There’s a lot that goes into making sure you’re comfortable and focused when gaming or working.
Whenever you watch an esports tournament or tune in to your favorite pro’s stream, you’ll probably notice that they’re all using some kind of gaming chair. These fancy-looking seats have become all the rage for most gamers, but there’s a good reason.
For any job that requires sitting down for extended periods of time, comfort and posture are critical. From office workers to pro gamers, you can prevent health complications and be more productive by just being able to sit properly. Many brands have put a lot of attention into this, as there’s a lot to consider when it comes to a good, comfortable work chair.
But before we get into the ergonomics of gaming chairs, let’s get one important thing out of the way first. Ultimately, what matters most is having the correct posture when sitting down. A good chair can help with that, but it won’t matter if you’re still hunched over and slouching at the end of the day.
That’s a lot to pay attention to, but again, that’s what a good gaming chair is for. Let’s break down the features of what an ergonomic chair should have.
Ergonomic Features
- Seat Height
This one’s quite obvious, though often overlooked. Adjusting your seat height is very much necessary to keep your whole body perfectly level with your work area.
- Seat Width and Depth
Have you ever sat down and felt that what you’re sitting on feels too big or too small? That’s where width and depth come in, as you could be putting too much stress on your back or knees. Ideally, you want there to be two to four inches of space between the back of your knees and the edge of your seat.
- Seat Tilt
Wobbling back and forth in your chair is a fun thing to do, but seat tilt is also an important factor in positioning your pelvis. An 80–degree angle at your hips, knees, and ankles is ideal for keeping your pelvis in a good neutral position.
- Lumbar Support
We hear a lot about this when it comes to good chair ergonomics, and it’s practically necessary for gaming chairs. Lumbar support is all about keeping the natural S shape of your spine by supporting your lower back while sitting. Usually, a cushion is enough, but some chairs go the extra mile by giving you the option to adjust the lower backrest to your particular preference.
- Backrest Recline
Another obvious feature standard in many gaming chairs is the backrest recline. It may not seem like it, but being able to recline your chair is important, especially when resting. It takes some of the weight off your upper body, allowing you to relax more easily.
- Swivel and Wheels
It seems silly to mention another set of obvious chair features, but swivel and wheels are necessary. Mobility to turn and move while seated is not only convenient, but it also reduces the excessive strain of generally moving around.
- Armrests
Having a nice, comfortable spot to lay your arms on reduces the tension on your shoulders. Just remember to move them around when you’re actually working or playing to prevent strain on the wrists or forearms.
- Headrest
A great way to prevent slouching is to have a place to rest your head while maintaining good posture. This one is really up to your own taste pr preference, but having a good headrest can reduce tension around your neck, shoulders, and upper torso.
- Materials
Lastly is a feature that needs to be considered more often, as the materials used could play a big role in your overall comfort when sitting down. Generally, you want to sit on a material that breathes and doesn’t make your back sweat. Ultimately, however, it depends on the brand and manufacturer, so keep the materials in mind when choosing a gaming chair.
Banner photo from Secret Lab.