Is kneeling better than sitting? This is a question that you might have raised upon realizing how bad prolonged sitting is to your overall health. Some say that it is a much better and healthier choice if it is not feasible to have a standing desk in your workplace.
The same is true if you are not fond of standing or if you find it more uncomfortable than sitting. So how can kneeling be more beneficial than sitting? Find out through this article.
Table of Contents
The History of Kneeling
The act of kneeling started a long time ago. Contrary to what a lot of people believe, it is not only meant for praying. In the past, this position is linked to submission or surrendering.
This means that many did this in the past as a way to ask for mercy. There is also what is called as half-kneeling, which some people may initially consider as taking a knee when talking about sports. However, this has a scientific scope.
One thing to note is that half-kneeling is already around since the beginning of time. It is a natural movement ingrained in a human’s brain and central nervous system.
It is even an act that most people do when they are still 10 months old. They do this as a way to perform other movements, like walking, squatting, and standing.
Benefits of Kneeling
If you are prone to prolonged standing or sitting at work then you may want to try kneeling from time to time for a change. Doing so can let you enjoy several amazing rewards and benefits. The only thing that you need to begin the habit of kneeling is a pair of healthy and strong knees.
Just make sure that there is also enough cushioning beneath your knees. It is even possible for you to make use of anything you can think of guaranteed to offer support to your knees. With that, you can make the most out of kneeling and enjoy its many benefits.
Proven Health Benefits of Kneeling
One thing that healing can do for you is to improve your health. It supports much better health by lowering the amount of time you spend standing or sitting. It prevents you from being in just a single position for several hours, leading to a few side effects, like lower back pain and constipation.
Kneeling is also beneficial for your leg as it provides more room for digestive processes as well as your lungs. It does so because it results in a bigger hip angle. This translates to increased oxygen transport to your brain and the other parts of your body.
It promotes better breathing, too. Furthermore, it prevents you from experiencing stomach problems too much. That’s possible because you can lessen your focus on body pains and target your work even more.
You will also find the following health benefits rewarding for you:
- Corrects spinal alignment and posture
- Strengthens back and core muscles
- Promotes better blood circulation
- Promotes ease to transport nutrients and oxygen to both your brain and body
- Improves muscle endurance
Additional Benefits
Aside from being good to your health, kneeling often can also benefit other areas of your body and life. For one, buying expensive equipment is unnecessary. You can just kneel on anything comfortable.
You can even use your old chair or desk since it allows you to be on a similar eye level as sitting. Another benefit is that it lets you either kneel or sit on your desk without investing in a desk with adjustable height.
One more thing that it can do is improve your posture. Furthermore, it prompts you to move throughout the day. You will also enjoy these added benefits:
- Doable in any other place where it is inappropriate to sit or stand
- Promotes better weight distribution, ensuring a high level of comfort
- Improves your concentration since you will no longer experience fatigue and extreme discomfort
Is Kneeling Better than Sitting?
Quick answer: Yes, kneeling provides a lot of more amazing results compared to prolonged sitting. It is a much better alternative to sitting because it allows you to burn calories even when your knees are down. You can technically burn calories, especially if you are in a kneeling chair because you can do that in an isometric form.
Also, note that sitting causes you to be in just one position for a prolonged period, which is unhealthy. This will not be the case with kneeling. Kneeling in a chair specifically dedicated to that position can even provide unique versatility and flexibility.
A good kneeling chair allows you to use the furniture not only to kneel but also as a regular chair. You can also avoid the bad effects of staying in the same position for long hours. It lets you move or change position through subtle rocking.
Most chairs designed for kneeling can also lessen stress and pressure from your back, putting it on your shin, instead. This can engage your torso’s core muscles. With this, you can lessen your risk of suffering from back pain, which usually happens if you sit for a long period.
Bottom Line
Apart from the things already mentioned, kneeling also seems to be a better position than sitting because of the way it improves your posture. It is a big help in strengthening your core muscles while you are at work. Furthermore, it is a much healthier and more comfortable position in the workplace.
With that in mind, it is safe to assume that it plays a vital role in boosting your productivity. Kneeling allows you to focus more on the task at hand, prevent the negative side effects of prolonged sitting, and enjoy numerous benefits for your health. That said, investing in a kneeling chair should be something you have to consider.
You may also be interested in these articles:
- Best standing desk chairs and stools
- Ergonomic chairs that help tailbone pain
- Best office chair under $200
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Desk Advisor
Our team covers many categories to help you hustle better, from ergonomics to productivity, and technology. We are willing to ask questions (lots of them), seek experts, and dig deep into conventional wisdom to see if maybe there might be a better path towards the healthy workspace. We apply what we learn not only to our company culture but also how we deliver information to our readers. Ergonomic and productivity research is changing all the time, and we are 100% dedicated to keeping up with breakthroughs and innovations. You live better if you work better. Whatever has brought you here, we wish you luck on your journey towards better hustle.