Equipment and tools that are ergonomically designed have greatly improved our work efficiency and ability to prevent injury. All of us know these products can improve posture and reduce strain. Like home exercise equipment though, it is important to use these products consistently and properly in order to reap the benefits. A purchase of ergonomic products will not guarantee better posture. People don't see results from these products for three reasons: non-use or incorrect use.
1. Non-use
Before making a purchase, you likely spend a lot of your time reading reviews and doing research to find the best ergonomic products. It's easy to reorganize your workspace to see how much better it will be when you get an ergonomic chair. Reality is often very different.
The best-rated chair is now yours. When it finally arrives, you put it in a corner until it is time to be set up. You do everything you can to make it work, but you never manage to get around the task of setting it up. You end up with the box next to the new standing desk you haven’t removed yet. This means that you don't have a high-quality, highly-rated ergonomic chair. It's not worth the effort to use.
2. Incorrect Use
A second reason why you don't get results is incorrectly using products. After several weeks of research, you have finally purchased an ergonomic chair that will make your ideal workstation. Now that the chair has been delivered, you have finally made time to assemble it.
After you have removed everything from the box and checked that it is intact, you will be able to begin reading the instructions manual. It provides detailed instructions on how to assemble, set up, and use the chair. It can be overwhelming and confusing, but it is worth persevering because you "should not have to figure it."
You finally assembled the chair and it looked exactly as the manual said. The chair assembly is more challenging than you anticipated. At the current height, it won't fit under your desk and the arms are too high to reach your ears.
Because you are still having trouble understanding what is wrong, the user manual will not help. Although you have the arm height correct, the seat is so high that it's impossible to use your desk. Then you decide it's OK. You have good back support. You have to lean forward in order to reach the computer. Your low back doesn't touch the lumbar support. Although this chair is great, it won't improve your posture or help you move properly.
3. Isolated Use
Let's suppose you've conquered the challenges of assembling your new chair and have it adjusted. It is designed to fit perfectly under your desk, support your low back, and is more comfortable than a new Lexus sedan. It's all come together, and you have the perfect ergonomic workstation. This should improve your posture.
You will notice your back muscles becoming stiffer as you sit for a while on your new desk with the right chair. Your project must be finished today. You can continue to work for at least two more hours. When you're done with the project, your back will be stiff and sore that it is difficult to stand.
What is going on? This ergonomic workstation is designed to avoid exactly this situation. Why doesn't it work? It is because there are other components that improve posture and body mechanics. It is not possible to assume that these ergonomic products will solve the problem and remove strain from your body.
There may be other factors that limit your ability, such as restricted hip or back flexibility that prevents you from sitting properly. You may have chronic tightness in your hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back extensor muscles, which can cause pain from prolonged sitting. You might have poor muscular endurance and difficulty maintaining a neutral spinal position for more than a few moments.
Optimize Your Results
A great way to improve your posture and body mechanics is to purchase ergonomic equipment. These tools and equipment are only useful if used correctly and consistently. Although they are a part of an effective ergonomic program, they cannot eliminate postural strain and the effects gravity.
Your ability to use ergonomic equipment properly can be affected by poor flexibility, weakness and impaired muscular endurance. You should include other activities in your routine. These problems can be solved by taking frequent breaks, moving around, walking, stretching, and doing strength exercises. The best way to optimize the results of purchasing ergonomic products is to combine these activities with regular equipment use.
Additional Office Ergonomics Resources
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