How to Set Up Your Gaming Chair for Maximum Comfort

You have undoubtedly heard that an ergonomic chair can do wonders for your body. It can not only spare you from aches and pains but also reduce your risk of repetitive stress injuries and other conditions that come from sitting improperly. The proper seating position is critical, from your posture to how much oxygen is in your blood. That is why it is important to know how to set up your ergonomic gaming chair.

However, what is the correct seating position? With all the possible adjustments, an ergonomic gaming chair has thousands of positions. Which one is right for you?

Ideally, you want a comfortable seated position that provides dynamic support. In other words, you do not want to be slumped or slouching in your chair. That may feel comfortable when you first sit down, but it leads to improper hand positioning, neck strain, back strain, and more. Instead, you want your chair to support a position with good posture.

The first thing you want to do to properly set up your gaming chair is pick the right seat height. That is different for everyone, even if you are the same height as another user. That is because people can carry their size in their legs or their torso. You want your knees and hips to be at roughly 90 degree angles when seated. You also want to be able to place your feet flat on the floor. For some people, this may mean adding a footrest. That is especially true for gamers, who may recline their chairs instead of sitting upright.

Many gaming chairs come with a footrest. If you are not sitting upright, it is essential to use that footrest. That is because having your feet on the ground helps you support your torso. You might not realize it, but that lower body support goes a long way toward preventing aches and pains in your upper body. A chair with a footrest lets you move around while still getting that support.

Playing an exciting game may have you sitting on the edge of your seat. However, that can be terrible for your spine. When your hips fold forward, your back flattens instead of maintaining its natural curve. Sit deep into your seat to get the correct hip alignment.

Any good ergonomic chair will have lumbar support. However, you must adjust the lumbar support to your body. You want it high enough to fit the natural curve of your spine. If it is too low, it will push your hips forward. If it is too high, it will push your back forward and into a slouching position. The right height depends on you and your back, but for most users, the correct size will be six to 10 inches above the seat.

Unlike many traditional office chairs, gaming chairs come with headrests or head pillows. You want the head pillow to provide enough support to gently push back against your head without forcing you into a slouching position.