Ergonomics - Chairs - Desks - Workspace
 

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this thread. So please move it if it's wrong.

I was wondering what kind of chair and desk you are using for editing. I have a new desk that's adjustable in height.
I'm planning to buy a new chair but I don't if there are special ergonomic chairs for editing.

Can you editors out there tell me what kind of chairs you sit on?

Chairs
 

Hi!

I am a programmer and editor. I use a kneeling type chair. I've noticed since I started using it that I can sit for longer times at the desk without setting a sore back (and i have back problems). They usually run about $60 at any office store.

I have a metal chair from the late 1970's. My wife has threatened many times to shoot it out of it's misery, but she hasn't. It really does need replacing. All of my equipment, monitors, desk and there it sits in the middle, this ugly metal chair.

I've look and looked into ergonomic chairs. I've yet to find one sub-800.00 or so that is worth the money. I'd actually prefer, if I could find it, to have an ergonomic chair with a foot stool. I think I could do some of my best work in more of a reclined position.

I collect 1960's metal office furniture. I've got two desks and two monster arm chairs. I dearly love the chairs for editing, but until I have finished remodeling my garage into a studio all that stuff is in storage. Right now I am using a corner desk and a standard clerk's office office chair. It has a wide seat and the back rest can be positioned in terms of both height and forward/back. I have the height set low and as far forward for lumbar support. The chair has a very wide seat and has been around for ten or so years. I used one almost exactly like it in the last six years of my corporate career.

My health issue has always focused upon carpal tunnel pain which was finally resolved by using a mouse pad with a built-in wrist rest.

I read that Walter Murch likes to stand up while he edits...

But I think for a task chair, I will recommend a Humanscale Freedom Chair.
I love mine...and its very comfortable. [I didn't like the Aeron chair...too expensive and too many things to adjust.]

And I admit it...the Freedom Chair also looks really cool too.

You can see them in use on the set of "24".

Hey Waldemar, try switching to a thumb trackball. It has helped my issues 70%. I have three.

I'm using a Wacom A5 wide tablet and I never had a problem again with RSI.
You have to get used to the pen and tablet but I'm never going back to a mouse!

The Freedom Chair looks great!

I've also been looking at these chairs:

- The Haworth Zody, klick here for a flash instructional movie. The official Hawarth homepage

- Herman Miller Aero or Mirra.

I have an Herman Miller Aeron that is great and I can sit editing for like 10-12 hours without getting up and still feel fine. The Knoll Life and Chadwick are also very comfortable. I don't have any experience with other brands.

Hey Noah, what specific chair do you have?

The Aeron is the model of the chair. http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/...345-p8,00.html

You can view a pic of my editing desk that I posted a few months ago here
http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=13127&page=16
My setup has since changed, but I'm still using that chair.

I switched to a stand-up editing station November 2006 and I wouldn't go back. Keeps me more alert and focused.

Funny you should mention since I was just telling a friend that I had a professor at Berkeley that wrote a whole book on chairs (and how they're evil). I remember something about the body's natural position is a 135 degree angle. It's the same positions astronauts are in when they're floating in space. What dood said about the kneeling chair probably does that. Or leaning on one of them big exercise balls.

book: http://www.amazon.com/Chair-Rethinki.../dp/0393046559

Thanks for the link.