Ask HN: How do you actually sit properly? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How do you actually sit properly?

Does anyone have tips on how to actually sit properly and abide by some best practices? I'm noticing my posture is really not up to standard lately..

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Tuck your lower back in. Don't rest your weight on your arms. Try not to let your back muscles fall into disuse by leaning on the chair back. Whatever chair setup helps you achieve these is probably fine.

For me what works well is backless chairs that allow me to angle my thighs downward slightly and tuck my feet underneath me and to the side. Right now I'm on a yoga-ball-chair (basically a yoga ball that does not roll). Previously I sat on a large round ottoman.

backless chair? that seems rather counterintuitive.. wouldn't you want a chair with a lot of lumbar support?

i can definitely relate with thighs angling slightly downward though.

Ideally you sit board-straight with your spine stacked on itself, constantly micro-adjusting to keep you centered. Slouching actually came about as a young person trend (I think in the '20s?) that made sitting up straight seem stiff and uncool.

woah, interesting

Not having a chair back means my muscles have to work to keep my back upright: there's no way to slouch backwards. Correctly postured, that work is minimal, but keeps the muscles working and healthy.

A chair back with lumbar support prevents you from sitting in a bad posture, but doesn't help develop the muscles that naturally promote good posture.

Even better would be if I could get rid of my desk so I have no way to slouch forward.

on a similar topic, I recently watched this great video by WSJ where an ergonomics expert explains how to sit and how to setup the desk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_ME4VwTiw

Raise your monitor to eye height instead of curving your back to peer at a laptop screen that’s near your hands. Once you do that your spine will fall into its natural position.

I work out rigorously and regularly, focusing on core and upper body strength. I take brisk 6+ mile walks several times a week. I have a super ergonomic chair with little levers and gauges to configure it in minute detail. I still get massive neck and shoulder pain if I don't sit in a way that gives me the posture of a cheeto.

I have long since opted for painless over imposing, but if you're one of those lucky persons who can stand up and work, that's probably your best bet.

Could you link to the chair you're using? I've been eyeing https://www.autonomous.ai/office-chairs/ergonomic-chair myself

Alas, I haven't the foggiest what it's called and it's probably close to ten years old by now. That ErgoChair 2 looks like a dream though!

here’s a great one by a new startup https://www.branchfurniture.com/collections/all/products/erg...

I stand half the time (my desk is adjustable). When sitting I lean far back and slide in to avoid putting too much pressure on my lower back. Sitting up straight for long periods is unhealthy. The ideal angle is between 120 and 135 degrees. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6187080.stm

I just picked up a kneeling chair and it's been an adjustment. It's nice though -- it sort of forces you to keep your spine and neck in a good position. This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W99RSZK/

I like the position of kneeling chairs, but when I tried one (a very long time ago), I found the pressure on my shins uncomfortable.

These days I use a fixed yoga ball chair [1] which promotes generally the same posture, but keeps most of the support under your butt.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Classic-Balance-Ball-Chair/dp/B...

It is important to have your core engaged. This doesn't mean applying a maximal level of force, but you should maintain control of your spine.

It is OK to lean towards your computer, lean back, do all sorts of weird things -- if you do the work to maintain your spine and neck position. In fact, you should vary your position as you work, take breaks, etc.

Your body weight should be supported by your hamstrings, not your lower back. You should feel a little strain in your thighs.

Here's one article providing ideas but note the page date! https://backintelligence.com/proper-sitting-posture-at-a-des...

BTW it's important to regularly get out of your chair too.

I agree with what everyone is saying.. it makes complete sense and I'm fully aware I should be doing these things.

The problem is I don't remember to, or it slips my mind throughout the day. Any quick hacks you know of to help? I heard of one where you just keep a post-it on your computer to remind you..

Making a habit of periodically mentally visiting your limbs and back can help. I don't regularly practice meditation but I believe it relates to this.

But I think best is to set yourself up for success. Make proper posture the easiest option your unconscious brain has. If there's something you're slouching on, remove it.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I have no chair back or arms, since I would always slouch on them. They're gone, no more slouching on them; I spent more time by default just sitting upright. Now I slouch on my desk though; I should figure out how to remove it from the equation.

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