When shopping for an ergonomic chair, an adjustable desk, or a full ergonomic set-up, it can be easy to focus on your back, shoulders, and neck and overlook your legs and feet. However, if your feet and legs aren't properly supported then you could end up harming your circulation and causing long-term health problems.
That's why we highly recommend you order a footrest to go with your ergonomic chair. For a long time, the footrest has been the domain of the living room and the salon, but we think no ergonomic set-up is complete without one. Here are the top 5 reasons why:
#1. Footrests are great for shorter folks
While there are chairs designed for petite users, a footrest is a great way for smaller users to get the benefits of ergonomic seating without having to limit their options. To get the maximum benefit from an ergonomic adjustable height desk with drawers, you need to be seated with your feet flat on the floor, which can be difficult to do when you’re a small person. But a foot rest lets shorter users keep their feet flat and their weight properly distributed, even if their chair can’t get low enough to let them touch the floor.
#2. They’re also great for everyone
That said, you don’t have to be shorter to benefit from the improved circulation and blood flow that comes with a footrest. By reducing pressure on your legs, a footrest can help to prevent blood clots related to deep vein thrombosis, relieve pressure on the lower back, and decrease swelling and varicose veins. Is your chair missing a waterfall edge? In that case a foot rest is an absolute must to cut down on the discomfort and circulation problems that can crop up when sitting for extended periods of time.
#3. Footrests encourage active sitting
More and more studies are revealing that sitting still all day is simply not good for you. Fortunately, a footrest can be a great option to coax movement and active sitting. Humanscale’s Foot Machines encourage a rocking motion that keeps your legs moving, your blood flowing, and your feet comfortable.
#4. They also work well with an adjustable desk
But just because you’re standing doesn’t mean that a foot rest isn’t a good option for you. The E3 Adjustable Footrest by UPLIFT Desk is the ideal footrest for users who are still getting used to their adjustable desks. An effective footrest can help users stand 30% longer, making sure that you maximize the health effects of standing while you work.
#5. They’re so dang comfortable!
Most of all, a footrest is just plain more comfortable than resting your feet on the floor. In addition to the circulation benefits, a footrest is designed specifically for your feet’s comfort, much more so than carpet or hardwood floor. Some of our Humanscale footrests even come in a variety of wood finishes, so you can find one that perfectly matches your office’s décor.
