To be the best at your game you have to be in the zone. Gamers know what I’m talking about. Being in the zone is also called being in a state of flow, a concept first introduced by philosopher Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, which is used to generally describe a state of mind where your mind is paying full attention to the task at hand. It is when you are the deepest in your game or any other task for that matter. Any distraction at such a time can jolt you out of the game real fast. That leads to a disruption of your thought process and can cost you that perfect game.
There are many things gamers do to ensure that they put themselves in the best conditions to reach that flow state. One of the most important aspects of this is to be comfortable in your posture and seating position. That is where gaming chairs come in. They are considered by many gamers and an essential part of the gaming setup. But is the hype behind them real? They are, after all, only chairs, aren’t they? What is the deal with them and should you get one? Let us discuss all of that now.
What Makes Gaming Chairs Different?
Gaming chairs can be distinguished first and foremost based on their looks. They are usually styled similar to sports car seats with flowing lines, bright colors and neon highlights. They are usually made of leather and are mostly in the upper end of the price range for chairs. The padding is usually soft and plush for maximum comfort and ergonomic support while gaming.
When you move past the looks you will find many features that align the posture while sitting in front of the computer for a long time. They come with extras like high padded backrests, neck pillows, shoulder supports, lumbar pillows, adjustable armrests, padded seats, and full 360 degree swivel.
Due to these features, they tend to have their benefits like reduced lower back pain, reduced tension in neck and shoulders, improved circulation and consequently raised energy levels so that you don’t slump and be lethargic during your game. Poor posture can manifest itself in the form of headaches, reduced lung capacity and poor circulation. Gaming chairs force you to maintain the correct posture when you are gaming due to their shape.
The extra ergonomic features help set gaming chairs apart from regular office or home chairs. When you get one of these, it is very clear and specific what their purpose is. That makes them perfect for maintaining your health over longer gaming sessions.
Are Gaming Chairs More Expensive that Normal Chairs?
Gaming chairs do tend to be more expensive compared to normal chairs because of the extra features that they offer. However, the cost doesn’t always mean quality. When you buy some chairs you are paying a premium for the brand. They also tend to overcharge for fancier designs.
Popular entry level gaming chairs start at least $100 and go up to $150. You can find an entry level regular office chair that is also meant for people to sit on for long hours for around $50-$60. So you are definitely paying a premium.
Gaming chairs usually have better adjustability to fit more body types as required. Though it is not configured out of the box, you can look around for guides on the internet about the best seating ergonomics and adjust your chair accordingly. This freedom of choice makes the chair more expensive than regular chairs. If it has some extra features like vibration then you are paying even more. If you are buying a rocking chair or getting something with a pedestal base then you are paying more for that too. The choices are many and you can definitely find something in your budget.
Are Gaming Chairs Better for Your Posture?
Many gamers may have desk jobs or go to school where they are seated almost all of the time. When they come home and do the same thing again in front of the computer, the constant pressure of being in the same position can be very detrimental to one’s health. Improper posture leads to drained energy levels. Once that becomes a habit, people tend to not realize why they feel tired all the time.
Gaming chairs have extra bells and whistles which are better for your posture in the long term. The high padded backrests create a comfortable curve for your spine and head to be in. Regular chairs force your spine to sag. That tilts the pelvis and forces the stomach to jut out making the person look fatter than they really are. Poor posture for a long time can lead to problems like hunched backs, round stomach, swollen joints, and varicose veins. If your posture for your leg is bad, it can even lead to sciatica.
Gaming chairs usually have cold cure foam padding which is an industry standard that offers higher compression resistance. It supports your body when you sit on it and when you get up, it goes back to its original state. This increases the lifespan of the chair too.
Gaming chairs will be better for your posture and will keep diseases like obesity and chronic fatigue at bay. Even regular office workers can report increased productivity and energy levels when they use gaming chairs for work. This is especially important for children who might spend a lot of time of their formative years in front of the computer seated.
Yes, Gaming Chairs are Worth It
Gaming chairs definitely work in improving your posture and keeping you more energetic. They are just a better choice for gamers who spend a lot of time seated in front of computers. They even come with extra features that improve the gaming experience and immersion considerably like vibration. They tend to be more expensive but you can find something that will fit into most budgets. If you are planning on building a gaming station for yourself then getting a high quality gaming chair is a good investment.
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