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Original poster

To want to try a kneeling chair

41 replies

ritalinda · 01/02/2022 22:09

I have a bad back and want to try kneeling chair as I wfh all the time now. DH thinks it's a fad and I'll get sick of it within a week, doesn't want to get one cos they're not cheap.

Any experiences of them? Do they help? Are they annoying? TIA

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 01/02/2022 22:30

DH had one during uni. I personally hated it but he loved it.

I found the pressure on my knees and lower legs too uncomfortable but I have no back issues.

If you have space a flexible desk which you can change from seating to standing may be an alternative. I have three colleagues who use them in the office (one got herself one for home as well) and they swear on it.

Otherwise, depending on your exact back problems, there are seveal chairs available to support issues, it may be worth speaking to an health professional what they recommend.

RoyKentsChestHair · 01/02/2022 22:31

I got one last year but my calves are too chunky to fit in it!! You’d be more than welcome to it if you’re anywhere near me - East Midlands/Central England

Elsielouise13 · 01/02/2022 23:13

I had one years ago. Loved it. Took up less space. Don’t know why don’t get another…

fancynotplain · 01/02/2022 23:16

They are not a fad. My mum ( a Dr) bought me one when I was studying for my o levels in the 80’s. I still use one. I abandoned it for conventional ‘lumbar support’ office desk chair and had back problems so was glad to remember the old chair and buy another. Expensive but definitely worth it .

floppybit · 01/02/2022 23:18

I've been looking for one of these, the prices vary massive, are there any particular brands better than other?

Lockdownbear · 01/02/2022 23:18

There's probably a reason we aren't all using them.
What might be worth considering is a saddle chair that seem really popular with beautians and the like.

Hairyfriend · 01/02/2022 23:19

You might find one on ebay or a charity shops that sells furniture to try and use before buying an expensive one. Or ask on on olio or freecycle.

We had one. It always gave me a pain in the coccyx and middle of my bum. They do make a version with a hole in the centre, like doughnut, but then I read that they put more pressure around the hole which can be worse!

If you are looking to stay more upright and straight, a saddle chair might be better for you than a kneeling one. Something like this:
www.robertdyas.co.uk/homcom-saddle-massage-stool-beauty-salon-manicure-tattoo-swivel-chair?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0eOPBhCGARIsAFIwTs7thCTUbTDNaPYqbUpKUIi9liQq9b30pf_io994kVpoifqfj9A6SscaAoobEALw_wcB

Hairyfriend · 01/02/2022 23:20

@Lockdownbear- cross post re the saddle chair Grin

LosingTheWill2022 · 01/02/2022 23:21

Well I love mine. It helped when I had a bad back several years ago and I still use it when sitting at the table. I can sit comfortably for hours but couldn't do that on an ordinary chair.

Lockdownbear · 01/02/2022 23:38

[quote Hairyfriend]@Lockdownbear- cross post re the saddle chair Grin[/quote]
Great minds think alike Grin
I saw someone else use one recently dentist or physio or something. They do look comfy.

ReviewingTheSituation · 01/02/2022 23:44

I bought one when I started WFH. I thought it would be good for my posture. Not so. It's really easy to slouch, and it just hurts my shins.
I got one with decent padding, but even so, it's not comfortable for any length of time.
If you're in Warwickshire, you're welcome to mine if you want to test one out - I'm ordering a proper office chair as soon as I can retrive my work credit card from the safe at work!

LemonKitten · 02/02/2022 06:27

I picked one up in a charity shop for a fiver - it's great for my back pain, but I do find that mu shins and lower legs hurt if I sit at it for too long without a break. I presumed that's because I'm about 4 stone overweight though!

ShesComeUndone · 02/02/2022 06:40

This shop has a huge range of chairs for back problems. I really recommend them. If you can get to one of their shops you could probably try some different chairs out.
www.backinaction.co.uk/

Spellfish · 02/02/2022 06:45

I love mine and have had it for 20 years. I do find I have to get up and move around to rest my knees after a couple of hours, but I think that’s healthy.

CrabbyCat · 02/02/2022 06:46

I didn't get on with one either, I found it too uncomfortable on my shins. A raising desk did help, but the think that made the biggest difference was installing break timer software on my computer which pretty forcefully reminds me to stretch every 10 min or so.

43percentburnt · 02/02/2022 06:54

@RoyKentsChestHair if op is too far from you for your lovely offer of a kneeling chair I would love to give it a go. I’m getting pain from hunching over my desk and am wondering what on earth would work!

43percentburnt · 02/02/2022 06:56

With the standing desks how easy is it to type etc stood up?
I walk about a fair bit whilst talking on the phone but my desk hunching is dreadful!

Original poster
ritalinda · 02/02/2022 07:37

Hmm thank you everyone - interesting mix of opinions there!! I'm afraid I am too far from the kind PPs offering their old ones but perhaps I will check out charity shops or Facebook market place (slim pickings where I am though). Also I will look into the saddle idea. The problem with ordinary ergonomic chairs is that I simply do not sit in them properly. I cross my legs, tuck them under etc and I really cannot stop it which is why I'm looking for a totally different way. I have to work at the dining table so can't get a standing desk unfortunately.

OP posts:
Livelifeinthebuslane · 02/02/2022 07:46

@43percentburnt

With the standing desks how easy is it to type etc stood up? I walk about a fair bit whilst talking on the phone but my desk hunching is dreadful!
It's really easy to type standing up, although getting everything at the right height is a bit of a challenge, and you do get stiff just stood in the same place. Also mine is raise and lower and it sits on my desk, but it feels slightly too high for sitting now. I do also find I often need to sit to really concentrate.

I also have a saddle stool, but I don't find it particularly amazing!

snowdropsandcrocuses · 02/02/2022 07:50

@ritalinda

Hmm thank you everyone - interesting mix of opinions there!! I'm afraid I am too far from the kind PPs offering their old ones but perhaps I will check out charity shops or Facebook market place (slim pickings where I am though). Also I will look into the saddle idea. The problem with ordinary ergonomic chairs is that I simply do not sit in them properly. I cross my legs, tuck them under etc and I really cannot stop it which is why I'm looking for a totally different way. I have to work at the dining table so can't get a standing desk unfortunately.
You can get a standing desk to sit on the table which rises up and down

ERGOMAKER Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter - 81cm (32 Inch) Wide Platform Tabletop Workstation - Quick Sit to Stand Desk Riser for Dual Monitors Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZR5FZQ2/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttiZM6ZV2MJJY27H7138014

Something like this

MrsWooster · 02/02/2022 08:00

There’s lots used on eBay- most collection, so you’d have to filter by Nearest Me. You should be able to get one for £30-£40 and if it doesn’t agree with you, sell it on.

CMOTDibbler · 02/02/2022 08:02

I have a rocking kneeling chair from Back in Action and love it. I am a fidgeter and it lets me do that, plus makes me sit up. I now have a sit/stand desk, and I have to say standing at that on a wobble board has been incredible for my back and posture (yes I had to work up to using it for longer periods and will sit when I need to deeply focus but do most of my meetings and email time standing now)

ReviewingTheSituation · 02/02/2022 08:17

The thing with a kneeling chair is that you can still slouch, just as you can with any other chair. It doesn't force you into a better seated posture, it just facilitates it.

FrancescaContini · 02/02/2022 08:19

I love mine too! Really good investment. Been brilliant for WFH.

thesnaleandthewhail · 20/04/2022 21:09

Just to jump on this thread - can anyone recommend a brand/style of kneeling chair? Looking to order one on Amazon as am abroad. Key features needed?