years ago

      How has the chair been? I’ve been thinking about getting one.

      0 points
      • Luke VellaLuke Vella, almost 5 years ago

        I’m happy with it. I don’t find myself sitting on it in as many different positions as I thought I would. In fact, I almost exclusively sit on it the traditional way but I like the fact that I can be comfortable on the chair at different heights due to the saddle style seat. I haven’t had any issues with back pain since I got the chair and I’m sitting on it for over 8 hours most days. After 1 month, I couldn’t tell you whether it has significantly improved my posture but I do think it has done a good job so far in making me more aware when I’m not sitting correctly.

        0 points
  • Art VandelayArt Vandelay, 5 years ago

    I, too, kneel daily.

    Used to use a fitness ball but found it annoying to have to keep the ball from moving away from where i put it originally. The kneeling joint also is optional of feet on the ground or 100% kneel so its solid.

    0 points
  • Jack Larner, 5 years ago

    Yes, I'd recommend one. I've been using a kneeling chair at work for about three years now as sitting in a normal chair all day gave me lower back pain. I find that I slouch less whilst 'sitting' on it and lower back pain is no longer an issue.

    I picked mine up from Amazon for about £50-£60.

    Just get used to others in the office commenting on it and asking to try it out... :)

    0 points