Back pod alternative
As the number of office workers spending their days seated in front of computer screens continues to rise so too does the prevalence of back pain. Many of us are becoming all too aware of the long-term effects of a sedentary lifestyle but with limited options for relief it can be difficult to find a solution that works. Enter the lumbar support pillow.
Lumbar Support Pillow
A lumbar support pillow is an ergonomic device that provides cushioning and support to the lower back. It is designed to be placed in the small of the back helping to reduce strain and fatigue while promoting proper posture. It is typically made from foam or gel and can be used in a variety of settings from the office to the car.
Exercise Balls
Apart from a back pod exercise balls are an effective alternative for people looking for a back support system. Sitting on an exercise ball can ease sore muscles improve posture and offer a low-impact way of stretching. The instability of the ball using balance helps to engage the core and improves overall stability.
Additionally exercise balls are user friendly and simple to set up. The sphere shape allows them to fit in small standing areas making them suitable for people who do not have a designated workout area. Plus they are very affordable and a great investment!
However exercise balls are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Users may need to swap out the exercise ball they are currently using in order to find their ideal fit. Furthermore it can take some time to grow accustomed to balancing on the ball which means users should ensure they are comfortable with the size and weight before commiting to using an exercise ball.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up and use | Not universally suited for everyone |
| Improves muscle strength and stability | Balancing can be time consuming at first |
| Affordable | May need to swap ball to find an ideal fit |
Core Strengthening Exercises
A popular alternative to back pods are core strengthening exercises. These involve strengthening the muscles of the abdomen back and hips. By improving one’s core strength individuals can alleviate back pain and posture issues. Core strengthening exercises can involve a variety of activities from yoga to Pilates or lifting free weights. Depending on what fits the individual’s lifestyle they can do these exercises in the comfort of their home or can attend classes at a fitness center.
The benefits of core strengthening exercises include improved balance endurance and posture. Additionally individuals can benefit from improved posture that reduces back pain and fatigue as well as improved agility and coordination.
However core strengthening exercises can also have some downsides. Individuals with existing back or spine issues may experience discomfort when performing core strengthening exercises. Additionally core strengthening exercises can be time-consuming and require consistency and discipline to obtain lasting benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved balance endurance and posture | May cause discomfort for individuals with existing back or spine issues |
| Reduces back pain and fatigue | Time consuming and requires consistency and discipline |
| Improves agility and coordination |
Standing Desk Converter
Averaging around $200 to $300 standing desk converters provide a great value alternative to pod chairs for an ergonomic workspace. Made from a wide range of materials from steel and plastic to bamboo and aluminum standing desk converters come in a variety of types from electric lift systems to fixed-height platforms. A standing desk converter allows you to create a standing workstation with any existing desk that you have.
However standing desk converters often have a smaller range of adjustability than a traditional pod-style chair. Depending on the type of desk converter you opt for you may not be able to adjust the height of your workstation as easily or precisely as you would with a traditional pod chair. Additionally many standing desk converters are designed to hold a limited amount of weight and may not be suitable for supporting multiple monitors.
Overall standing desk converters provide a great alternative to traditional pod-style chairs. Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Range of adjustability | Limited range of adjustability |
| Can be used with any existing desk | Limited weight capacity |
| Inexpensive | Requires a stable flat surface |
Ergonomic Office Chair
Convenience and ergonomic comfort in the workplace can be a daunting task. As such many people are turning to backpod as a space-saving alternative to traditional office chairs. Backpod is a small ergonomically designed portable piece of lightweight foam that promotes better posture throughout the day. It supports your lower back torso and hips so you can rest assured that you won’t be dealing with aches and pains at the end of the day.
Moreover backpod encourages proper posture by helping you maintain the natural curvature of your spine while sitting down. This helps reduce lower back pain posture-related headaches and fatigue while also helping you maintain focus and concentration. As an added bonus backpod is easy to travel with and can easily fit in a bag or suitcase.
However while backpod is a great alternative to an office chair it may not be suitable for everyone. Depending on your office environment size and shape a backpod may not be the best fit for you. Additionally backpod does not come with any adjustable features so the ideal angle for your back and sitting posture cannot be changed.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight portable and easy to transport | No adjustable features. |
| Ergonomic design encourages proper posture. | May not be suitable for everyone. |
| Reduces lower back pain posture-related headaches and fatigue. | Unknown long-term effects. |