I have used a gaming chair for 2 years and I didn't know that I used lumbar support wrong. The default position made me feel uncomfortable, now I can sit for hours. Thank you for this!
Wow. Properly positioning the lumbar support makes a world difference. I was unable to sit up straight for long without discomfort. I fixed the lumbar support position and now it feels comfortable to sit up straight.
Today I finally decided to look into why my chair makes me feel so horrid and found this video almost after 3 years of being a Software Engineer... This is something that should have been taught in school 😂 Thank you!
Thanks for commenting, great to hear it's helped you! Hope you enjoy a surge of energy, sharper focus, and all the usual goodies that come with healthy sitting habits!
honestly i tried the lumbar support thing and it really does make a difference, i use to have to take a break and lay down cause my back and butt hurt from sitting wrong, using it properly doubled the amount of time i could sit comfortably
Recently I bought a Gaming Chair and after a week my back started to hurt in the lumbar zone. Thankfully I found your video! I put the lumbar support like the instructions, now I see that is completely wrong because is too low for me. Thank you!!
yep, i was right. i came here to check if my theory was correct, and it was. you mentioned all the things i had listed. just wanted to make sure that i dont learn to sit in yet another uncomfortable position! so thank you for making it possible for me to confirm it
Bought a respawn gaming chair yesterday and had no idea how to sit in it after being on the couch playing for so long.. this video helped me so much, thank you so much!
This was great and helpful video. I was using my gaming chair wrong for 2 years because I was keeping lumber support at default postion. Used to lay down in bed after sitting in front of pc whole day. My Spinal cord hurts really bad when I try to lay down on bed and used to get headaches when playing games. This video helped me out a lot. Thanks : ))
Killer video very informative! I feel so much comfortable it is insane how a bit of adjusting transforms the whole experience I even feel more alert while sitting!
Wow.... I've had a terrible standing and sitting posture for ages and this really helped me, I feel like a new person ngl, especially with being able to intake a whole lot more oxygen actually is really noticable
oh my, as soon as fix all the pillow positions on my chair which are the back of my head and my lower back. The feeling was so comfortable that I just want to sleep right on my chair, thanks man
i have spine and back problems since i use pc a lot at home and on my workplace as well, but i never thought about that i might be using the lumbar support wrong...it's like day and night difference, thanks a lot :)
Many usually say to "get a real office chair" but my parents gave me a gaming chair which I don't want to get rid of now so this video is great for anyone who is not in a position to get a good ergo chair. Also, the lumbar support is a godsend to help hold a straight back without feeling strain.
Enjoy your chair, friend! Plant your feet, tuck your hips, and support your lumbar curve. Doing so will provide the SAME support as you'll enjoy in a Herman Miller Aeron, Mirra 2, Steelcase Gesture, etc. See for yourself: chairsfx.com/trends/gaming-vs-office-neutral-compared/
Thank you for making this video. Sent to all of my sons who are working in the gaming world…. Their chiropractors all said it’s become a newer problem and is called “gamers posture”. Thanks again for making this!
Thanks for your comment. We recently published an article about 'gamers posture' aka a forward-leaning posture. Three physical therapists share their ideas on its pros and cons: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/forward-lean-gamer-postures/
I was recently shown a photo of my spine. It was so bad that doctors referred to it as the Leaning Tower of Pizza. Now, I'm trying to find the most efficient ways to sit straight, as my career path will involve a lot of sitting. Hopefully, I can add this correct sitting position to my list of good habits, including sleeping on my back.
Good luck! Developing a neutral sitting habit can be achieved with just a few days of practice. To make the process easier, try doing pullups in the gym to strengthen your back muscles. Then, take frequent walking breaks every 20 minutes or so. Beyond pain-free comfort, your rewards will include sharper focus and greater productivity at your computer. If you need more help, check here: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/how-to-sit-in-gaming-chair/
@@rythm4964 I see. Maybe your doc can recommend some back-strengthening exercises suitable for your case? In my experience, stronger back muscles have a huge impact on one's ability to sit upright with good posture. If your doc can't help, search chairsfx.com for 'Dr. William Duncan'. He's helped a few of our readers in the past.
You are like me, i too did not use my lumbar on my first gaming chair and think it caused a bunch of issues because i didnt understand the importance of it until i felt pain and did some research
I have a Sandberg commander gaming chair and no matter how I sit my shoulders will always be slouching forward because of the wings it has on the sides. I am 190cm tall (6feet3) and have wide shoulders and its pretty impossible to maintain a healthy posture. It has only worsen my rounded back so I am thinking of selling it.. Idk how people claim it promotes good posture when the side wings literally lock your shoulders in a slouched position.
Cool gaming chair man. Thank you for the video. I have been doing this right after I bought the gaming chair of mine several months ago, never thought that it's the proper way of sitting.
look all i kno is i had my SL Omega since 2019 maybe and i struggled all year tryna sit in that (but it was better and comfy than my cheapie $100) fast forward to my setup in this next apartment my sitting has been trash. i do need the Titan coz the Omega too snug for me (5'7.5 165-175lbs) im a skinny slim fat lazy athletic build. fast forward all the tips i learned from the internet, im finally starting to understand this past month and then this video did it all. i learned from other videos but for some reason this video is me/us throughout and a practical learning experience (basic/slight expensive set up) the example of sitting in the chair ergonomically .. thank you maybe more info on the lumbar aspect i;'ve alwayz had trouble and had to learn through time. train urself to sit in the chair and get the lumbar pillow kinda worn in molding to ur body.sit all the way in with the lumbar pillow at the base seat position then start nudging it up to find that sweet spot. someone said above the tailbone but dont jump the adjustments really find the perfections. this video helped alot goodluck out there and share in the comments so we all can relieve those ugly dayz of horrible posture/sitting/ back aches sleeping issues neck shoulders erythang
This may be a dumb question but how do you use the headrest pillow? Do you lean your neck against it, lower part of your head, or the middle of the head should be pushing up back against the pillow?
@AlexSaddler, gaming chair headrest pillows are normally meant to be used while reclining (at a 110° or greater angle). When you sit straight, the headrest should NOT be touching your neck at all. However, some esports doctors taught me how to use a Secretlab Titan headrest to support my neck while sitting upright. Set the recline to 100°, sit straight, and brace your neck against the headrest. This position takes a few days to get used to, but it guarantees consistently good back and neck posture. Details: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/perfect-headrest-posture/
See I can do this, but I can't aim then, to have an ergonomic sitting position I always end up with minimal amount of arm contact on the desk, but for me to feel accurate I need my entire arm on the desk, and then my ergonomics is fucked again, vicous cycle...
Non-music edition (no music under the narrator's instructions): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tC0yXOD0ZQ0.html Also, here's the science supporting this method. The neutral sitting technique landed from outer space in 1973. NASA scientists then packaged it into sitting guidelines. Today, it's the ergonomic standard for healthy sitting in ALL types of ergonomic chairs: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/dynamic-neutral-postures/
Thank you Man I had been using my Lumbar pillow totally wrong which lead to my lower back pain issues. I understood it today. Now I feel much comfortable
lol i like the outro. i have a ohaho and after a year of using it, I too wanna throw the thing in the trash. I feel like the seat is just too deep, but maybe i just need a foot rest. im taking it apart now to add some foam bc i can feel the metal bars pushing into my butt and back. probably should have invested in a better chair rather than taking a cheap route...
my chair has like an inch or so of play rocking back and forth while locked into place, just ordered a new one hopefully my back will feel better throughout time
Hi Tribal, to avoid disappointment, note that your new chair will also have an inch or so of rocking freedom - even when locked in place! NO chairs lock into 100% fixed angles. Most armrests also have mild wiggle room. This applies to both gaming and office-style ergo chairs. The general idea is that 100% fixed parts (as with a steel school chair) hinders the need to move (even a little) while you sit. Good luck with your new chair!
Hi my friend! Thank you for this video. I have a gaming chair (trust gxt pro) but i always feel uncomfortable ..maybe for desk that is low. Can you share with me your height desk to undestrand better? Thank you in advice!
Hey! My desk in the video is 30" high, and I'm 5'9". Unfortunately, my chair's armrests wouldn't adjust high enough to match while keeping my feet flat. So, I used a footrest to raise the seat and reach the desk comfortably. What about you? Let me know your height and desk height. If your desk is low, it could affect your posture and cause back pain, not just related to your chair.
Hmmm.. if you go under your desk with your chair, it means you're sitting SUPER close to the screen. S1mple does similar - he uses the desktop to support his arms instead. He seems willing to live with bunched-up shoulders to game that way. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-REjATuWa5TY.html If you're dead set on that method, consider removing the arms on your chair... then using a standing desk that lowers enough to support your arms better than in a S1mple-style setup.
@@chairsfx yeah i sit almost like him. Is it bad for my shoulders? I have them on my table why is it bad? If I dont get under the table my arms are in the air thats very uncomfortable. And thanks for replying
@@JAKE-ng8yr A few esports doctors I've interviewed say they NEVER mess with a player's gaming mechanics - even if their posture is terrible. Helping them to sit straighter will alter their view of the screen, the distance from their shoulders to the keyboard, etc. Instead, they teach ways to overcome when AWAY from the PC - frequent stretching breaks, regular exercise, clean eating, sound sleep. Having your arms on the table isn't bad - but not the recommended form. If you look at S1mple's case, the table is a touch too high. So instead of arms falling down from the shoulder vertically, he spreads his elbows wider than normal. That position (in theory) places excess pressure on the shoulders. Over time, that could lead to forearm and wrist pain (the most common gamer injury). If you don't feel any upper body stiffness while gaming as you are, carry on! But if pain becomes a problem (and you're willing to tweak your gaming posture), consider reaching out to an esports doc. If you send one a side picture of your gaming posture, they will critique it. Find here three that welcome gamer queries: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/esports-physical-therapy-online/
I really thought this was just some clickbaity bullshit to promote a chair It wasn’t Thanks to you, My chair is a million times more comfortable, I also never realize the way I should have my feet, I now have my lumbar support pillow on correctly and my legs straight and I feel extremely comfortable… Thank you dude
What chair do u use bc I have to use a Coshen to raise myself and my back hurts after while also idk how expensive urs is but if u see this message can u send link and a cheaper option please?
I have really bad posture, my shoulders are too far forward. I don't understand how I'm suppose to sit in my gaming chair when there is side bolsters sticking out from the sides at shoulder level. It forces me to slouch forward with my shoulders since there's no room to pull them back in a natural position. The bucket seat design is really bad for my posture. I really need help, I've looked all over for a solution for this problem but I've had no luck. A response would be greatly appreciated because my chair is ruining my body and I can't afford a new one 😔😔
recently I bough a secret lab titan chair and I have one word to describe that chair UNCOMFORTABLE, I suffer of lumbar pain and with this chair is getting worse, I use the chair properly, I sit down like the recommend it positions but nothing get better, the chair is like be siting in a rock and is terrible, not recommend it, maybe a Herman Miller could be a best option
Well, if you're sitting in a neutral position with feet planted and mild support in ANY type of chair, it works the same. Like this: imgur.com/xePGEfs Yes, even in a cheap wooden chair, lumbar support plus planted feet keeps the body straight, pain-free, and comfortable. When discomfort kicks in with a wooden chair/ yoga mat, you don't throw out the chair. Just shift your position to switch up muscles in use. Try it yourself to see how it works! If you don't believe me, the science on this topic is clear: bit.ly/3sPZ9TO Highly recommend practical troubleshooting before blowing so much extra cash on a $1500 chair. How tall are you? The Titan's lumbar only fits sizes 5'9" and up. If you are shorter, the lumbar pressure will hit the wrong spot and cause pain. How tall is your desk? Do you curl your feet under the chair, or keep them planted flat at all times? Since you already suffer lumbar pain, what was the root cause of the pain? What chair were you using before the Titan? How often do you take walking breaks between work sessions? Would you throw out your PC if it wasn't working as you wanted it to? Panic-buying a $1500 chair might backfire once you discover it does the same fundamental job as a $200 ergo chair. It supports neutral sitting postures. If the problems are on your side (improper usage, ill-fitting desk, etc), even using a $10,000 ergo chair won't make a difference. Anyway, the bottom line is to find something right for YOUR needs. If you're sure about hating the Titan, hope you find your ergonomic unicorn! Good luck!
@@chairsfx Man I don't hate the Titan I just don't recommend, I'm a bit taller of 5'9 and I bought this chair according to my height, I always do my breaks, walking and stretching every afternoon and I always trying to sit down properly, I'm not looking for any ergonomic unicorn chair, I'm just saying about my experience with this chair and is not OK, secret lab chairs suppose to be design for longer siting session, but I don't think so. I just recommend to people who see this is to try the chair before buy it to avoid the mistake I did, a 400$ mistake, that's it, hope this is useful for them
@@StardustLegacyFighter "gaming chairs aren't designed for ergonomics in mind"... "high-end office chairs have the ergonomics". Your passionate comment comes from confusion on the definition of 'ergonomic'. It's not as grandiose a concept as you might assume. In fact, quite the opposite - very straightforward: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/ergonomic-chair-guidelines/ But even after getting your head round it, your opinion remains valid and very relevant on a psychological (but not physiological) level! We cover that here: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/comfort-rating-method/
Thanks for the video, I have to use a box because my chair is too high for my feet to reach the floor and sometimes I feel like having my legs stretch out past 90 degrees sometimes when I went to roll back my chair but too lazy to move the boxes. Is this bad? What about less than 90 degrees?
Thanks for all your great content! I even read through your website and found all the information very helpful. I remember you mention how tilt can be helpful if you have a footstool or some kind of leg support. I was wondering if tilt without adjusting recline affects the need for a neck pillow? I just got a Secretlab Titan Evo and have been struggling with neck stiffness. I can't seem to find a position where the pillow doesn't bother me.
Hi Joe, sorry to hear about your troubles! The Titan's Evo headrest has a large enough up and down range for all cases. So it's not a height adjustment issue. Therefore, your issue is likely with how your spine interacts with the backrest. Some things to try: 1. Sit with your butt pressed as far back into the seat as possible. Your tailbone should hit flush against the backrest. If your tailbone isn't hitting, your hips are curled forward too much. With your tailbone pressed flush, you're in a good position to make use of the headrest. 2. Use the tilt lock to angle the seat UP by one notch. Then angle your backrest forward to around 90-95 degrees. That will give you a bucket-style fit like a racer seat (your butt lower than your knees). See how the headrest fits you in that position. 3. There's also a chance the seat is too deep. Try adding a cushion/rolled-up beach towel stuffed into your lower back area while you sit. That will reduce the depth impact and give you a different angle to use the headrest. If that works, think of investing in an SL Titan Evo lumbar pillow and you should be set.
I'm 6'4 or 194 cm and bought a chair a couple of days ago that has built in lumbar support that is adjustable, as in more or less. not up and down. The problem is, it is way too low for me. Have to return the chair sadly. I'm also build pretty wide despite not being fat, those wings on the bottom dig into my hips lol. And headrest is just unusable for me too. It's just too short. my head is way above it despite it being an advertised as a chair for people up to 2m tall.
We did tests with a 6'5" user and found that using the right-sized chair made a huge difference! Look into legit Xl chairs with a flat, wide seat. Secretlab Titan XL, AKRacing Master Max, etc. Good luck! chairsfx.com/buying-guides/best-heavyweight-gaming-chairs/
i figure you would;d be the best person on here to ask. i struggle using my gaming chair like you did in 2017. but my biggest issue is the lumbar support hurts me, i have schermanns disease with causes kyphosis >hunchback> this is similar to the bad posture version except i was born with this and cannot correct with posture. my lumbar support feels way to thick and big, can you downgrade the size of the lumbar pillow without detrimental effects? and do you know where i could source this? no matter how i adjust my lumbar pillow it always pushes my hips out due to the medical issues i have mentioned. my arch is quite a small gap. but without anything causes major fatigue... thank you xx
Hi Scarlett, sorry to hear of your troubles! First, for professional medical advice for your case, online esports therapy might help. ChairsFX has collaborated with 3 top esports doctors who all offer online Zoom consultations. For your case, I think Dr. William Duncan would be a great help. He's got a keen eye for workstation setups and is very detail-oriented! You can find his contact details (and 2 other top esports docs) here: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/perfect-headrest-posture/#esports-therapy ********************** "My lumbar support feels way to thick and big, can you downgrade the size of the lumbar pillow." I've dealt with this problem before. One option is to remove your lumbar pillow and then flatten it. For example, stuff it under your bed's mattress for a few hours. That will make it more malleable and easier to flatten. Another option is to replace it with a memory foam lumbar pillow. But most that you find on Amazon are very stiff (not good for your case). The softest and squishiest I've found is the Secretlab Omega pillow. See here for details on that option: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/lumbar-support-biomechanics/#memory-foam *********************** Finally, the trio of esports doctors have all made it clear: "If you suffer pain in a chair, buying a new chair is the worst option. Fix your habits instead." Therefore, I suggest you speak with one of the mentioned doctors before investing in a new chair. To get started, all you'd need to do is share with them a side view photo of your current computing posture. That said, the Herman Miller Embody looks like the perfect chair for your case. Sadly, it costs over $1700. However, it prioritizes support to the UPPER BACK. The lumbar support is secondary. Even if you don't buy an Embody, it's worth checking out its support concepts - they are tailor-made for people with kyphosis. See here: chairsfx.com/buying-guides/mesh-fabric-gaming-chairs/#embody-features Hope this info is helpful. Good luck!
At 4:00 you don't rest your upper back on the chair while using the lumbar support, I have the same problem when using mine, is this the right way to sit?
@Lauro Jaques, having a gap between the spine and the backrest works, but full contact works provides more consistency and comfort. We should have used a more accurate clip there! New lumbar pillows tend to be stiff and not so malleable. Then, you'll experience a gap between your spine and the backrest. One solution is to make the pillow more malleable by squishing it down. Find a clearer explanation here: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/lumbar-support-biomechanics/#lumbar-issues
Titan 2020 is the model used in the video. Note that the 2020's integrated lumbar is depth-adjustable only. If you are 5'9" or taller it will fit your lower back curve. People shorter than 5'9" will find that it hits too high, making its support unusable.
I'm 6,9 and 300lbs...still cant decide which could be the best chair for me...Is Evo 2022 XL worth the price? There is also a limited availabilty in my country for less popular chairs, so I can only choose form Secretlabs, Noblechairs, DX Racer, AKracing, etc.
6'9" is the upper height limit for the Titan Evo XL. We tested it with a (slim) 6'5" user, which you can see here: chairsfx.com/buying-guides/best-heavyweight-gaming-chairs/#titan-xl The headrest from that user's position can adjust higher by around 3 inches. So it should cover your height needs. But to make sure, measure the width of the seat you're currently using. Then, compare it to the Titan XL's 22.8" width. If you need a wider seat, the AKRacing Master Max seat is 23.25". However, it's only rated for a max height of 6'7". Both have solid builds and 5-year warranties. However, the Titan's integrated lumbar and magnetic headrest give you better adjustability. If the seat width fits your needs, I suggest the Titan. If it doesn't, check out the Master Max.
@@chairsfx Now I'm sitting in a cheap office chair, measured 21.25" (54cm) width and its absolutely ok. I'm more worried about the width of the backrest of Evo XL, whether it's not too narrow and the curved edges won't press my back and side? The backrest of my current chair is practically flat, its not a "gaming style" chair. But its too small for me and cant stand my weight.
@@badmoon1981 Best answer I can give is that the tapered Titan XL backrest SHOULD be wide enough for your needs. The wings don't hug the body - you'll only notice them if you lean your entire body to the extreme left or right. I'm 5'10" and 170 pounds. In my medium-sized Titan, the winged edges NEVER get in the way. To feel them, I need to lean around 15 cm (6 inches) to the extreme left or right. In my XL version, it feels similar - around 15 cm (6 inches) of free space before the wings touch the body. To try a Titan XL risk-free, I suggest reaching out to Secretlab's local support team for your area (find it on their website). Tell them your concern about the backrest size. Then, confirm that they will take the chair back and refund you if it doesn't fit. Once that's locked down, try a Titan XL and you will most likely love it. Good luck!
Sure! If you're feeling pain in your lower back while sitting, the easiest quick fix is to add some lumbar support. To start, roll up a beach towel and try using that. If it helps your back feel better, spend $30 or so on a cheap Amazon lumbar support for basic office chairs. chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/lumbar-support-biomechanics/
Hi, if the cushion is sewn in, there's not much you can do. An extra lumbar pillow over the top of your sewn-in one might sort of work. But even if it does, it will probably feel like a home-made stop-gap hack. I suggest that you make do with what you have for the moment - there aren't any adjustments if the lumbar is fixed. While you make do, start researching the sort of lumbar (and chair) you would love to have instead. That researching process is kind of like visualization. It often leads to a better chair for your needs showing up quicker than you imagined! Good luck!
Where can I get a good desk and chair that are around equal heights for good support like this? I've been using my fold out chair and a way too high desk for years! :( please lmk
Hi, most desks are 28-30" high or more. If you're shorter than 5'10", sitting in ANY chair might set the desktop higher than you'd prefer. In that case, the solution is to add an ergonomic footrest (most are around $30 on Amazon). That will help you sit taller in your chair and enjoy perfect sync with your armrests and desktop. Details: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/home-office-setup/#desk-sync
can you please give more details for positioning and incorporating the pillow? is it supposed to sit in the space behind the neck similarly to the lumbar support? or is it a headrest? (i have the gtracing gt099) i'm 5'3", and ever since i got this chair my neck has been rly uncomfortable. i can't tell if it's bc the pillow is too big, or if i have it positioned wrong
Hi, the pillow should position directly into your neck curve. Set the backrest at a slight recline (around 100 degrees), tuck your hips deep into the seat, then try to lean your whole body flat against the backrest. Example: chairsfx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/t50-vs-craft-headrest.jpg
@@supermarioalbert7696 what gaming chair do you have? If yours has a memory foam pillow, try for a 100-degree recline while sitting super-straight. If it's a cheaper model, the pillow may only be useful in deep reclines - not while sitting upright. If you have a Secretlab 2022, see this guide: chairsfx.com/computing-chair-advice/perfect-headrest-posture/
The one used in the video is the Mind Reader Ergonomic Footrest. In my opinion, it's one of the best. It helps you sit taller at a desk, massage your feet soles, and work out your ankles while you sit. Affiliate link: amzn.to/3LpqHdz