Using an ergonomic office chair at work is one step to take in order to maintain good sitting posture when working and stay comfortable even when you have to sit for longer hours. However, no matter how advanced or well designed your ergonomic chair is, nothing beats staying active when it comes to being healthy both physically and mentally.

How can you stay active while sitting? This might be the question you have in mind. And, we are happy to share that there are some things you can do to remain active in your ergonomic office chair even in the midst of long work hours or stressful days. In this blog post, we have some tips to help you.

Three Ways to Remain Active in Your Ergonomic Chair

Today’s ergonomic chairs are equipped with several features that are designed to fit and accommodate the body’s needs, and they have made sitting in today’s chairs more comfortable. However, if you want to maximize the positive effects of these features, there are certain practices you can follow for both health and comfort.

Do chair stretches and exercises

If you find that you are unable to go to the gym or exercise as regularly as you want to or used to, perhaps you can aim for smaller stretches and a simpler exercise regimen that you can follow daily—even as you are seated in your ergonomic office chair.

Check out some simple ergonomic chair exercises for you:

Seated Leg Extensions

• Sit upright and extend one leg straight out in front of you.
• Hold for 5-10 seconds, then lower and switch legs.

This exercise stretches your hamstrings and calves.

Seated Torso Twist

• Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.
• Place your right hand on the back of the chair and twist your torso to the right.
• Hold for 5-10 seconds, then repeat on the left side.

This exercise helps to loosen your back muscles and improve spinal mobility.

Shoulder Shrugs

• Sit up straight with arms relaxed at your sides.
• Shrug your shoulders up towards your ears, hold for a few seconds, then relax.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

This exercise relieves tension in your shoulders and upper back.

Seated Knee Raises

• Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor.
• Lift one knee towards your chest while keeping your back straight.
• Hold for a few seconds, then lower and switch legs.

This exercise helps to engage your core and improve circulation in your legs.

Desk Push-ups

• Stand facing your desk or a sturdy table.
• Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge of the desk.
• Lower your chest towards the desk, then push back up.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

This exercise works your chest, arms, and shoulders.

Calf Raises

• Stand behind your chair and hold onto the back for balance.
• Lift your heels off the ground, rising onto your toes.
• Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

This exercise strengthens your calf muscles and improves ankle mobility.

Seated Arm Circles

• Sit upright with your arms extended straight out to the sides.
• Make small circles with your arms, moving forwards for 10-15 seconds, then backwards for 10-15 seconds.

This exercise helps to improve circulation and mobility in your shoulders and arms.

Seated Cat-Cow Stretch

• Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor.
• Inhale as you arch your back and push your chest forward (Cow position).
• Exhale as you round your back and bring your chin towards your chest (Cat position).
• Repeat 5-10 times.

This exercise stretches and mobilizes your spine.

All of these exercises are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any special equipment. All you need are your ergonomic office chair and a table, and you’re all set! Plus, each exercise is short and won’t take much time and disrupt your work. It is a good way to stretch your back and body after sitting for a while. You can also do these exercises every day and at random intervals throughout the day.

Find opportunities to stand

Apart from doing the ergonomic chair exercises mentioned above, it is also important that you mindfully get up from the chair to give your back a good stretch and get a few minutes to clear your mind.

You can try standing while taking a call. Some individuals have also taken to standing meetings, brainstorming while walking around the office or outside for some air and sun. If you have to talk to a colleague, avoid the urge to pick up the phone. Instead, get up from your seat and walk to your colleague’s workstation, especially if you are in the same area or floor. These small moments of getting up and walking around can become a natural part of your day and an effortless way to break sedentariness.

Use a standing desk

In relation to above point, one important positive change you can make is invest in a standing desk. It will help you develop a sit-stand routine to make staying active while working a natural part of your day. The right pairing of a standing desk and ergonomic office chair can create a significantly positive effect to your daily work routine, and the use of a standing desk is proven to have several benefits:

• It can prevent or arrest the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart illness
• It can enhance focus, creativity, and overall productivity
• It can improve overall mood

The use of a standing desk and an ergonomic office chair will help you develop a healthy work routine. When paired with the other tips mentioned above, you can make a significant improvement against a sedentary lifestyle and create healthier days.

Find the right ergonomic office chair and start building a healthy routine at work today.

About Us

MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country. We offer free shipping within Canada and the US.

What made you switch to standing desks? Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, check out our Refund Policy.