Nathaniel Fried
Back, leg, shoulder and neck pain is common for those who spend long hours sitting at a computer. The key to remaining healthy and combating back pain and aches is the best computer chair you can afford and regular exercise. We reached out to experts to get their take on which chair to buy and which exercises to do.
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Best computer chair for long hours
Most Recommended Product: Herman Miller Aeron Executive Office Chair
Herman Miller Aeron Executive Office Chair-Size B-Fully Adjustable Arms-lumbar Support Open Box
Who gave this recommendation: Todd Hachey from T2D Adventures
HANDS DOWN! The absolute best computer/desk chair for working extremely long hours is the Herman Miller Aeron chair.
I have had one since 2001, in my home office. Yes, the same chair, and will not use anything else. Over the years I have spent many an hour in that chair whether it is working on writing, research, school, or even computer gaming. Once I got it adjusted to my exact needs, which didn’t take long; I could sit in it for 12, 14 or even 16 hours straight, and get up without being stiff or uncomfortable.
Now, I work for myself, so I get to use my Aeron all the time, but if I were to take a desk job again that required me to sit in an office, I’d be very firm in requesting this for my desk chair. I would seriously consider declining any job that wouldn’t accommodate that request!
Who gave this recommendation: Marc Andre from Vital Dollar
This chair is highly adjustable (including the arms height, lumbar support, and tilt), so you can get it just right for your own comfort. It provides plenty of support and is comfortable even for long periods of time.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Most Corporate Name: BDI TC-223 Black Leather Computer Office Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Katie Tejada from LuxeDecor
When you’re spending long hours in a computer chair, it’s extremely important that it is comfortable and provides support, and this is why the BDI TC-223 Black Leather Computer Office Chair is a great solution. Engineered with ergonomics in mind, this office chair gives you mobility, while providing the customized settings you need to be productive.
In addition to providing lumbar support, it also has an adjustable headset, arms and seat height, so you can get the perfect support where you need it. It is made of breathable mesh, allows you to pivot and move around easily, and features variable tilt lock and tilt tension control.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Most Adjustable: Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair with Headrest
Who gave this recommendation: Wasif Ryn from Hammock Reviews
This is a premium office chair that took the ergonomic concept to a new level. Ergohuman has three one–of-a-kind modules that ensure the best lumbar support. It is also important to mention that this chair is extremely adjustable; it has arms which are high adjustable, arm-pads pivot and slide back and forth. You should never worry for those times when you just want to take a rest . Finally it has a polished aluminium structure that ensures its resistance.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Best Design: Herman Miller Sayl Task Chair
(Available in lots of other colours and styles)
Who gave this recommendation: Tim Absalikov co-founder, and CEO of Lasting Trend – Digital Marketing Agency in New York
This chair not only looks pretty cool but it’s really comfortable. I found this chair in my search for a new one and this one specifically stood out to me because of the design. After checking it out some more it makes sense to get this because of how flexible and breathable the chair is. No sweaty back from having your back stuck to the leather for hours on end. The chair has a stretch fabric built into it with the backbone of the chair like a human backbone. It’s also made of recycled material so that’s a plus. While kinda pricy, it does last and you can always throw it into your tax write-offs.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Budget Option: Serta Mid-Back Office Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Vladamir Sobur, content executive at Moshes Law – A Law Firm in New York
Now, this chair is a great chair. This feels like one of those premium executive chairs but without the $1,000 price tag. It’s nice and sturdy, heavily cushioned and has strong but supple leather with lumbar support added as a nice touch. Their “Back in Motion” technology pivots the lower back forward to flex pelvis and keep your back in a positive neutral position. This means not having to get up and stretch your back every 30 minutes.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Best Mid-range Option: Duorest Leaders Executive Office Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Alex Altuhov general manager at HandyKith – Professional handyman services in New York
This is a strange looking chair at first glance but when you sit in it, it totally makes sense. The unique design of the chair enables support in the neck and the back and the backrests are fully adjustable. It has a very sturdy six wheelbase for added mobility and durability. The way that this chair is designed makes it easily adjustable for most shapes and sizes. Not a bad purchase, well worth it.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Super Budget Option: DJ Wang Grey Modern Office Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Igor Gramyko, owner of Highwater Standard
This chair has good ratings and is surprisingly very affordable for the amount of quality you get out of it. This chair gives good back support and posture and it’s very stable on the legs. It’s a fabric chair with 360-degree swivel and tilt. Just a nice good looking, strong chair for a good price.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Best Luxury Choice: Herman Miller Embody Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Eric Harrison of Sea Dog Straps
If you are spending long times in a computer chair and have the budget I recommend the Herman Miller’s Embody chair. It’s the most expensive office chair Herman Miller makes.
Herman Miller’s website says that the Embody was designed to solve the lack of physical harmony between people and their technology.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Most Colour Options: Steelcase Gesture Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Eric Harrison of Sea Dog Straps
This is a fantastic office chair. For anyone sitting who wants an excellent chair or is sitting for 8 plus hours a day. I definitely recommend this over cheap chairs I had previously used. It is available in an amazing 31 colors.
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Most Popular: Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Who gave this recommendation: Eric Harrison of Sea Dog Straps
The Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is currently the second best selling office chair on Amazon. This chair is more comfortable than most value options and can lock into each extreme, or lock static to keep you comfortable throughout the day. It also has adjustable armrests, and seat also tilts which you do not always find around the $100 category.
The chiar is available in 7 colors (black mesh, black vinyl, blue mesh, brown mesh, gray mesh, green mesh, and red mesh).
Want to read more reviews of this chair or buy it? Click here.
Exercises for sitting at a computer chair for long hours
Exercises with gear
Cycling under your desk
One great exercise you can do even while you are sitting on your computer chair is to cycle.
No, I don’t mean replace your chair with an exercise bike, I’m talking specifically about an exercise bike that sits on the floor and slips under your desk so you can use it while you continue to sit and work as normal.
It’s all too easy to get tired when you are sitting all day staring at a screen and the best way to snap out of it is to do some exercise. With a simple exercise bike under your desk, you can make sure to get your adrenaline pumping while you are still able to read, write and handle your usual work tasks, though I would recommend avoiding conference calls while you are pedaling.
Gear needed: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
Recommendation by: David Alexander from Mazepress
Exercises without gear
Stretching your butt
Stretching your butt – yes, that’s right the gluteus muscles. For sitters, the hip flexor (iliopsoas) and gluteal muscles get tight which can lead to back strain.
- Start by crossing your ankle over the opposite knee so your shin is perpendicular to the floor.
- Then with your back straight, lean forward moving your nose towards the middle of your shin.
An alternative stretch is just moving your nose towards the knee which will provide a different gluteus muscle stretch.
Stretching the calf.
- Instead of sitting with your feet in front of you, bring one foot to the side of the chair resulting in your your heal up and toes just touching the ground.
- Then push your heel down which will give a nice calf stretch.
Neck stretches.
- Every few hours let your head drop to each side and forward.
- You can add your hand on your head for a bit deeper stretch.
- Neck strain is one of the most common issues when the computer and your chair aren’t set up ergonomically.
Stretching exercises recommended by: Nancy Rolnik MD Remedy Sports and Regenerative Medicine
Back Extensions Over Chair
Instructions:
1. Sit tall and put both your hands in the back of your head.
2. Now stretch up and gently extend up an over your chair.
3. Be sure NOT to arch your low back.
4. Do 10 total extensions, holding 2 seconds each time.
5. You can do this one every few hours.
Upper Trapezius Stretch
Instructions:
1. Place one hand at the bottom of you chair and depress your shoulder down.
2. Take the other hand and place it on the opposite side of your head.
3. Now bring your head towards your shoulder
4. Assist with your hand, but don’t over do it.
5. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and do it 3 times a day.
Thank you for the great article!