When Katherine Krug had to shut down the startup she was working on in San Francisco, she was left with more than regret for an idea that didn't work out. She also had terrible back pain. "It was just the embodiment of my heart and soul and everything I was working towards, and it didn't work," she says. "I was completely depleted of energy, and, because I was hunched over my laptop 12 to 14 hours a day, I developed this sciatica pain," she says. That was when Krug started to think about supporting her lower back while seated. She tinkered with some materials and came up with what became BetterBack: a padded harness that straps around the pelvis and is held in place from the knees. After the earlier failure, the new project has turned out to be redemptive. Only two weeks into a Kickstarter campaign, Krug has obliterated her funding target, raising more than 40 times the original goal. And she still has two weeks to go. "When I showed it to my friends, I found out they'd been having back problems too.
There was all these people who came out the closet," she says. "I decided to put it on Kickstarter and see if it was just them or whether this is something that could help people. Obviously with what we've seen on Kickstarter, that question has been answered." It may not have helped people exactly yet. But BetterBack is different, particularly in how the back-pad is supported with the rest of the body. Straps go around the knees, so you're locked into position when sitting down. Krug compares the pads to something in a backpack; the straps are like seat-belts. "You're really using your body's own tension to get this effect. Most back products just focus on your lumbar spine. This focuses on the pelvis [or the area between your abdomen and thighs]. By bracing the knees and the back, it stays in a neutral position, so your spine is able to stay in its natural state," she says. That doesn't mean sitting for long periods magically becomes a good idea. Krug herself also has a standing desk and rotates between that and BetterBack.
"The goal isn't to have someone sit all day without moving. The key is still to move, but if you have to sit, you can sit properly," she says. Pre-order the product here for $49. Shipping starts in October. Never miss a story. I'd also like to receive special Fast Company offersThat's why we've put together this brief glossery of ergonomic desk chair terms. Consider this guide an introduction to the world of ergonomic office furnture, and refer back to it as shop our office chair selection. Ergonomic desk chair features can be divided into three categories:Skip to main content You Might Also EnjoyWe make it easier! Sign up for our newsletter to get the best of HC delivered to your inbox. Do you have a way with words? Apply to write for Her Campus!Some color variation in photos of our furniture finishes, leathers and fabrics is possible due to lighting and differing resolution quality on computer devices. In Stock - Martinsville, VAQuantity35
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Knee Space: 26 3/16W x 29 3/4HUtility Drawer Pedestal: Top drawer has drop-in writing insert and two removable partitions; three drawers each has two removable partitions, one eight compartment utility tray and one six compartment utility tray; one locking file drawer with pendaflex letter/legal file system; three adjustable shelvesPedestals can be turned to either side to be used as a partner's desk Finish Physically Distressed Cherry Veneers Drawer Construction Hooker Furniture offers full height, full depth and full width drawers for maximum storage capacity. All drawers have strong, time-tested English or French dovetail construction, for years of problem-free use. Plywood drawer bottoms are attached to plywood drawer sides for strength and durability. Metal side guides or wood on wood guide systems operate smoothly. Finish Construction Hooker Furniture utilizes a multiple-step finish process of up to 16 finish steps. This results in an unsurpassed clarity, depth and color richness and durability to our finishes.
Through hand-craftsmanship such as rubbing and padding, our finishes feel as good as they look, with a smoothness that is delightful to the touch. Frame Construction Hooker Furniture uses carefully chosen solid wood and select wood veneers over durable wood products in our furniture construction. Use of veneers enables more decorative looks unattainable with solid wood. Veneers are used over durable wood products such as medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particle board, made of renewable resources. MDF and particle board are used in quality furniture for areas that need to be stable, such as large surfaces. These durable wood products do not expand and contract with heat and cold and do not absorb moisture as much as solid wood, which results in stronger and longer-lasting furniture. Other Details Brand Hooker Furniture Description Wendover Utility Desk Complete (Two Drawer Pedestals) Type Desks, Standing Desks Provide feedback on the information shown on this page