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Nowadays, Many people wonder why they still feel pain at the end of the workday even though they have an ergonomic chair, sit properly, and adjust the monitor and keyboard properly.
Maybe the reason lies in your feet.
In this blog, we will explore the role of footrests in office ergonomics, test whether you need a footrest, and finally describe the correct way to use a footrest.
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The Role of Footrests in Ergonomics
Footrests are often overlooked compared to more common ergonomic accessories such as office chair armrests, keyboard stands, and screen stands. But for some people who need it, desk footrests are an excellent accessory.
Footrests allow you to put your feet flat when sitting and have a standardized sitting posture. They also allow you to have a support point for your feet when you lie flat in your office chair.
While helping you improve your sitting posture, the footrest also reduces the pressure on your waist and legs, promotes blood circulation, and reduces damage to the sciatic nerve and back.
Who Should Use an Ergonomic Footrest?
Footrests are different from other common office accessories. Ergonomic footrests are not suitable for everyone. Whether you need to add a footrest depends on your physical condition and work environment, but for those who need a footrest, the footrest is one of the essential office tools.
1. People Whose Feet Cannot Be Naturally Flat on the Ground
When your chair has been adjusted to a height suitable for working on the desktop, that is, your elbows are about 90 degrees to the desktop. However, your feet are suspended in the air, or only your toes are on the ground. Maybe you are petite, or maybe your work environment is equipped with high tables and chairs. At this time, the footrest shows its role. You need a suitable footrest to support your body and provide you with a stable balance.
2. Long-Term Work or Gaming, Need to Relax and Stretch
If you work or play for a long time at a desk, the integrated retractable footrest allows you to stretch out your legs when you rest or lean back, so that your legs can relax.
3. Have Special Health Needs
If you have just completed knee surgery and are in the recovery period. Or you need to move your calves at any time to promote blood circulation. At this time, under the doctor's advice, it will be of great help to have a suitable footrest type.
Tips for Using Footrests
Separate Footrest
If you use an independent footrest during work, try to use it throughout the whole process to help you maintain the correct sitting posture, with your feet flat and your knees at 90 degrees to the ground. In addition, a Footrest does not encourage you to sit for a long time. Even if you use a footrest, you should get up and move for a few minutes every hour to stretch your body. When using a footrest, you don't need to press your center completely on the footrest; just let the footrest provide gentle support.
Integrated Retractable Footrest
When you relax or lean back, try to use the integrated footrest to support your feet. But when you lean forward or use a standard sitting posture on the chair, you need to put it away.
The main purpose of the footrest is to enable you to reduce damage to your body and improve comfort. It is an auxiliary tool. When you can achieve a suitable sitting posture by yourself using only an ergonomic office chair, you don't need to use a footrest.
Recommended Ergonomic Office Chair With Footrest for Resting
Boulies EP460
Boulies EP460 is an ergonomic mesh office chair with a built-in retractable footrest.
Size and Extension Length:
- The footrest size of EP460 is 31cm wide and 22.5cm long, and the length after the footrest extension is 45.5cm.
- The office chair is height adjustable, with a height of 49-59cm.
- The seat depth is adjustable from 45.5-49.5cm.
Suitable Height and Weight:
- Recommended height: 170–190cm (5'7"–6'3")
- Maximum weight: 130kg (about 287 lbs)
Boulies EP460 footrest is designed to be pulled out from under the seat to provide leg support. The EP460 maximum total length can reach 154cm, and the maximum back tilt can reach 135°, which can take care of your whole body when you lean back to rest.
Boulies Master Rex
Boulies Master Rex is an ergonomic gaming office chair with a built-in retractable footrest.
Size and Stretch Length:
- The Master Rex footrest size is 33.5cm wide, 19cm long, and the length after the footrest is extended: 41cm.
- The office chair is height adjustable, with a height of 46-55cm.
- The seat depth is 48cm.
Boulies Master Rex Series:
- Recommended height: 155cm - 190cm (about 5'1" - 6'3")
- Recommended weight: less than 110kg (about 243 lbs)
Boulies Master Rex footrest is designed to be pulled out from under the seat to provide leg support. The maximum total length can reach 144cm, and the Master Rex maximum back tilt can reach 165°. With comfortable fabric and a 15° rocking function, you can relax as much as possible when you rest.
Healthy Office Habits
"20-20-20" rule: When you work for 20 minutes, remember to look up and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relieve eye fatigue.
Regular rest and activity: It is recommended to get up and walk for 5-10 minutes every hour and do simple stretching exercises. Even the most ergonomic chair cannot replace your own standing activities!
Reasonable desktop settings: Put the keyboard and mouse in a place where you can easily reach them. Your eyes are level with the center of the display.
Stay hydrated: Remember to replenish your own water while working!
Summary
The role of footrests is to assist in achieving an ergonomic sitting posture. According to your body's feelings, you can fine-tune the position and angle of the footrest at any time.
In particular, an integrated ergonomic office chair with footrest is a powerful tool to improve your office comfort, relieve the discomfort caused by long-term sitting, and give your back time to relax and rest.
Boulies is doing its best to relieve your body's pain and keep you healthy.
