Since setting up the Variable Kneeling Chair (which took less than 15 minutes), I’ve put it to work while answering emails and Slack messages. FYI: The chair is pretty compact, measuring 20 inches tall, 28 inches long, and 19 inches wide, but the seat height isn’t adjustable, so it’s worth measuring your desk before placing an order.
When I sit down, I notice that my core activates immediately, due to the slight tilt of the seat. It doesn’t feel like a hard-core plank workout—just a little tension that reminds me of sitting on an exercise ball. I also notice that my hips and knees feel nice and relaxed while I sit on the chair. Because my weight is more evenly distributed, there’s a sense of lightness that I’ve never experienced while working at my desk.
At the same time, because holding this posture requires some balance, it almost feels like being in a very casual yoga pose all day long. I also love that I can rock the chair ever so slightly as the hours wear on—a great feature for anyone who likes to fidget throughout the day.
Over the weeks I’ve sat on the Variable Kneeling Chair, I’ve switched between kneeling, placing both feet on the knee pads, and sitting on the seat with my feet on the floor. Without a doubt, all three positions leave me with less pain than my old school desk chair did. I’ve also noticed that my hips don’t feel as tight when I’m out and about or indulging in a stretching class after work.
Another bonus? How easy it is to move this chair around. As someone who shares a small home office space with my partner, I often have to relocate to our dining table or countertops when I need more room. Now I always take my kneeling chair with me—I’m never going back.
Bottom line
At $349, the Variable Kneeling Chair definitely costs more than your average office chair. That said, people with knee, back, or hip pain (like me!) will find it a worthwhile investment. If we’re going to spend eight hours sitting at our desks every day, we might as well sit on something that doesn’t leave us with debilitating discomfort outside of office hours, right?
Anyone with similar tightness in their lower body may benefit from alternating between a kneeling chair and a regular chair at first. That way, you can gradually get used to this new way of sitting. Personally, I’ll be kneeling on my chair until it falls to pieces—and even then, I may just tape it back together and keep answering my emails.
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