I’ve had the opportunity to review numerous innovative products lately and will share that information with you. How have you been? And “are you sitting down”? I blogged almost two years ago about the risks of sitting too much, and those include diabetes and heart disease. I’ve been seeking a way to healthier sitting.
Not much has changed in the scientific literature recently. Here’s an Australian study published this week that found “unawareness of cardiovascular risk for prolonged sitting was moderately high overall,” especially among younger adults—which leaves our demographic out. Coincidentally, another Aussie study reported in March that “interrupting sitting time with frequent brief bouts of light-intensity activity, but not standing, imparts beneficial postprandial (after a heavy meal) responses that may enhance cardiometabolic health.”
Sitting is bad, and we all do it—the average American sits approximately eight hours a day—that’s about the length of the average workday. Surprising? No.
We also know from previous research that even if we work out—we’re “active”—and we sit too long, we’re not off the health risk hook. As someone who exercises almost every day, because if I didn’t I’d implode, I find that message distressing.
Make mine spine
I pondered buying a standing desk with a treadmill. Then I decided that wasn’t really for me, since I run so much during the week—an excuse? No. It didn’t feel right for me, although the combination is a real winner, and works wonders for many of my friends.
I researched chairs and found this Ergo Chair an interesting option. Note: I bought my chair—it wasn’t gifted to me—and am writing this because I like the product. And yes, it feels like I’m sitting on the top of an egg.
When I first started using it, my spine had to adjust. Here’s why. My L5 vertebra rears its ugly head on the oddest occasions—sometimes due to massive stress. I had to condition it when I started sitting in this chair, for it hurt initially. I worried that it wouldn’t get used to the chair, but have let that go as the “L” and I worked things out.
My mom used to tell me, when I was very young, that I was like a fly on (you can fill in the blank) because I couldn’t “sit still.” Nothing’s changed at this tender age. I’m up and down, which helps counter the risks of sitting. I can actually shift my hips, buttocks and upper thighs on the Ergochair so I’m constantly moving—and that’s the idea.
Office health at the right price
If you price ergonomic chairs, you’ll find the prices climb into the $600 range and above. I think the Ergo Chair is a great bargain, but do not expect six-star luxury components. They wouldn’t cost $169—and today the chair is priced on sale at $119.
One wheel did come apart, but a replacement came quickly in the mail at no charge. Company owner Danny Rudick told me that “to make sure our customers can use the chair for many years we provide a lifetime warranty on all parts, excluding the ball which is made in Italy and unless punctured, will last for a very long time. That means we’ll take care of any problem and replace broken parts free of charge for as long as you own the chair.”
Final note: Keep cats and dogs off the ball. Nuff said? Meanwhile, I’m bouncing now as I write this, and it feels like I have my own bouncy house—but this one won’t blow away in the wind! My chair will keep me mobile, help strengthen my abs and my spine. It works for me and contributes to healthier sitting.