Ergonomic Stools

Some people prefer to sit on a stool instead of a standard office chair. Others simply don't have the space for a regular chair or their workstation doesn't allow for such a piece of furniture. Accordingly, many companies manufacture high quality ergonomic stools that are built to be comfortable for long hours of being seated. One important ergonomic benefit of using a stool instead of a computer chair is that they promote what is called "active sitting". This is when you naturally use the core muscles of your body (like your back and abs) to keep yourself sitting upright. So although you don't have a backrest on the stool you are actually strengthening your back and keeping yourself in a posture that may even be more beneficial to your health than a normal desk chair.

A company named VIA Seating makes one of the best ergonomic stools you can buy called the Swopper. It'll run you between $400 and $600 depending on what options and fabric types you choose but many individuals swear by it and say it greatly reduces back pain and discomfort while seated. It is also easier to 'exercise' while you're sitting on a stool by gently bouncing to reduce spine tension or doing simple moves with your seat to further stretch and relax your body.

If you're on a tight budget, or just think spending that much on a seat is crazy, there is another option. Believe it or not an exercise ball chair is a great alternative to an office chair as it promotes active sitting just like an ergonomic stool does. It is obviously much cheaper (about $25) and if you try one of these first you'll have a much better idea of whether or not investing in an expensive high-end stool is worth it for you.