Seats and Chairs

Submitted by Desert Rose on March 26, 2015 - 1:45pm
Body: 

I’m new to this work and trying to learn as much as I can. I’m so encouraged. So grateful.

I’m trying to adjust my posture both sitting and standing and hoping I’m doing it in a way that’s helpful. I’m looking forward to a live session where I can receive coaching at the end of April. In the meantime, I’m reading here and trying to emulate the videos and pictures I’ve found.

I have an ergonomic desk chair that I bought years ago for back issues related to rear end accidents and have loved it for the position it puts my spine in, but now I’m realizing that because I have to sit fully back in the seat, while it supports my low back, it doesn’t put my pelvis in the whole woman posture (I prefer to think of it as “warrior woman posture” smile), so I am finding myself perching at the front of my desk chair. It’s not an uncomfortable position, quite the opposite, I have heating foot stool that elevates my feet and knees just a bit, so I feel completely supported and I’m sitting where I think I need to be to accomplish the posture. It actually feels good and empowering. But, if I could find something where I’m not hanging right at the edge of a chair, I’d like that.

I googled chairs last night and ran across saddle chairs. Any thoughts or experiences? I’m hoping to find one locally to “test drive”.

My car seat is very adjustable. Yesterday I changed all of my settings, and I think I’m as close to whole woman posture in a car as I can be. I’m pleased about that. My husband drives a large truck, and his passenger seat is more problematic.

Thank you ladies.

Forum:

Aussie Soul Sister

March 26, 2015 - 7:31pm

Dear Desert Rose,
If you put key words in the search box you will find may discussions on sitting and chairs on the forum.
Many of us are doing more things on the floor.

I also like to sit with my derriere fully on the seat of a chair unless my feet are not flat on the floor.
Happy reading,

Aussie Soul Sister

wholewomanUK

March 27, 2015 - 3:55pm

Hi, good question. Yes sitting's so important! In the car/anywhere try to avoid bucket seat and go for flat seats. When sitting ideally your things are about parallel, or knee slightly up, with feet flat on the floor. For short legged women a block under the feet can be useful to prevent slouching lower backs. Cushions, back supports, (coats, bags..) can also be used as lower back supporters in cars, cinemas, train etc. Perching's fine but may not be sustainable for long periods of time. Some women sit for a time on a blanket box or some kind of flat surface and alternate sitting 'normally and cross legged. Sitting on a bed/s settee legs outstretched/kneeling/crosslegged with a low bed table/tray can be useful or just at a normal desk.

I tend tend to alternate where and how I sit and work/read. I find I can't sit for hours in anyone position. It's a try it and see situation.

Good luck,
wholewomanukx

Desert Rose

March 27, 2015 - 10:27pm

Yesterday I read some comments about floor sitting. I've always loved floor sitting to watch the living room TV (carpet), but, my evening routine is a computer screen and a small TV screen on my desk plus books or magazines. I love evening time. I'm wondering about the possibility of getting rid of the desk and putting everything on the floor, but I'm not sure how I'd make that work. That floor is tile, not carpet. I'm open to comments. I'm not unhappy perched on the edge of my current chair, and I do have an appointment to try on a couple of different saddle chairs. Getting rid of the desk is kind of extreme, but I think my cats and dogs would like having me on the floor, although I might not get much done, hahahaa.

Idahogranny29

March 27, 2015 - 10:47pm

I love reading all of your comments. I too am working on finding the "happy spot" when sitting at the desk. I wondered if anyone has had any luck using the big exercise balls. My friend uses one at her office so I bought one. It's pretty good, you just have to hold still:) I like being able to straddle it. Just wondered.

Thriving 70s

March 28, 2015 - 10:16am

Hi, Idahogranny....I used to be an Idahogranny (Salmon) but now I moved and I'm a Californiagranny! LOL. Anyway, I've tried the ball lotsa times during my life...right now it keeps me too low from my desk..(I think I have the largest size.) Does yours keep you high enough to do work?

ActiveandLapsed

March 28, 2015 - 2:29pm

WholewomenUK, can I use a foot rest that slopes down a little under my office desk or should my feet be on something flat? I can't adjust it but could try something else.

I am also looking at an office stool and a standing desk. Anyone use a standing desk?

Desert Rose

March 28, 2015 - 11:51pm

Today I test drove Varier chair and Via Swopper chair. Both allowed for lots of positional shifting and for New Kegels (I’m liking doing them at my desk).

Of the two, the Varier was a bit less movable for those positional shiftings and the rocking of the New Kegel, but still quite good. The Varier has a base that is only slightly convex on the bottom and the base rocks on the floor. It’s cheaper than the Via and more low-tech. I’m not sure how long that convex base will last due to constant friction between the base and the floor, plus weight creating constant contact between the surface of the base and the floor.

The Via allows a rocking through a large, heavy spring around the shaft of the chair base, and can be adjusted in how much flexibility or stiffness it offers. That one comes with a 10 year warranty.

I think I’d still want my heated foot rest for the extra bit of hip flex as well as the warmth.

Next week I’ll test drive a couple of saddle chairs and then go back to this store and re-visit these two. It’s an investment in any of these chairs, but I use things for years and years when I find something that works for me.

I’m still open to losing my desk and floor sitting, but I need to test drive that concept too.

http://www.ergodepot.com/Move_II_by_Varier_p/v265.htm?gclid=CJ_ls8vgzMQC...

http://www.viaseating.com/product-detail/swopper-air/

Surviving60

March 29, 2015 - 6:21am

Many of us, myself included, could not possibly give up a desk and do all our work on the floor. I have an office job, and lots of paperwork at home, most of which would be virtually impossible to do sitting on the floor, if for no other reason than the need to spread out large quantities of stuff in too small of a space (and use of laptop + iPad for multitasking).

It's worth it to find a chair that is comfortable and prolapse-friendly, but it is amazing what you can do with just a few angle adjustments, height adjustments, and cushions. - Surviving

Halo

May 13, 2015 - 7:04am

Hello Desert Rose. I am looking for a new chair and came across your post, you might have mentioned it in a later post, but I was wondering how your test drives went and if you decided on a chair?? Thank you for the links, this gives me some place to start. I have taken notes :)

Bellamomma0419

March 21, 2017 - 2:20pm

Hello - I didn't see any feedback on whether the exercise ball is a safe bet for prolapse issues and the WW posture? I received one for Christmas and it sits in a base with wheels, so it doesn't move around a lot. My hips have been happier, but is this okay for my prolapse issues? My feet sit flat on the floor with my knees just at hip height. Feedback/Input is appreciated. Thank you -

Aging gracefully

March 21, 2017 - 5:19pm

Only if you can maintain WW posture very well. It is really advisable to get the posture down first, and then start experimenting with things to see how they affect your posture. If you are doing something and you start falling out of posture, you may want to put it on the sideline.

Bellamomma0419

March 22, 2017 - 1:55pm

Thank you, Aging gracefully. I've just started this journey. having my gallbladder removed on Friday, so unfortunately, will be in recovery mode for a few weeks before I can pick up on the exercises, but am working on posture now. :)