What is a Kneeling Chair?

A kneeling chair is an ergonomic chair that provides a kneeling-like sitting position. It increases the angle between the torso and thighs by tilting the pelvis forward and dropping the thighs below the hips. The shins provide a second point of contact with the chair, via a shin pad, so the body does not slide forward off the chair. This sitting position encourages correct spinal alignment.

Despite the name, the knees do not bear any of the body’s weight. Rather, weight is distributed between the back, thighs and shins, instead of solely in the lower back. As a result, compressive forces in the spine and associated back pain are minimized while sitting.

Kneeling chairs are known by many other names including Yoga Chair, knee chair, balance chair, Kneel sit chair, posture chair and Norwegian chair.