Does anyone use a "saddle chair" at their desk job?

[Celeritas]

I am researching getting a saddle chair for use at work. I just got bumped up to a full-time position, so I will be spending a lot more time working at a desk than I ever have since breaking my tail bone a few years ago (bucked off, fun times). I still get discomfort and soreness sometimes after sitting in the same position for prolonged periods. Some chairs in particular bother me, and my current desk chair is one of them. I am going to ask my boss about getting a more ergonomic chair, but I am wondering if a “saddle chair” would be a good option? My tail bone never bothers me while riding, so I’m thinking it might be good to swap between a saddle chair and a regular desk chair.

A Google search reveals tons of chairs to choose from. Can anyone that uses one recommend which one they like? I’m thinking that a recommendation from a fellow rider would be much more helpful than picking one through product reviews from non-riders who aren’t used to sitting in a saddle.

Any suggestions from fellow desk jockeys would be greatly appreciated.

[NoSuchPerson]

We’ve been having an ongoing discussion at work about all the recent articles and news reports about the negative health impacts of sitting at a desk all day. As part of that, we’ve all been looking at different options, ranging from standing desks to balance balls as chairs to kneeling chairs. But, I had never heard of the saddle chair. Now that I’ve googled it, it looks interesting.

So no, I can’t tell you anything about using a saddle chair. But, if you do get one, please report back on how it works out, because if you like it, I’d like to try one myself.

[GrayTbred]

Oooh, spiffy!

I’m assuming you don’t mean this saddle chair …
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2110396

Love the stirrup, though.

[HungarianHippo]

I do I do!!! Switched about 4 mos ago and LOVE IT. The chair encourages you to keep your heels under your hips and shoulders, and your weight is more on your inner thigh than your butt. You can’t help but sit nice and tall. If you find yourself sitting back against your chair back a lot, you may not like this because in this chair you are always using your trunk muscles. There’s no slouching. (I mean, that’s a good thing, but if that is a huge change from how you sit now, it might feel like forced exercise for 8hrs a day).

I hate sitting in any one position for a long time, so from time to time I’ll put most of my weight in my heels so I’m kinda just perched on the chair. Which is good for circulation, muscle tone etc. And finally, the saddle chair cured me of my bad habit of constantly sitting with my legs crossed.

Negatives-- more than once I’ve banged my knees on the desk as I slide into working position. Your knees are necessarily spread out a little bit more than in a normal chair. The chair is definitely not conducive to wearing a skirt. And finally, I have not worked through a hot summer yet, I’m a little curious if it will be sticky/too hot. (I swear, I’m really trying to avoid gross double entendres but it’s hard. :lol:)

I got a cheapo one from overstock.com since I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but so far I’m really happy with it.

[trubandloki]

Oh, these look interesting. I have never heard of them. Look forward to reading more reviews.

I wonder if they would let me use one at work…hmmm…

[ellemayo]

Ever since seeing these at the WEG I’ve coveted them
http://www.stuebben.com/images/id925_600.jpg
They come in lots of colors, but are probably not exactly what you’re looking for :lol:

[Celeritas]

Keep the info coming, this is really helpful!

I was actually thinking that I would probably best like one that’s as close to an actual saddle as possible. That Stubben one looks tempting, but unfortunately Stubbens have always been crotch-busters for me! Maybe I can just install a rugged saddle stand in my office and sit in my Antares all day?

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=Celeritas;6872311]
Keep the info coming, this is really helpful!

I was actually thinking that I would probably best like one that’s as close to an actual saddle as possible. That Stubben one looks tempting, but unfortunately Stubbens have always been crotch-busters for me! Maybe I can just install a rugged saddle stand in my office and sit in my Antares all day?[/QUOTE]

get a cheap saddle and throw it over a saw horse…

interesting concept though…but…somebody mentioned hot weather…

would that not put the inverness problem on the forefront?

[Ruth0552]

I find it interesting that the overstock.com one is listed as “massage chair.”

What exactly is that massaging?

[katarine]

check on the Balimo chair.

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=Ruth0552;6872375]
I find it interesting that the overstock.com one is listed as “massage chair.”

What exactly is that massaging?[/QUOTE]

the back, of course…

[yaya]

[QUOTE=Ruth0552;6872375]
I find it interesting that the overstock.com one is listed as “massage chair.”

What exactly is that massaging?[/QUOTE]

It’s a chair to sit on while performing a massage.

[Bogie]

I have one. I find it very comfortable. I alternate between that and an ergonomic office chair.

Mine was pretty pricey but I’ve had it for many years so if it makes sitting more comfortable, it was worth it.

[HungarianHippo]

Somehow I knew this would degenerate :lol I can see the potential for the inverness problem in the summer. Will see.

[Celeritas]

Well, my office is historically well air conditioned, so I don’t think that there’s any danger of an Inverness Problem happening. However, I do wear professional dress most days (skirts/pantyhose/dresses), so that might be an issue… do they make side saddle chairs? I was also considering a kneeling chair, but those are more difficult to maneuver around in. Stupid broken tailbone!

I will look into the Balimo chair, thanks katarine.

Bogie, do you remember where you got yours?

[amymoyer]

I know it’s not nearly as cute as a saddle chair, but I used a hemmoroid (sp?) cushion to lift my tailbone off my chair at work. It did help quite a bit. I didn’t have a broken tailbone, but it was displaced when my son was born. After a while it went back to where it should be, so I no longer needed the cushion. I think the cushion was $10-15. It might work as a temporary solution.

[ironbessflint]

Dragging up an old post to see if the OP ended up trying one, or if anybody else has any reviews/opinions…

[danceronice]

[QUOTE=ellemayo;6872261]
Ever since seeing these at the WEG I’ve coveted them
http://www.stuebben.com/images/id925_600.jpg
They come in lots of colors, but are probably not exactly what you’re looking for :lol:[/QUOTE]

Oh my God just take my money now! Are they actually selling those?

[RxCate]

I sit on a stability ball and love it! Your lower back will hurt in the beginning as you get used to using those muscles to sit up. I do still find myself slouching, but I move around much more than when I was in a chair, and my shoulder problems have definitely decreased.

[Donkerbruin]

[QUOTE=danceronice;7625661]
Oh my God just take my money now! Are they actually selling those?[/QUOTE]

Right?!? Where can I get one?