Active sitting: habits, active chairs and saddle chairs

Sitting itself isn't the problem; sitting still for hours is. Active sitting means keeping your body moving while you sit, and you can start today with a few simple habits on the chair you already have. If you want to go further, an active chair or a saddle chair builds that movement into the seat itself.

What is active sitting?

Instead of holding one posture for hours, you shift, rock, lean and change position. Movement while sitting increases blood circulation and metabolism, and strengthens the deep abdominal and back muscles that support your posture.

Simple habits that work on any chair

Stand up at least every half hour, even if only for a minute.
Change position often. No posture is right all day; the best posture is the next one.
Unlock your chair's rocking mechanism, so your back and hips can move freely.
Alternate sitting and standing. A height-adjustable desk makes switching easy, and a standing mat makes standing more comfortable. Our guide to height-adjustable desks shows how to set the right heights.
Get the basics right: screen top at about eye level, elbows at about 90°, feet supported on the floor or a footrest.
Take short breaks. Break exercise products make it easier to move during the day.

Active chairs

An active chair lets the seat move with you. Depending on the model, it tilts, rocks or moves in three dimensions, so your pelvis and spine keep making small adjustments. Examples from our range are the Aeris Swopper, the Muvman from Aeris and the Interstuhl EVERY ACTIVE editions. See all active chairs and seats.

An active chair suits you if you:

sit at a desk for long periods and want more movement
alternate between sitting and standing (many active seats also work as perching stools at a raised desk)
tend to slump or stay still in a conventional chair

Saddle chairs

A saddle chair puts you in a higher, more upright position than an office chair:

you sit higher than usual, with your thighs angled down
your hip and knee angles are open and relaxed
your core muscles work, and your back is guided into a natural position

This open position supports joint health and fluid circulation in the legs. Saddle chairs are used in offices and also in dentistry, laboratories, hair salons and other work where you lean forward over a task. See our saddle chairs, including models from Salli and Bimos.

Active chair, saddle chair or office chair?

Long hours of screen work, and you want gentle movement: a good office chair with a free-rocking mechanism, or an active chair as a second seat.
As much movement as possible, and you stand part of the day: an active chair such as the Swopper or Muvman.
You lean forward over your work, or want an upright, open posture: a saddle chair.
Not sure? Many people use two seats and switch during the day.

For office chair features and adjustments, see our Buyer's guide: office chairs.

Get used to it gradually

Active and saddle chairs use muscles that a conventional chair lets rest. Start with short periods, build up over a few days, and set the seat height so your feet are firmly supported.

Try before you decide

Active seating is personal, so it pays to try:

Book a showroom visit or demo at Linnanherrankuja 16, Helsinki.
Business customers can try products for 14 days.
Ask for a free workplace assessment on site, remotely or in our showroom.

Frequently asked questions

Is sitting all day bad for you? Sitting itself isn't the problem; sitting still for long periods is. Change position often and stand up at least every half hour.

What is the difference between an active chair and a saddle chair? On an active chair the seat moves with you, so you keep making small movements. On a saddle chair you sit higher and more upright, with open hip and knee angles.

Can I sit on a saddle chair all day? Many people do, but get used to it gradually and alternate with standing and other seats.

Can I use an active chair with a standing desk? Yes. Many active seats and saddle chairs go high enough that you can switch easily between sitting, perching and standing at a height-adjustable desk.

Where can I try an active chair or saddle chair in Helsinki? In our showroom at Linnanherrankuja 16 – book a visit. Business customers can also use our 14-day trial. More answers in our FAQ.