Today’s Best Office Chair for Core Strength

Working in an office can make for a very sedentary lifestyle, and it can lead to a lack of muscular strength, particularly in your core area. If you work in an office, you will need to take special precautions to ensure that you are keeping your muscles toned. Today’s best office chair for core strength can help.

Of course, you should be making time for regular exercise and strength training, but understandably, it can be difficult to do this when you are on a busy schedule. Luckily, there are many products that are designed to help you stay fit even when you are at the office. In this article, we will discuss the best office chairs for core strength, as well as how to shop for one and other strategies you can use to stay strong, even while you are working in an office environment.

Best Office Chairs for Core Strength

1. Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

The Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is designed entirely for comfort and keeps your muscular and skeletal health in mind while you are working. It supports the natural curves of your spine instead of forcing your back into an unnatural position like many other desk chairs do. It’s also height adjustable and has wheels, so you can comfortably move around your office space while you are working.

This chair has a very comfortable mesh back, which is breathable and won’t irritate your skin, even on hot days. It is curved to follow and support the natural curves in your back, encouraging a healthy posture that will improve core strength. It also has a six-inch mesh seat cushion that is contoured to provide support for your tailbone. The mesh provides a bit of extra comfort for your lower spine, and it feels nice and light to the touch. This cushion is much thicker than the cushions on many other desk chairs, which makes it very comfortable even for those who have spinal problems.

Although this chair feels very light and comfortable, it is still supportive enough to hold up to 331 pounds. Plus, it is adjustable to your body’s unique needs. It is designed to encourage productivity with an easy height adjustment system, adjustable armrests, 360-degree rotation, and a tilting system, so you can lean back if you so choose. The base is very sturdy and will give you the support you need while you’re working and moving throughout the office. The chair also has five dual-wheel casters and rolls equally well on carpet and on hard wood floors. The wheels roll very nicely and won’t get stuck, so you can feel confident and secure while moving about your space.

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Not only does this chair feel nice while you are sitting in it, but it also looks great, with a sleek, modern design. It comes in six different colors to suit your taste. There are neutral options like black, brown, and gray, but you can also opt for a brighter color like green, red, or blue if you so choose. It’s very stylish and would look great in anyone’s office.

2. AmazonBasics High Backed Executive Chair

The AmazonBasics High Backed Executive Chair looks classic and provides the functionality that you would expect from a much more expensive brand. Hence, how it made our list of today’s best office chair for core strength. This elegant swivel chair provides support for your hips, back, and legs and encourages proper posture and core strength. It’s also very durable and feels sturdy and stable.

This chair is made using a smooth exterior layer of leather and PVC, which feels pleasant to the touch and gives it a very luxurious look. The panels are bonded together to prevent rips, fading, and tearing. The back and the seat are both padded, which provides support for your lumbar spine and prevents aches and pains during long days at the office. The back is curved to support your spine instead of forcing you into an uncomfortable upright position, and the seat of the chair is naturally curved as well. Additionally, the armrests both have padding on them and are gently curved to support your arms.

This chair is adjustable in height and has an easy to use lever system. When seated, simply pull on the handle to lower the chair. If you want to raise it, stand up and pull again. The chair has a range of almost four inches, so you can adjust for your most comfortable height. The maximum height of the chair is 45.08 inches. There’s also a solid 250-pound weight maximum, so there’s plenty of support for people of all sizes.

Additionally, this chair does tilt slightly, so you can rock back and forth throughout the day if you choose. The tilt can be controlled with a tension knob, so if you prefer not to rock in your chair, you have that option as well. There’s also a 360-degree swivel on this chair, and there are durable nylon caster wheels so you can move about the office while seated.

Overall, this chair is quite durable, particularly for the price, and it provides good support for the hips and back. It is easy to assemble and is made with materials that won’t fall apart quickly. Since it isn’t designed to be a luxury chair, you may notice some small signs of wear after a few years, such as a squeaking noise or a loss of bounciness in the cushions. However, this is one of the best quality chairs you will find on a budget, and it’s one you can rely on during long days at the office.

3. Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair

Looking for something a little different in your office? The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair is one of the best office chairs for core strength and posture while you are at work. If you love yoga or Pilates, you’ve likely already seen Gaiam products at the studio, and this chair brings dedication to wellness into the workplace. This chair contains a standard 52-inch exercise ball, which is held in place with a specially designed frame. There’s a wire at the front of the frame to keep the ball in place, as well as a thick support bar at the back to help you stay in place while you are working. The support bar sits right behind your hips to encourage good alignment.

The bottom of the frame has four legs with caster-glide wheels, so you can move the chair around the office as necessary. You can choose to lock the two back wheels while you are at your desk, so you don’t move around. While this chair is designed to fit people from 5’ to 5’11”, the Gaiam brand does make two-inch extenders that you can add to the bottom of the frame if necessary to make it taller. These extenders are sold separately. The chair itself weighs 13 pounds, and it can support a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It is 2.5 feet tall and 20 inches wide.

This chair also comes with an air pump. When you first get the ball, you should inflate it, let it sit for a day, deflate it halfway, and then refill it to its full capacity. This allows the ball to stretch to its complete size after you take it out of the box. For the most effective and comfortable results, you will likely need to re-inflate the chair every so often. When your chair is fully inflated, it will provide better support for your hips and back.

There are many benefits to using this yoga ball desk chair instead of a traditional desk chair. For one, it’s one of today’s best office chairs for core strength. In addition, because there isn’t a tall back to this chair, it encourages you to hold good posture while you are working, which naturally forces you to engage your core. Just using this chair can help you develop a much stronger midsection without even doing conditioning exercises.

Also, this chair prevents the chronic pain that often comes with working in an office all day. It encourages you to move slightly throughout the day instead of staying in just one place. This prevents your muscles from getting stiff. It also doesn’t push your body into an unnatural position like many other chairs do. This yoga ball chair can even improve your focus throughout the day, because better posture often leads to improved focus.

4. BestOffice Ergonomic Executive Office Chair

The BestOffice ergonomic office chair is another product that is designed specifically with your alignment and posture in mind. It is one of today’s best office chairs for core strength. It is padded and curved to support your spine, hips, and legs and improves the way you sit. This chair is supportive and comfy, and it’s also incredibly sturdy. It has an elegant and sophisticated design that fits in any office as well.

Both the back and seat of this chair are heavily padded, so they support your bones and muscles and prevent you from experiencing discomfort that can lead to chronic pain when you are sitting in an office all day long. The back of the chair is curved to support the natural curves of your spine. The padding on the seat is very thick as well, with three durable layers. The base layer is plywood, and then there are hand tied springs, which give the seat some bounce that adds to the comfort. Finally, there is a thick layer of supportive foam, which makes the construction similar to what you would find in a mattress. The exterior layer is made from a soft polyurethane leather that is very comfortable and easy to wipe down. The leather looks very sophisticated and is expertly sewn on to prevent rips and tears. Plus, there is ergonomic padded armrests.

This chair has a maximum capacity of 250 pounds, and the height is adjustable to suit your needs. There is a standard gas lift on the chair, which you can adjust with the handle on the side. The height of the chair adjusts from 19 to 23 inches to suit your comfort and fit your desk. The seat is 20 by 20 inches and the back is 20 by 28 inches, so it’s very large and cozy. Not only does this look very sophisticated, but it’s also very comfortable. Finally, the back of the chair reclines from 90 degrees to 120 degrees, which you can adjust with the lever on the side of the chair.

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There is a 360-degree swivel on this chair, and there are five durable wheels, so you can move it throughout the office. The construction of this chair is very good and looks sophisticated and stately, so you don’t have to compromise style for comfort. It comes disassembled but can be easily put together in about 15 minutes. Overall, the BestOffice ergonomic chair is a reliable option for your work space that will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

5. Flash Furniture High Back Executive Swivel Chair

The Flash Furniture Executive Swivel Chair is another one of today’s best office chairs for core strength. Not only is it comfortable and supportive, but it is also very stylish, with a sleek modern design and trendy color options. This very contemporary chair goes well with any office decor but isn’t overpoweringly large. It’s designed to snugly support the contours of your body and is adjustable to suit your needs.

This chair has a high back design with natural curves that support the lower spine. The back of the chair is slightly curved for lumbar support and prevents lower back pain, which is very common for those working a sedentary job. The waterfall design also promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body, so you won’t experience the numbness or chronic pain that often come with working in an office. There’s also a thick layer of cushioning for extra support, and cushioned armrests to keep your upper body comfortable as well.

The Flash Furniture Executive Swivel Chair is also adjustable to fit your unique needs. You can adjust the height of the chair depending on your body type and the size of your desk using a level on the side of the chair. The chair also swivels around completely and has a tilting mechanism. You can lock the chair in a tilted position if that is more comfortable for you.

In addition, this chair has a very stylish, modern design. It comes in two colors of leather, black and white; and three metal colors, chrome, gold, and rose gold. This makes for six unique color combinations, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and the decor of your office. Overall, this chair is a reliable choice for office workers who want to improve their core strength and posture while reducing chronic pain.

What to Look for to Find Today’s Best Office Chair for Core Strength

If you are particularly concerned with core strength and posture while you are at work, there are certain things you should look for in an office chair to ensure that you are getting the support that you need. There are also aesthetic and functional features that you should look for in any office chair to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth. Here are the specific features and benefits that you should shop for when choosing an office chair.

High Back

Not every office chair for core strength has a high back, but many of them do, and this is a very reliable design for those who are concerned about maintaining good posture. A high back provides you with complete back support all the way up through your head and neck, so you won’t strain any muscles or hold your spine in an unnatural way that could lead to pain or injuries. Look for a high back when shopping for an office chair for core strength. In addition, be sure to look at the dimensions of the chair to make sure it’s going to be a comfortable fit for your body.

Thick, Comfortable Padding

The padding used in an office chair can make a big difference when it comes to its overall effectiveness and comfort. A good chair for core strength and support should have several inches of padding. Ideally, this padding should be made with a foam that has a bit of give but still conforms to your body’s natural curves. A little bit of spring underneath the padding can also help to give you a supportive boost.

Curved for Lumbar Support

Your lower back is a part of the body that needs additional support when you are sitting for long periods of time. If you don’t keep it held in good alignment, it can lead to disc compression, muscle cramps and strains, and other physical discomfort. This is where it’s helpful to have good core strength, because your abdominal muscles will hold your body in a comfortable position and prevent pain. A good office chair should be curved at the bottom to provide you with natural support and keep your spine in good alignment. If the chair is straight up and down, it will force your spine into an unnatural position.

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Contoured Seat Cushion

It’s also important for your pelvis to be well-supported in your chair while you are at work. A contoured seat cushion can really help with this. It can also help prevent nerve pinching and increase your circulation, which keeps your legs healthier while you are sitting. Look for a seat cushion that is contoured to the natural curves of your pelvis and has some give to it as well. This contoured seat cushion should feel comfortable and still allow some natural movement. You shouldn’t feel ‘stuck’ in a chair once you sit down.

Padded Armrests

Padded armrests are another important feature for comfort and alignment, particularly if you spend most of your day typing or writing. They will keep your arm supported and can help keep your shoulders level too. They will also prevent the feeling of the edge of your desk digging into your wrists during a long day at the computer, which is incredibly uncomfortable and can be a contributing factor in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Adjustable Tilt

Many of today’s best office chairs for core strength come with an option to tilt back. If you naturally like to lean back in your chair anyway, a tilt option ensures that you can do this safely without falling over. Tilting back also can help you relax during the day when you feel tense or want to take a break. Look at the range of tilt available to get an idea of how far back you will be able to go. You should also make sure that your chair has a tilt locking option, so you can lock the chair in your desired position and completely relax during a long day at work.

Comfortable Cushion Cover

The material of the cushion is another very important factor to consider when shopping for your office chair. While it won’t affect your core strength or your back, the cushion cover material has a big impact on how comfortable you are during the day. The material on the outside of the chair should feel luxurious and soft, and it shouldn’t irritate your skin during the day. If you live somewhere hot, avoid materials you will stick to when you sweat. Many chairs are made using faux leather materials, which look very elegant and can feel buttery and soft when they are well produced. Another common material for desk chairs is mesh. Mesh is a great material if you live somewhere hot, because it is very light and breathable and won’t stick to your skin.

360 Degree Swivel

During a busy workday, you may need to turn around to address someone or grab an item, but don’t want to get up from your chair. 360-degree swivel is a very helpful feature for this. If you are purchasing a chair with 360-degree swivel, just make sure that the swivel mechanism won’t squeak or get stuck. It should also be very stable.

Adjustable Height

Not everyone is the same height, so of course your office chair needs to be adjustable, so you can be comfortable. Most chairs have a lever on the side of the seat that you can easily adjust just by pushing or pulling. When shopping for a chair, look at the range of heights that the chair can adjust to. This will give you an idea of whether or not the chair will be comfortable for your height.

Durable Wheels

Wheels are an important feature for any office chair. You’ll probably need to move your chair to different rooms from time to time, and wheels can make this much easier. However, if the wheels break or get stuck easily, it can be a very frustrating annoyance to deal with. Look for a chair that has durable wheels that are designed with a wide range of mobility. This will ensure that you can move around your office whenever you want.

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Sleek Design

When you spend so much time in the office, you want your space to be appealing. This makes the aesthetics of the chair just as important as the way it works. Look for a chair with a design that’s going to fit in well with you existing furniture. Make sure your chair is made with materials that look sleek, elegant, and professional. Many chairs come in multiple color options, so you can select the one that best suits your style.

Weight Limit

Most chairs are designed for a certain weight limit. In general, it’s always better to look for a chair with a higher weight limit so that anyone in the office can sit in it, or you can rest objects on it if necessary. A higher weight limit is also indicative of a well-made chair that uses strong parts.

Quality Construction

Finally, you will want to look at the construction of the office chair to determine how well made it is. In particular, you will want to look at the seams on the seat as well as how the joints of the chair are put together. Reinforced seams mean that the cushioning on the chair is less likely to rip or tear. Welded or reinforced bases are also going to be much stronger and supportive. Looking at where the chairs are made is also a good indication of their quality. Are they handmade locally, or is the construction shipped out to a factory abroad? These are all helpful things to look at when shopping for an office chair.

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When shopping for an office chair for core strength and posture, you should test out the chair in person if you can. Testing the chair in person will give you an idea of how well it will support your body and will give you an opportunity to feel the material as well. Even if you are buying online, it can help to look for a furniture store nearby where you can test the chairs out, or even see if a coworker or friend has the model you are interested in. However, it’s not always possible to test out a chair in person. If this is the case, just make sure to check the warranty and return policy on the chair. A good warranty will ensure that you can get a replacement if something is wrong with the chair. If you aren’t sure about the model you are purchasing, a good return policy will also be very helpful.

Exercises to Improve Your Core Strength

It’s not enough to have a supportive office chair if you are looking to improve your core strength. In addition to being aware of your abdominals during the day, you also need to be exercising outside of work to make these improvements. There are many exercises you can do that don’t take much time each day but will make a big difference in your overall core strength. Here are some forms of exercise that are particularly helpful for dealing with this issue.

Pilates

Pilates is a toning workout that was developed by Joe Pilates in the early 1900s. It was initially designed to help athletes and dancers stay healthy, but it is very beneficial for anyone. In particular, there is a lot of focus on core strength in the exercises. There are many helpful exercises that can be done laying down or seated and focus very specifically on the abdominal muscles. Some examples of these exercises include leg lifts, roll ups, and planks. These exercises are easy to modify to suit your own physical fitness level. While it’s helpful to go take a Pilates class to learn the technique, you can also learn it from watching YouTube videos or DVDs – all you need is a mat and enough space to practice. Once you learn enough of the exercises, you can choose the ones that help you the most and make your own quick Pilates regime that you can do before, after or during work each day.

Golf

This may sound counterintuitive, as golf isn’t known for being a particularly intense workout. However, the movements you practice in a good golf swing are actually great for toning your abdominals. You’ll need to be loose in your hips but engage your core in order to get a great shot. There’s also plenty of walking while you are on the golf course, which adds a bit of extra cardio. Golf can be played very casually and can also be a productive social or networking outing, so it’s a great way to multitask if you need to get these things done.

Walking/Running

Walking and running are some of the easiest forms of exercise to fit into your daily regime, and they can make a big difference in your overall strength and fitness level. To move quickly and efficiently, you will need to keep your core engaged instead of just letting the muscles stay relaxed. Be sure to think about these muscles as you are moving for the most effective results. If you have a busy day, you can still fit a walk or a run into your routine. Try walking to work or to run errands on your lunch break, if you can. You can also bring a pair of workout clothes to work and go on a quick jog during your lunch break. You don’t have to go for long, but if you are used to not working out at all, you will notice a big difference very quickly.

Volleyball

If you enjoy playing beach volleyball, you’ll be happy to learn that it has more benefits than just improving your tan. To get a great volley, you’ll need to engage your core tightly, which will make you lighter and give you more control over the rest of your body. Find a local volleyball court and get a group of people together on the weekends to play. This is another sport that can be played very casually but has plenty of real-life benefits.

Yoga

Yoga is similar to Pilates in that it can be done at home. It includes a series of positions that are great for strengthening your body, and your core in particular. However, it is much different in that you train your body to hold poses instead of doing repetitive exercises. There’s also more of a focus on relaxation and stress relief, and some yoga classes even have an element of spirituality to them. If you try Pilates and don’t like it, you might find that you enjoy yoga instead, and vice-versa. Many of the principles you learn in yoga will help you keep your body relaxed at work and help you stay calm during stressful situations.

Weight Lifting

When you use weights properly, they don’t only tone your arms and legs – they’ll tone your core too. Keep weights by your desk or by your TV so you can use them on your lunch break or while watching your favorite show. There are certain weight exercises that are particularly good for your abs. For example, sitting on the floor with your legs raised and your torso slightly back and doing twists from side to side while holding a weighted ball is an incredible exercise for improving your abs and doesn’t take much time each day. You can also do a similar exercise while standing and get the same result. If you really want a challenge, try doing one-handed planks while holding a weight in the other hand.

These are just a few of the exercises that are particularly helpful for improving your core strength. Although it can be difficult to fit in time to exercise as a busy professional, it is really worth your while when you start to look more toned and feel lighter and healthier. Start with just a few minutes each day and work up to a longer routine. The more frequently you exercise, the easier it will feel. If you’re struggling to get started, try enlisting a friend from work to help you stay motivated and keep this habit.

How to Stay Healthy While Working in An Office

Working at an office has its perks, but spending so much of your time in a sedentary position can be incredibly uncomfortable and have negative long-term health effects. Aside from investing in one of today’s best office chairs for core strength, there are other things you can do in the office to stay on top of your health. It’s a matter of making small changes to your routine each day and being mindful when you are sitting for long periods of time. Here are some of the best ways to stay healthy when you are working in an office.

• Take regular breaks.

It’s important to take regular breaks for several different reasons. Most importantly, it allows your brain and body to relax and recharge quickly so that you can maintain your productivity levels throughout the entire day. It also gives you an opportunity to move your body, so you can prevent chronic muscle tension. If you have trouble remembering to take breaks every hour, set a reminder on your phone or computer. Stand up, walk around, go check in with a coworker – just doing something different for five minutes is great for your brain and body.

• Stretch when you feel tense.

Something else that’s extremely important for your physical health is to remember to stretch regularly. Everyone has certain parts of their body that get tense faster than others. Find stretches that are specifically targeted to those body parts – you can look online, or you can ask a doctor or physical therapist. Throughout the day, do mental check-ins to assess how your body is feeling. If you notice tension or discomfort, take a minute to stretch out that area of the body. Just this tiny break can make a world of difference when it comes to your muscular health.

• Keep healthy snacks at your desk.

It’s tempting during busy work periods to eat fast food. It’s quick, convenient, and filling. However, it can also really weigh you down and make you feel tired later on in the day, which is going to decrease your motivation to work out. When you aren’t eating healthy, you also are going to have less energy to put towards any exercise you might want to do. To stave off the temptation to eat unhealthy foods, try keeping a selection of healthy snacks at your desk that you know you enjoy. Good options are trail mix, dried fruit, or peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread. Many grocery stores are also now selling healthy snacks that are designed to be good alternatives to their unhealthy counterparts. Go to your local health foods grocery store to see what’s available – you might just find your new favorite snack.

• Organize walking meetings.

If you need to meet with a coworker, suggest going for a walk around the block while you have your meeting instead of just sitting in a conference room. Walking meetings are an easy way to get some fresh air and gentle exercise. Plus, the change of scenery from your office is rather stimulating and can help get your ideas flowing. Once your coworkers realize how effective this strategy is, it might just become a trend.

• Invest in a foam roller.

If you come home every day feeling achy and tense, a foam roller is a great tool to invest in. You can purchase them online or at sports stores. They can be used to roll out the knots and tension spots in your muscles. If you feel tension in your back, lay on top of the roller and slowly move back and forth to work out the tension. You can do the same thing on both the front and back of your legs. If you need to work out a knot in a much smaller area, you can do a similar exercise with a tennis or lacrosse ball. Either laying on the floor or standing up, place the ball between your muscle and the hard surface and slowly roll back and forth. While it may feel painful at first, it will help relax and remove the knot. As a result, you will start to feel better.

• Stick to a schedule.

When you keep the same schedule every day, it is much easier to stay healthy and maintain good habits. Try to wake up and go to bed at roughly the same time each day, exercise at the same time, and eat at the same time. When your body can anticipate your schedule, it will work much more efficiently, and you will probably start to notice your metabolism working faster and that you have more energy. If you have trouble sticking to a schedule, try using the reminders or calendar on your phone to help keep you on track. After you’ve managed to keep a routine for a few weeks, it will start to feel much more natural.

While it can be difficult to maintain your core strength and overall health while working in a sedentary job, it can definitely be done. Having awareness of the health challenges you are facing is the best first step when trying to live a healthier lifestyle. A good office chair can make a huge difference in your overall posture and comfort levels. Use the factors discussed in this guide to find the perfect office chair for your needs. Even on long, stressful days, a good office chair can help keep your body comfortable and relaxed.