At some point, you've probably been given advice for making your workstation "more ergonomic." Friends and colleagues tell you to raise your monitor a little here, nudge your keyboard a little there, and maybe even purchase one of those fancy (read: expensive) chairs. Ideally, we'd all be hearing such advice from certified ergonomics professionals. In the real world, however, most of us will likely never speak to such experts, much less have the luxury of an ergo evaluation. If you're reading this article, you're already taking a long stride in the right direction. Get comfy while we reveal some of the most common, detrimental ergonomics-related mistakes. And look out for our complete guide to setting up your own ergonomic workstation later this week. "Walk into any Starbucks and you'll find the problem," says Alan Hedge, a professor at Cornell University, who has been teaching, researching, and speaking about ergonomics for more than 30 years. As he points out, we slouch, strain, and adapt to poor setups without considering the long-term effects on our bodies.
Though some corporate employees benefit from an in-house ergo program, those who work from home (or a secondary spot, like a cafe), are especially likely to ignore ergonomics.Wake-up call: Though the side effects of a bad desk setup may eventually be treated, many will follow you throughout your life. And, no, we're not just talking about a bad back.Ignore ergonomics and you risk suffering from eyestrain and irritation, back injuries, soft tissue injuries throughout your body, and nerve compression syndromes (like carpal tunnel). Even if you don't have free access to an ergonomics expert at work, advice from a doctor can help reduce the risk of these injuries. At the risk of making you stick out among your peers, these alternative accessories promise a healthier, more comfortable work life.Wake-up call: "Ergonomic" products are often far from that, and because the word isn't regulated, manufacturers can slap it on products that may even do more harm than good.In fact, current research reveals that split keyboards -- and a number of other funky-looking choices -- offer little to no advantage over the flat variety, explains Hedge.
Likewise, mice that force an extended wrist could contribute to the soft tissue injuries you were trying to avoid in the first place. It turns out you're not the only one whose bottom falls asleep throughout the day, explains Prafulla Mukhi Prabhuvenkatesh, an ergonomics consultant and physiotherapist who has been practicing since 1992.Likewise, an aching back, weak wrists, and leg pain are all side effects of a poorly arranged workstation, often dismissed as the common issues that come with a desk job.Wake-up call: Numbness and slight pain are precursors to chronic health issues. For example, when sitting for prolonged periods of time, unexpected pressure is placed on nerves and tissue, causing a chain reaction. In the case of numb buttocks, the sciatic nerve may be compressed, causing pain down the leg and feet. Numbness, Prabhuvenkatesh explains, is your body telling you there's something wrong. The moment you detect numbness or pain, get up and move. Then, of course, contact your doctor.
With the abundance of research supporting the detrimental health costs of prolonged sitting, it's no surprise workers are scrambling to find other options. Beyond stand-up desks, medicine ball chairs and treadmill desks are also thrown into the mix.You'll find dozens of blog posts and magazine articles citing the amazing life difference a standing or treadmill desk makes, but research has yet to support that such configurations are truly ideal.Wake-up call: The answer to this standing conundrum is that there's no magic bullet. Though standing desks have received quite the hype, Hedge's own research shows that it greatly increases the risk of carotid artery disease and varicose veins. Likewise, prolonged standing can also diminish our fine motor skills.The ideal setup is instead one that allows for both sitting and standing. Even if your desk setup is optimized to the point of perfection, that unavoidable prolonged sitting will wreak havoc on your body. Slow metabolism, a lower life expectancy, and issues related to poor circulation are still possibilities for those with the most optimized desks.
Wake-up call: Get up and move at least every hour. And we give you full permission to skip the jumping jacks and awkward stretches in your cubicle -- opt for a brisk walk around the office instead. If you need help remembering, set an hourly alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to take a walk. And, if you're persuasive enough, maybe a colleague will join you for a walk.A few years ago I decided that having a good office chair was one of the most important things for having a work at home job. Between blogging during the day and gaming during my free time I sit in my chair at least 50 hours a week. At one point, I tried to save a little money by going with something cheap. Over time, I realized that I could work harder and more comfortably if I found a good office chair that was ergonomic. In the short-run, you might be hesistant to spend a little bit more. However, in the long-run, you'll be better off with an ergonomic chair that lasts longer and doesn't cause you any pain.
In addition, there are several budget-friendly chairs that fall into this category. I'll list some of my favorites below. A Good Under $200 Ergonomic Mesh Gaming Chair Review of Lorell's Executive Office Chair for Gaming I'm a pretty big guy at 6'4" and 250 pounds. I need a chair that is not only sturdy, but tall as well. The Lorell Executive office chair is a good option for gamers who are average to above average height.I've used it for the past year and a half and have yet to notice any wear and tear on the back mesh or seat. Speaking of the mesh it breathes well and helps you to avoid any sweat build up that can occur over long gaming sessions.The back of the seat is ergonomically designed for natural curvature. It's a good budget alternative to the pricey Aeron chairs you see on the market as it feels nearly as comfortable and just as durable.Fully Adjustable:Another really nice thing about this chair is that you can adjust it in pretty much every way possible. It's not only the height, but the 3 levels you can see in the picture to the right also control the back of the chair and the seat as well.
I also like the 5-point wheel system which makes it easy to glide over the plastic chair mat beneath it. If you do purchase it I do recommend the chair mat since the chair itself is pretty heavy-duty and can rip even more durable carpets.ArmrestsThe armrests aren't perfect, but they are adjustable and not too wobbly like many chairs out there.Final Impression:Overall, if you're going to be sitting in a chair a lot and need something durable, then I highly recommend the Lorell Executive High-back chair. For the money, it can't be beat. I bought my first one of these several years ago and have since purchased another for my upstairs system. A Good and Ergonomic Executive Back Gaming Chair Here's another executive office chair that our editor uses. The Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair is a bit pricier but has far more features in terms of customization and adjustment. He's about 5'11" but, as you can see in the picture it would fit someone much taller due to its height adjustment for both the chair, back, and headrest.
It would also work for someone below average height due to how the chair can adjust and move. The Perfect Mesh Office Chair for Gaming:This chair is fully mesh from top to bottom and breathes extremely well. It's higher quality than other mesh I've used and is ideal for any gaming session.Features and Ergonomics:The legs are on a 5 point wheel system which makes it easier to move around and the whole thing is pretty much adjustable top to bottom. With the way that the mesh feels and the back is curved, it's a bit more comfortable than the Lorell Executive simply because you can get it closer to the preferred shape and style you're used to. Eurotech refers to it as a back angle adjustment. You can see it in the pictures we took to the right.Tilt Tension and Lock:In addition the tilt tension control and lock allows you to not only lock in the tension but lock it in multiple positions.Final Impression:This chair is anything, but cheap. In many ways I like it as good or better than some Herman Miller chairs I've used in the past.
If you want a good deal, try to find it on a deal or refurbished for around $400. Otherwise it'll set you back around $600. A Good Budget Pu Leather Ergonomic Gaming ChairMerax is a seat company that's really come on to the market during 2016. Their Faux leather and mesh chairs come in 13 different styles of mesh and leather and are affordable with pricing from as low as $50 to as high as $225. The High Back 6 chair, featured on the right, is the one that's drawing my interest right now because of it's sleek design and high back. It's comfortable, firm, has an ergonomic fit, and has height adjustment as well as a near-to-straight back recline function. This chair is as comfortable as some of the options you'll find in the $500 range and looks nearly as good too. Overall it's a solid value in the under $200 category. A Good and Cheap Leather Ergonomic ChairIf you prefer leather to mesh I really like the Viva High Back Ergonomic chair. It comes with adjustable lumbar support.
If the lumbar support on some chairs can be a little bit much for you, this might be perfect. It's good middle ground between having lumbar support all the time and removing it when you simply want to sit back. In addition to adjustable lumbar support, the Viva chair also swivels, reclines, and has an adjustable seat. It does have an executive stance, so it's good for medium to tall individuals. The weight limit is 250 pounds. Overall, this chair is inexpensive at around $200, has a ton of flexibility, and has good ergonomics as well. If you suffer from regular back pain or just want to prevent it, this is a good option. A High-End Ergonomic Office ChairIf price is not an issue, I highly recommend Herman Miller's Aeron Chair. This lightweight Carbo Pellicle / graphite chair comes with a 12-year warranty and, from experience, will last you at least that long. If you're like me and go through typical chairs every few years, in the end it may even save you money. In addition, it's feature-packed with Back support, a fully-mesh design, and has just about every adjustable feature you can think of.
Pay Attention to Ergonomics:I've seen a lot of gamers out there who look at their health as an afterthought. By that, I don't only mean exercise, but also what they sit in. An ergonomic chair forces you to sit in a way that helps you to avoid long-term back injuries. Injury can and will occur if you're sitting improperly for too many hours at a time. Find a chair that's not only adjustable but also offers back lumbar support.Don't just assume that whatever is most expensive offers the most support. Many of the pricey and popular chairs are not that much better than some of the inexpensive chairs I've come across. If the ergonomics of a chair bother you, consider getting a chair that allows for adjustment of lumbar support. Then, you can adjust when and if you use it throughout the day. Mesh or Leather Office Chair for PC Gaming Which would you rather use? Mesh Vs. Leather for Gaming:Mesh and Leather are both viable options for gaming or for your office. For long hours, I tend to lean towards mesh chairs.
The breath-ability and durability of them can't be matched. However, I fully admit that a true leather seat is often more comfortable. If I'm sitting for just a few hours, I'd rather go that direction. Summary: Chairs for GamingOverall don't be afraid to spend a little extra on your gaming chair. I try to do this with everything that I use a lot. That includes my socks shoes, computer, monitor, bed, and of course, my office chair. Look for something that's ergonomic, durable and comes with a decent warranty. What's your favorite office chair for gaming? Let us know in the discussion area below. Best $2,000 Custom Gaming PC 2016 - Builder's GuideLooking to build a good custom gaming PC around $2,000? Here's a guide on the best parts to choose for your desktop in 2016.Best Budget BF4 Graphics Cards 2016Are you still playing Battlefield 4 like I am in 2016? If so, have a look at my picks for the best Battlefield 4 Graphics cards for the money in 2016.Best FPS and RTS Gaming Mouse 2017Want the perfect gaming mouse for your favorite FPS or RTS game?