It’s one of the most common questions I get asked:

“What’s the best chair for posture?”

I get why people ask. If you’ve been dealing with pain or poor posture, of course you want to find tools that might help — especially something you use for hours a day.

But here’s the truth most people miss (even the fancy chair brands):

It’s not just about the chair. It’s about the body you bring to it.

Why Chairs Aren’t the Whole Answer

You could spend £1,000 on a state-of-the-art ergonomic chair… and still end up slouching, aching, or stiff by the end of the day.

Why?

Because no chair — not even the best — can fix misaligned posture, weak stabiliser muscles, or imbalanced movement patterns. That has to come from within.

If your pelvis is tilted, your spine compressed, or your upper back rounds forward, no lumbar support will fix the root problem. You’ll just compensate in new ways — and likely keep reinforcing the patterns that caused the issue in the first place.

What Makes a Chair “Good” (And What Doesn’t)

That said, some chairs are definitely more supportive — especially when they help you sit in a more neutral, balanced position.

Here’s what to look for:

• A seat height that keeps your hips level with (or slightly above) your knees

• A flat, firm base (not sloped backwards)

• Back support that encourages your ribcage to stay upright (optional — depends on your body)

• Adjustable height or armrests, if they support good posture rather than restrict it

But again — helpful, not essential.

I’ve had clients improve massively while sitting on basic wooden chairs… and others still in pain despite spending hundreds on high-end ergonomic setups.

The difference? Their posture.

When Your Posture Is Right, Any Chair Can Work

When your posture is aligned, your muscles naturally hold you upright. You don’t have to think about “sitting up straight” — your body just does it.

That means you can handle a much wider range of chairs without discomfort.

Trying to force yourself to sit tall doesn’t work. It’s tiring, unnatural for most people, and the moment you get distracted — poof — you’re slouching again.

The answer isn’t in the chair, and it’s not in how hard you try. It’s in how balanced and functional your body is.

That comes from doing the right posture correction exercises — the kind that realign your muscles, re-train your stabilisers, and restore natural movement. That’s exactly what I help my clients do.

Once your body’s aligned, sitting well becomes almost effortless — no matter what kind of chair you’re in.

Want a Place to Start?

Try Static Back — one of my go-to posture correction exercises. It’s simple, calming, and helps realign your spine, hips and shoulders so your body feels more at ease.

→ [Try the Static Back Exercise Here]

Or if you’re ready to go deeper, I can help you figure out exactly what your body needs.

→ [See What to Expect From Your First Visit]

Take care — and remember: It’s not the chair. It’s the body you bring to it.

 

Written by Ameet Bhakta
Posture Specialist | Health Through Posture
Clinics in London, Tunbridge Wells & Online
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