Many people look at gaming chairs as being an optional extra. They’re a “nice to have” for people with every console and a kickass PC who wants to throw some money at their favorite hobby.
They’re wrong.
Not only can gaming chairs be affordable but they also provide numerous health benefits. Before I got my gaming chair, I suffered with the following:
- Stiff neck after gaming
- Sore back after prolonged sitting
- Struggling to find a comfortable sitting position (often slouching because I wasn’t comfortable)
Heck, sometimes I’d just stand up and play when I got fed up of wrestling with my cheap office-style chair. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and treated myself to a gaming chair. Here were the health benefits that I received:
Back Support
This is one of the most important aspects for me; once you get above the cheap end of the market into the £100+ category, you’ll notice that many gaming chairs come with extra cushioning built in for back support. It’s comfortable but firm at the same time. Not only does this allow you to game in comfort for longer but it’s had a knock-on effect in my day job, as I work from home several days a week and can now be comfortable while I’m typing emails and putting together documents.
Having struggled with chronic back problems developed over years of not looking after myself, I now feel much more comfortable for longer.
Neck Support
At 6 foot, I’m not the tallest but I’m not the shortest. I’ve often struggled with finding chairs that support my neck – many are designed to provide support up to the mid-point of the back, but few provide neck support. Gaming chairs have been designed with the fact that people will be reclined back into them in mind.
A proper gaming chair allows you to easily rest your neck and you won’t strain your spine while you’re gaming. Mine swivels back a little to allow me to effectively be cradled by my chair while I’m getting destroyed on Rocket League. It makes it a bit more bearable.
Fatigue
Sitting improperly and not supporting your lumbar, neck and back can wear your body down. The initial signs can come on quickly but the long term effects can be life-changing.
If you wake up in the morning feeling pain in any of your limbs, it’s likely because you weren’t maintaining good posture – either that or a 32-hour World of Warcraft session just isn’t good for you – who knew?
Gaming chairs were made to address this. They support you exactly as you need and help you to feel fresher in the morning as a result. This sounds silly, but the difference for me has been night and day.
I’m Not a Doctor
I know, it came as a surprise to me too. With that in mind, I can’t promise that a gaming chair will resolve your back issues nor can I recommend that getting a gaming chair means you shouldn’t take short, regular breaks from gaming.
What I can say is, my gaming chair has changed my life and it could make yours more comfortable, too. I got mine from OPSeat, if you’re wondering. I was a sceptic before I took the plunge and now I’m so glad that I did.
