Best chair for spinning?

jcgilliam wrote

on Jan 19, 2010 4:36 AM

My back is no longer what it used to be, and I find myself in a bit of pain when I'm spinning for a long time.  Partly, that encourages me to correct my posture, which helps.

But, I'm wonder if there's a particular type of chair that you've found the most comfortable (and with the most back support) for spinning?   RIght now, I'm either spinning on a straight backed chair or from a lazy-boy sofa couch, but I'm thinking that maybe an office type chair might be more comfortable since it's designed for longer periods of sitting doing work?

Thanks for your feedback.

Denise Jackson wrote

on Jan 19, 2010 8:56 AM

I spin from an upright sling back camping chair (like a director's chair). Whenever I go to spin ins I have a one person (spinning police) come and reprimand me for improper posture, not spinning at the orifice height, my leg not at the right angle, the list goes on. They mean well. I smile politely. This chair is perfect for me. It's right for my legs, the back support hits me just right, it allows me to stretch, my butt doesn't go numb.

I have back pain from an auto accident about 20 years ago (a semi rear ended me - yoga helps). This chair was a wedding present. I found that if a chair is comfortable, use it. If a bean-bag chair or a couch is good, use it.

To test the chair, bring your wheel to the office supply store and try out some of the chairs. If the chair has wheels, you may roll as you treadle. Think where you want the back support to hit. Is it adjustable? Do you want it to be adjustable? Where do your legs hang? Will circulation still flow? Is your butt comfy?

If you feel the pain, stop and take a break. Get up and get something, a walk-about, snack, water, coffee, tea, bathroom, stretch.

I hope this helps.

jcgilliam wrote

on Jan 19, 2010 11:22 AM

Thanks, Denise, this sounds like really good advice.  Right now, I'm trying to mend my sore arm resulting from too much combing over the long weekend :)

Jon

(APOB = A Plurality Of Bottles ... I do a little winemaking too :)

Denise Jackson wrote

on Jan 19, 2010 3:14 PM

I like that, I just put up crabapple wine.

phil4 wrote

on Feb 9, 2010 6:07 AM

the most comfortable chair for me is an old low staight back shaker chair, then i put one of those seed filled meditation pillows which are rather thick but incredibly comfortable . since doing this i find my posture is much better and i can spin longer. 

Matrinka wrote

on Feb 9, 2010 8:42 AM

I have lupus (not officially diagnosed... yet) and fibromyalgia with Reynaud's phenomenon, which causes my hands and feet to occasionally just shut off.  Pain is my constant companion, so finding chairs that work for me for longer than a very short time is, needless to say, a challenge.

I do most everything from an antique Parson's chair.  The height at both the legs and the back put me in a position that most anyone else would find miserable for more than watching TV, but it takes the pressure off of my hips and sit bones and keeps my neck from seizing up worse than it already does.  If I could find rockers for it, I'd be perfectly comfy, as I'd be able to keep the blood going to my legs. 

My personal recommendation is to find the seating that works for you.  Yes, there are wonderful traditional stools and chairs for spinning, but if you have back problems, you need to find what works for you, nobody else.

And, if what you're really needing is pressure relief, may I recommend another product made from wool.  A thick wool pad in your chair will help keep the pressure off of your sit bones.  I want to get one for my bed, too, because they keep you warm when it is cold, cool when it is hot, and they support better than memory foam.  Thank you sheep!  :D  If you can't find one ready-made (I couldn't), just use a fleece, well washed and dried and cram it into a pillowcase.  It is a good use for the stuff that is otherwise not-quite-nice.

reuils wrote

on Feb 11, 2010 2:38 PM

I use an office chair,one without arms.Because the height and back support are adjustable,I can get comfortable enough to spin for hours.

Gwen Powell wrote

on Feb 12, 2010 4:03 PM

The key to anything is too not over do it.  Like sitting at a computer, get up and stretch now and again.  Keep your hands below your elbows to keep from shrugging the shoulders.  Best to keep you pelvis level (hence the double treadle).  Personally, it doesn't matter where I sit or what I sit on.  I use to sit on the ground at the park and spin on my old Louet S somethingorother.  Now I like to recline on the sofa and hang my foot over the side and treadly my Victoria (with a glass of wine nearby).  But I will hurt (getting OLD) if I do anything too long.  Got to get up and move!