Ergonomic Office Chair Recommendations - Budget $1,500

Hi all, I've finally decided to invest in a higher quality chair for WFH and using the desk for long periods at a time. Recently I've been experiencing some aching in my lower back and hamstrings, so I want something ergonomic to hopefully help.

For context, I'm 176cm (5'9) and 80kg.

I'd be willing to wait until the end of this year if there is a deal which might fall into my budget and meet my needs. I'm also considering going 2nd hand on Facebook or at a store located in Sydney.

Cheers.

Comments

  • +1

    One option: pre-owned Herman Miller Aeron Remastered is within reach; I suggest you try out a size B.

    • this

    • Yeah i was looking at reviews of that and it seems really good. Would you reccomended facebook marketplace for finding pre-owned ones that are in good condition?

      • I do recommend a test sitting. They come with a 12-year warranty and are highly repairable. Aeron Remastered was released in 2017 so would have been on sale here somewhat later. You'll also find them via Gumtree.

  • +5

    Herman Miller Aeron Remastered

    this and this only
    I've had one for over 15 years I'm a fat fuk

    • Heh. I lost 30kg and the Aeron went from being just fine for 12+ hours a day to being uncomfortable after 30 minutes.

  • Have a look at the Steelcase Gesture. Several reviews online (e.g. https://www.tomsguide.com/home-office/steelcase-gesture-reviā€¦). I've had one since 2018 and I find it great. I like the fact I can push the armrests out, like wings, and then rotate the tops of the armrests. This makes it easy for me to find comfortable positions for using a keyboard on my desk, or a tablet in my hand.

    I bought mine from Arki Environments in Brisbane. Currently on sale at, just, under $1500 (plus delivery).

    (Ugh - I paid $1089, including delivery, in 2018!)

  • I bought an as-new Aeron Remastered, and had to sell it within a week because I found it incredibly uncomfortable under my thighs. I went with an as-new Haworth Fern instead, and am MUCH happier with it.

  • +2

    Make use of cushions. Especially one behind your lower back. This might help you more than a $1500 chair would. Also, desk height, sitting posture, and changing posture frequently are all very important.

    In regard to lower back pain, some targeted massage, followed by long (several minutes) hip stretches along the outer hip (tensor fasciae latae and gluteus medius) might help. These muscles/bands tend to become very tight after lower back injury, and the tightness can pull on the muscles/spine in the lower back. Loosening up these muscles and creating a bit of flexibility in them can create a real feeling of freedom in the lower back and upper legs. You can do it by leaning forward over a high desk or other piece of furniture (higher than 80cm) with one leg one the ground, and the other leg (let's say the right leg) crossed in front of you with knee bent and the shin/calf touching the desk, and with one hand (right hand) on the desk for support, and the other hand (in this case left hand) on your right shin/knee pulling the (right) leg across in front of you until you feel the stretch in your buttock/hip/outer leg, and hold for ages. Repeat on both sides several times. I was taught this by a very reputable Physio with 4 decade of experience.

    However, I also caution that you shouldn't necessarily take health advice from strangers on the internet, so there is that to consider as well. This stretch works well for me, but maybe not for everyone.

    • Wow! What an awesome exercise. Thanks for sharing. This is so much better to target the right area then trying to use a foam roller or a massage ball against the wall.

      I'll be adding this to my work day routine.

  • +1

    Steelcase Leap is my favourite. I find the mesh seat of the Aeron puts pressure on side of legs/butt and above the knees. Also prefer the understated style of the Leap.

  • I like my ergohuman

  • I used to sit in an Aeron for more than a decade, but have switched to a Steelcase Leap V2 last year and like it much better. The Leap V2 was a fair bit cheaper than an Aeron and would likely be within your budget. I had to wait 10 days for mine, since I did not want a model with the headrest.

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