Is a Gaming Chair Worth It? [What our EXPERTS says?]

Gaming is fun, but sitting for prolonged periods of time isn’t! And gaming chairs are often more than just places to sit. These seats are designed with ergonomics in mind and use various features to improve your health while you game for hours on end.

Gaming chair prices can range anywhere from $150-800+ depending on features and quality. So is a premium chair worth the price? We here at ChairPicks have found that they can help improve your posture as well as keep you active while sitting, but they aren’t for everyone.

With Ergonomics in Mind

Ergonomics has been a major concern for those who work at a desk or play games for hours on end. Common complaints include back and neck pain, headaches, slouching, eye strain, and a general feeling of fatigue.

While there are many factors that can contribute to these issues such as your desk or monitor height, the type of chair you utilize has a great impact on your health as well. 

Using chairs that do not support the natural curve of your spine can lead to decreased blood flow, pinched nerves, and pressure on various muscles. This can result in sub-par results or even injury over time!

Gaming chairs are ergonomically built to provide the comfort demanded by gamers without sacrificing their health. Most high end models come equipped with multiple features that help align your neck, back, and legs while you sit. 

Features can include extra lumbar support, multiple armrests, adjustable recline angle, etc. The idea is to provide ample support for various types of gamers while also keeping them active.

Active Sitting

Gaming chairs are not just ergonomically designed to keep you comfortable, but they are also active. By providing a wide range of adjustability, you will be able to move around while seated in them. 

This allows your back, legs, and hips to stay aligned while also allowing blood flow throughout your body. In return this can reduce the effects sitting for prolonged periods has on you.

The best models even come equipped with a mechanism that will allow you to rock back and forth while playing or working! 

These mechanisms are normally in the base of the chair. Some models may come with a specialized mechanism that can be used by your feet if you prefer not to use your hands.

Movement is Comfort

Having the ability to move around when seated is crucial for reducing strain on your body. While sitting down your back, legs and shoulders are meant to stay in one position for hours on end. This can be very uncomfortable leading to discomfort or injury.

The ability to move around can prevent these issues by allowing you to stretch, lean, or take a quick break when fatigue sets in. By alternating between moving around and sitting your body can feel more at ease while being active.

Just Sitting?

Gaming chairs are not for everyone! 

And they certainly aren’t superior to normal office chairs. Chairs built specifically for gaming can be rather pricey, so if you play games for short periods of time it may not be wise to invest the money into a high end model.

Even though gaming chairs can help improve posture and keep you active, they do not address the issues that arise during prolonged sitting. If you play for several hours each day then these types of chairs are worth it. Or if you normally use a normal office chair and feel the effects of it on your body, then investing in one may be worth it.

But for those who play games for short periods of time or sit elsewhere, gaming chairs just aren’t designed to alleviate these issues. If you do suffer from any of the above ailments then there are other remedies you should consider before making the financial investment.

So, if you play games for hours on end or suffer from back or neck pain then a gaming chair may help provide the comfort and support your body needs. If not, then these types of chairs may not be worth it unless you’re looking to splurge on something nice.

However, even if you do suffer from back pain or discomfort while sitting for prolonged periods of time there are other solutions to consider first. Before investing in a gaming chair make sure that your issues can’t be solved by utilizing one of the following recommendations:

• Ergonomic Desk
• Ergonomic Chair (non-gaming)
• Adjustable Monitor
• Standing Desk
• Eye Care (Glasses)
• Exercise Routine / Stretches / Yoga

Gaming chairs are great for those who play video games for hours on end. They can provide comfort and mobility to reduce strain and fatigue that arises from sitting, which leads to better health and results. However, if you don’t suffer from a lack of mobility or issues that arise from sitting then investing in one may not be the best solution.

There are other solutions you should try first if your issues can’t be solved with a gaming chair alone. These include phones, tablets, and standing desks amongst others! So before throwing money at improving your gaming experience make sure you do your research first!

Conclusion:

If you spend hours on end sitting down, you will want to make sure you are taking the right precautions. Standing desks may be a good option, as is getting the proper chair and monitor that is designed for long term use. Gaming chairs are great if you have mobility issues or problems sitting in non-ergonomic chairs. But you still need to make sure you are taking care of your body when gaming!

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