You’ve obviously heard the health warnings with prolonged sitting, so I’m not going harp on about them.

What I am going to do is offer a solution..

And this solution is incorporating active sitting into your office workstation.

If you want to know exactly what active sitting is and the benefits, you can read my above guide.

In this article, I will focus on all the different types of active seating stools and chairs that will get you “moving” while sitting or standing.

I will also recommend and review my favorite ergonomic products on the market.

The Best Sitting Chair

SWINGSIT Active Sitting Chair

The SWINGSIT Active Sitting Chair is a Kickstarter project that raised a lot of attention back in 2019.

So it’s fair to say this is not your standard ergonomic chair.

The makers of this product found that regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing, maintaining a single position for a long time is bad for your health.

So they created a chair that helps you activate your core, burn calories, and improve your posture.

The idea is to keep your body moving even while you’re not. Basically the chair does the work for you by keeping you active and increasing your productivity.

Unlike other active chairs that move your entire back and neck, this one only activates your core and waistline. You’ll also be able to lock the swing and use it as a regular chair.

Design

The chair is a high-end product when it comes to quality and it will look great in any office.

It’s also extremely comfortable and features memory foam padding on the seat. The height is adjustable, and you will be able to lean back into it. The armrests are also adjustable.

We have to say we loved the idea, and the only reason not to get the SWINGSIT would be the higher price range. However, some people see it as an investment in their health.

What We Like

• New age active sitting
• High-quality materials
• Comfortable

What We Don’t Like

• High price range

Best Kneeling Chair

DRAGONN (by VIVO) Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

The Dragonn kneeling chair has a metal base that supports up to 250 lbs of weight. The seat is positioned at an angle to keep your spine straight while you sit.

When you sit on a kneeling chair your weight is distributed to your legs and knees. Both the seat and the kneepad are cushioned with 3’’ of foam which should feel comfortable to most people.

Sitting on this chair makes you use a completely different set of muscles, so it is recommended to start slowly and gradually increase the time you use it.

Once you develop your shin muscles you’ll feel stronger and able to truly reap the benefits of active sitting.

Adjustability

You’ll be able to adjust the height of the chair from 21’’ to 28’’ off the ground, but keep in mind, the higher it gets, the steeper the angle of the seat.

Judging by customer experience it should be comfortable for people from 5’ up to 6’ high. If you manage to adjust to this chair it will do wonders for your back.

On the other hand, if you decide the kneeling chair is not your cup of tea, make sure you return it within 30 days.

What We Like

• Comfortable cushion
• Adjustable
• Good for your posture & health

What We Don’t Like

• Takes time to get used to

Favorite Standing Desk Stool

Varier Move Tilting Saddle Stool

The Varier Move saddle stool is manufactured in Europe and boasts a stylish Norweigan design.

The main feature of this standing desk stool is the slightly domed base that allows it to pivot and follows the movement of your body.

It takes some time to get used to the design of the seat but this stool isn’t meant for prolonged use. The recommended way to use it is to combine it with a sit/stand desk.

Adjustability and Design

It will be really easy to transition from sitting to standing with the help of a gas lift which extends the stool up to 32.25’’ of the ground. The lowest setting is 22’’ of the ground.

The saddle seat is comfortable and comes with a soft 2’’ cushion. Once the cushion gets worn out you’ll be able to buy a replacement seat and keep using your active stool.

The only downside to the stool would be the high price tag, but customers say it is worth the price because it keeps them mobile, straightens their posture, and makes it fun to sit.

Assembly is pretty straight-forward, you get 3 pieces that need to be put together. The stool is also lightweight (around 15 lbs), so it will be easy to move around.

What We Like

• High-quality parts
• Keeps you active
• Fun to sit on

What We Don’t Like

• High price tag

Best Sitting Stool

VIA Seating Special Edition Swopper Stool

If you’re looking to break your static sitting habits once and for all, it’s worth looking into the Swopper as there’s nothing on the market similar to this stool.

With the Swopper you’ll be able to shift front to back, and side to side, all while you’re sitting.

The feeling is similar to being at the end of a Pogo stick and makes it easy to reach out and grab stuff with the stool following your movements.

The stool is height adjustable but the seat is a bit firm for most people so they end up getting an extra cushion or a gel pad to go with it.

Benefits

Just like most active stools, this one also takes time to get used to so don’t expect to spend much time on it in the beginning.

Once your rarely used muscles develop and you’re using the stool for longer periods, you’ll notice a huge difference in your metabolism and energy levels.

Also, all of the pain you’ve been feeling from slouching will be gone. The price tag on this stool is a bit steep but judging by customer experience it is worth it.

The stool is solidly built and you won’t experience any squeaking or rattling even as you bounce.

What We Like

• Solidly built
• Helps with back pain
• Keeps you active

What We Don’t Like

• Steep price tag

Best Saddle Stool

Capisco Ergonomic Office Chair With Saddle Seat

The Capisco saddle chair is brilliantly designed – the saddle seat can be used for regular sitting, or you can choose to sit sideways, or in reverse.

This versatility is made possible with cutouts in the backrest that act as additional support if you’re sit

The Puls Plus model has a completely cushioned seat and backrest and we feel the additional $50 is well worth it when it comes to comfort. The upholstery was made of 100% polyester knit.

The chair is height adjustable from 22’’ to 31’’ of the ground and will be ideal to pair with a standing desk. Additionally, you’ll be able to adjust the seat depth and the backrest tilt.

What customers are saying

People that bought this chair say it helped eliminate their sitting related pain in about a week. It requires some assembly on arrival but it shouldn’t take you more than 10-15 minutes to set it up.

The Capisco chair comes with a 10-year warranty on its pneumatic lift and just like some of the other models on our list, the only real downside is the initial investment.

What We Like

• Versatile
• Comfortable
• Adjustable

What We Don’t Like

• High initial investment

Best Seating For Children

Learniture Active Learning Chair

Ergonomic for children is becoming widely accepted among parent and schools.

This Learniture active chair is a great option for hyperactive children that need to channel some energy while doing everyday tasks.

The shell of the chair is made of polypropylene which is stiffer than plastic and more resistant to chemicals. It will also be extremely easy to clean and store the chair, as it weighs only 2.2 lbs.

You’ll be able to choose between 4 different sizes and 5 colors. The rubber bottom of this learning chair is slightly curved which helps to keep the child active while they’re sitting.

This chair will be ideal for both classroom and home use and it works well on smooth surfaces and carpets.

What customers are saying

People that bought this chair say that it made a huge difference in their child’s behavior and has resulted in better focus while learning.

The only downside we could find was the durability of the chair cushion when used daily in a classroom.

What We Like

• Great for kids that struggle with focus
• Good stability
• Doesn’t wobble as much as other brands

What We Don’t Like

• Some cushion durability issues

Ideal Posture Accessory

Upright GO 2 NEW Posture Trainer and Corrector

If you’re unsure about which active chair would be the right one, and simply wish to develop posture awareness, try the Upright GO2.

This is a small device that you literally stick to your upper back and it vibrates every time you slouch. The device comes with adhesives and each one can be used up to 10 times.

If you find it hard to use the adhesives you’ll also have the option to purchase the Upright necklace which is sold at $19.99.

Features and Benefits

The device is supported by the Upright App which tracks your movements and gives you complete info on your sitting and standing habits.

The Upright GO2 helps you form new habits and develop a healthier posture within 3 weeks of use. You begin with a few minutes a day and slowly increase the duration each day.

This is an upgrade from their previous model, it features more sensitive sensors, a type C charging port, and a hard case that comes in the package.

The only grudge some people have is the additional cost of adhesives.

What We Like

• New age posture correction
• Easy to use
• App support

What We Don’t Like

• Extra adhesives can be costly

Other Recommended Seating

SONGMICS Standing Desk Chair

The SONGMICS standing desk chair is not your typical chair and shouldn’t be used for sitting. This is an active balance chair that you should lean into.

It rotates to the left and right up to 90 degrees and it tilts in all directions up to 8 degrees. The chair is well-built and comes with a 3’’ thick cushion made of high-density foam that feels comfortable.

You also get handles on both sides to help you move it around or you could use them as armrests.

Adjustability

The SONGMICS chair is height adjustable with the push of a button located under the seat.

The model we were looking at goes from 24.8’’ up to 34.6’’ and will accommodate people above 5’6’’ high. If you’re shorter than that, SONGMICS offers shorter chairs.

People that used this chair say that it was easy to assemble and has done a tremendous job of eliminating their lower back pain.

Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair

While there are many kneeling chairs available on the market, the Varier Variable chair is the original one designed back in 1979 by a Norwegian architect.

To this day, there doesn’t seem to be a better alternative and the proof is the number one ranking this chair got in 2019.

The Variable chair works by slightly tilting your pelvis forward and keeping your spine in the natural S-shape position.

Design

The chair offers a clean minimalist design that people seem to love. It is comfortable and won’t take much space.

As with all kneeling chairs, give yourself time to adjust to it as you’ll be using a new set of muscles for balance.

AERIS Muvman Sit-Stand Stool

The AERIS Muvman stool is similar to the SONGMICS standing desk chair with one major difference – you can sit on it whereas you could only lean with the previous model.

The stool is height adjustable and goes from 20’’ to 33’’  plus it is well built and will support up to 265 lbs of weight.

Most people that bought this stool for their home ended up buying another for their office because it truly worked.

It’s also comfortable to sit on although some people found the seat to be on the firm side. The seat swivels in all directions with equal support.

Sleekform Kneeling Posture Chair

The Atlanta kneeling chair was the first model that Sleekform designed and it’s named after the hometown of their CEO.

You’ll be able to choose between faux leather or mesh upholstery and the chair comes with 4’’ thick cushion which is the highest on our list.

This is both good and bad since you get extra comfort but it raises you a bit higher than other models on our list.

Adjustability

The seat is adjustable and goes from 21’’ to 28’’. Due to its adjustability, it should fit most people, but if it doesn’t work for you, you’ll be able to return it.

The Atlanta chair features rolling casters that can be locked in place and it can hold up to 250 lbs of weight.

Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair

The Gaiam classic balance ball chair is basically an exercise ball placed inside a frame that allows you to have more stability while sitting.

This chair was created by health & fitness experts who wanted to create a product that will be used both for active sitting and exercise. The ball is standard and comes with an air pump.

You are supposed to inflate the ball, wait for 24 hours, deflate it to 50% and re-inflate again to get to the actual recommended size which is 20’’.

Features

It will accommodate people from 5’ to 5’11’’ of height and will successfully hold up to 300 lbs of weight.

Along with the package, you get a desktop exercise guide showing you an entire workout you could be doing while sitting at your desk.

Dangers Of Sitting

Most of us work for 8-10 hours in the office and then come home to sit some more.

We’ve written extensively about the dangers connected with a sedentary lifestyle and the phrase “sitting is the new smoking” cannot be closer to the truth, doctors confirm this fact.

Effects of a sedentary lifestyle

Some effects from sitting for a long time can be felt immediately, your body might feel stiff or you might feel pain in your back and low on energy.

However, there are also passive sitting effects that build up over time, and just like smoking, you won’t know it is hurting you until it’s too late.

Obesity, cardiometabolic disease, spinal deformities, depression, and cognitive dysfunction are just a few of the health problems we risk daily, while the answer to this problem is so simple.

Active sitting! Give it a try today and protect your health for many years to come.

What Is Active Sitting?

Active sitting is performing some sort of movement while you’re sitting in your chair. In this article, we’ve mentioned a variety of active sitting products manufactured for different kinds of people.

Some prefer a kneeling chair and consider it the most comfortable option. Others prefer a standing stool which allows them to perch and tilt while working.

When picking an active chair make sure it’s ergonomics friendly and built well. Also, keep in mind that most of these chairs require an adjustment period because it activates different muscles.

Most of us aren’t used to sitting up straight so this might feel weird for a week or so.

However, once you adjust to active sitting you can say goodbye to your old and unhealthy sitting habits and make way for a healthier and more energized you.

The Benefits

There are plenty of benefits that come from an active sitting lifestyle, let’s take a look at some of them.

Aside from the positive experience you’ll have, also think about all the negative ones you get to avoid by changing one small thing in your daily routine – the way you sit.

Improved Posture

The trick behind most active sitting chairs is the angle they give to your pelvis by pushing it slightly forward. This places your spine in the natural S-shape which is beneficial for your health.

Some models on our list come without a backrest and this is important because it ultimately eliminates slouching. Just like anything else that is new, give yourself time to adjust to it.

Also if you’re new to active sitting make sure you get an item that can be returned in case you don’t find yourself comfortable in that particular model.

The key to success here is to try a few chairs until you find the one that sits best with you (pun intended).

Increased Core Strength

Most of the models on our list will engage your core to a certain extent. Kneeling chairs usually distribute weight to your buttocks and legs so they work the most.

Balance stools usually have a dome-shaped base so they constantly keep you moving and while maintaining balance you’re also engaging your core muscles to stay in the center.

The lack of back support also means you’ll have to engage your lower back muscles for support, strengthening them more and more with each working day.

Burn Calories

Active sitting will help you burn calories to some extent. Don’t expect a full workout, but do expect to spend a lot more calories than you would while sitting on a classic chair.

Some chairs like the Gaiam ball chair come with additional exercise you can do while sitting at your desk so expect a little more calories burned this way.

Less Back Pain

One of the benefits that most active sitting users rave about is the lack of back pain.

As we mentioned, you will need to give yourself some time to adjust to the new position, and also time to adjust to keeping your back straight.

Once you do adjust, you will get up from your work desk feeling energized which is an incredible feeling. This doesn’t happen with a classic chair.