chin should be parallel with the middle of your computer screen. Knees
should be higher than hips, and your elbows should bend 90 to 120 degrees
on short armrests. Pull within 14 inches of the screen for best vision, says
Dr. Scott Bautch, past president of the Occupational Health Council for the
American Chiropractic Association.
Look for a five-leg base. It allows the chair to move around easily rather
than dragging your body weight across the floor.
Think ergonomically. Derived from Greek, “ergonomics” means the
science of making the work environment suitable for the worker. Hence, an
ergonomic chair is “friendly to the body,” says Dr. Bautch. That can mean it
provides lumbar support for the lower back, offers adjustability at every level
and is easy to move around the desk.
Go for comfort. Materials such as memory foam conform to individual
body shapes, personalizing the sitting environment. Memory foam is also
temperature sensitive.
Make it match. Office-chair styling has evolved
to suit every décor. You’ll find round backs and
square backs, plus a range of colors and materials to
suit any office setting.
When seated at a computer, your
chair should support your back
with your arms and legs at a
comfortable 90-degree angle.
14"
Choose material for your climate. For an office
with no air conditioning, choose a mesh back, which
allows skin and clothing to breathe.
Remember that your chair sends a message.
Leather puts an executive stamp on the setting, while
faux leather or plastic-backed chairs are the choices
of the masses. Upholstered chairs convey fine, high-end design.
Try it out. Spend at least a few minutes
sitting in chairs before you buy. Move each one up
and down, swivel around and kick your feet back.
Try every angle, and make sure it adjusts for your
height and weight.
Replace it every four or five years. Given technological advances, new materials and the simple fact
that you’re wearing out a chair when you sit in it
every day, all day long, don’t expect to keep your
office chair forever. A
