Gone are the days when staying seated for long hours was considered a sign of productivity. We’ve since learned that static sitting comes with its challenges—think back pain, poor posture, and even reduced blood circulation. The solution? Active sitting! Sit-stand stools and saddle chairs are modern, ergonomic furniture designed to keep you moving, even while seated.
But what is active sitting? And what makes these innovative chairs so beneficial for your health and productivity? This guide explains the science of active sitting and how products like the Capisco or Muvman can transform how you work.
What Is Active Sitting?
Active sitting refers to the process of engaging your body while seated. Unlike traditional chairs, which encourage a static posture, active sitting promotes small, frequent movements. These subtle motions keep your core muscles engaged, your joints flexed, and your blood flowing.
Rather than supporting you entirely, active sitting furniture like sit-stand stools and saddle chairs are designed to create a dynamic sitting experience. This helps strengthen your body, reduce stiffness, and improve long-term health.
The Key Benefits of Active Sitting
Active sitting isn't just a buzzword—it’s backed by science. Here's why incorporating sit-stand stools and saddle chairs into your workstation makes such a difference.
1. Improved Posture
Traditional chairs often encourage slouching, which can lead to poor spinal alignment and chronic back pain. Sit-stand stools and saddle chairs are ergonomically designed to naturally position your body in a healthier posture.
- Sit-Stand Stools: These stools allow you to alternate between sitting and standing, helping you avoid leaning forward or hunching over your desk. The Lundia Sit-Stand Stool is a great example, with its adjustable height and active seat, making it easy to maintain an open hip angle and upright alignment.
- Saddle Chairs: Inspired by horse saddles, these chairs tilt your pelvis slightly forward, aligning your spine and reducing pressure on your lower back. The Capisco saddle chair does just that, creating better balance and support for extended desk work.
2. Encourages Dynamic Movement
Sitting still for hours isn’t natural, but active sitting allows you to add gentle movements into your work routine. This “micro-movement” keeps your joints lubricated and prevents stiffness.
Both sit-stand stools and saddle chairs encourage dynamic movement through carefully designed features like swivel seats or adjustable tilt, allowing you to lean, rotate, or move as needed. This can improve your energy levels and focus throughout the day.
3. Better Blood Flow
Static positions restrict blood flow to your lower body, which can lead to swelling, fatigue, and even long-term health risks like varicose veins. Active sitting keeps your body engaged and prevents that “pins and needles” sensation you get from sitting still too long.
The Muvman stool, for instance, promotes blood flow by helping users shift between positions without straining. Its tiltable base ensures you remain balanced while stimulating circulation. Check out the Lundia ergonomic stools to explore similar options.
4. Strengthens Core Muscles
Active sitting is like a subtle workout for your core. Because the seat challenges your balance, your body constantly works to stabilise itself. This passive activation strengthens your abdominal and lower back muscles, reducing the risk of back strain.
Saddle chairs, like the Capisco, are particularly efficient at activating your core. By encouraging a natural forward tilt, they target stabilising muscles that often weaken from traditional sitting.
5. Reduces Fatigue and Boosts Productivity
Slouching positions put strain on your body, draining your energy over time. Active sitting reduces this strain, leaving you feeling more energised and focused.
Imagine starting your workday with a chair that helps keep you alert and moving naturally instead of feeling stiff and tired. It’s no wonder people who use ergonomic furniture like the Lundia adjustable saddles often report increased productivity.
Sit-Stand Stools
- Primary Focus: Designed for alternating between sitting and standing, supporting an open hip angle.
- Best For: Ideal for people who frequently change positions throughout the day.
- Adjustability: Most have height and tilt settings so you can move from a seated to standing posture easily.
- Movement Encouraged: Supports dynamic shifting, leaning, and active micro-movements.
- Example Product: Muvman sit-stand stool
Saddle Chairs
- Primary Focus: Encourage a balanced, slightly forward-tilted sitting posture to improve spinal alignment.
- Best For: Those seeking better posture and spinal health during seated tasks.
- Adjustability: Often feature seat and angle adjustments for optimal fit during prolonged sitting.
- Movement Encouraged: Promotes engagement of core muscles while maintaining a stable, ergonomic position.
- Example Product: Capisco saddle chair
While both sit-stand stools and saddle chairs provide active sitting benefits, they serve slightly different purposes.
Choosing the Right Active Sitting Solution
Here are tips for finding the perfect sit-stand stool or saddle chair for your workspace needs:
- Assess Your Desk Setup: Does your desk height support an active sitting position? Adjustable-height desks are a great complement to active sitting furniture.
- Choose Quality Materials: Look for chairs with durable components, such as breathable upholstery and sturdy bases, to ensure longevity.
- Prioritise Adjustability: Both types of chairs work best when they allow you to fine-tune the height, tilt, and seat angle to your body’s proportions.
Take a look at Lundia’s range of sit-stand options to find high-quality, ergonomic choices designed for both home and office spaces.
Active Sitting for Every Workspace
Active sitting is more than a trend—it’s an essential upgrade for the modern workspace. Whether you're tackling spreadsheets in your home office or sketching blueprints in a studio, active sitting options like sit-stand stools or saddle chairs keep you healthier and more focused.
Lundia’s collection of ergonomic furniture ensures there’s a solution for everyone. Try something new today by upgrading to an active chair that enhances both your productivity and well-being!
