What Does a Gaming Chair Do: Essential Things You Need To Know

What does a gaming chair do? Why are they so popular?

Are they exclusive to gaming alone?

These are just some of the questions that most people ask.

People are all hyped about gaming chairs because they provide more support to your back if you sit for long hours.

These days, young and adults alike spend most of their time sitting, especially during the pandemic.

Before we dig deeper into the topic, let us first understand what a gaming chair is and its uniqueness.

What Is a Gaming Chair?

A gaming chair is ergonomically designed to provide comfort for gamers as they sit for long hours.

Most of its parts are customizable and adjustable according to the user’s personal preferences since most gamers suffer from back pains.

The first gaming chair can be traced back to the early 1980s.

It was during that time when personal computers are becoming common in homes.

It was also the time when the first gaming platform system was created and became popular.

Coincidentally, the idea of a home entertainment center is becoming popular for middle-class households.

It was during that time when people started spending more time indoors.

ALSO READ: How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Chair?

Gaming Chair Types

There are different types of gaming chairs to choose from depending on what kind of gaming platform you play.

• PC

PC gaming chairs were inspired by the office chair design.

There may be some similarities, but key differences are also evident.

Gaming chairs have more cushioning in their bucket-style seat.

They also include lumbar and neck pillows for added support.

Some models even offer armrest adjustment and a reclining feature.

• Platform

Platform gaming chairs have entirely different structures.

Their most common appearance resembles recliners but set up on the floor.

Most models offer a rocking motion and side pockets for your game controllers.

Other models have either built-in speakers or headphone jacks.

• Hybrid

A conventional hybrid gaming chair is anchored on a swivel base similar to an office chair, but its structure and cushioning are similar to recliners.

Common Features

Most serious gamers suffer from muscle and joint pains due to long hours of sitting without changing positions.

That is one of the main reasons these people decide to upgrade and buy a comfortable gaming chair.

But how would you know if you are buying the right gaming chair type?

Here are some key features that a gaming chair must have:

• Ergonomic Built

The most vital feature every gaming chair must have is an ergonomic design related to a gamer’s comfort, health, and posture.

• Maximum Adjustability

The best gaming chairs should have various adjustment options to accommodate different types of gamers.

• Removable Headrest and Lumbar Pillows

Most gaming chairs come with head and lumbar support, while others include removable accessories that you can use as needed.

Choose the one that you can adjust according to what feels comfortable.

• Well-Built Armrest

So much focus has been given to neck and back support but protecting your arms and wrists is just as important, especially for gamers.

• Proper Dimension

Check the overall measurements of the gaming chair to ensure that they match your height and weight to experience maximum comfort.

• Comfortable Cushion

Memory foam is the best cushion choice for gaming chairs.

Its softness gives you the right amount of comfort but is still firm enough to provide support.

• Premium Quality Upholstery

The internal aspect of the seat may be crucial to your comfort, but so is the outer cover.

There are different upholstery options. You just need to find the one that suits your needs.

• Frame, Base, Casters

These are gaming chair features that are not usually given much attention to when checking out a model.

However, they will impact your overall experience with the furniture.

• Compatibility

You have to choose the correct gaming chair type based on the kind of game you are playing, so it is suitable for your activity.

What Does a Gaming Chair Do?

We discussed a gaming chair and its key features.

But what does it do? What can we benefit from using one?

Even before the pandemic, most people have an inactive lifestyle, spending most of their time sitting in front of a computer.

Sitting for long hours has its consequences, and most of them relate to our health.

When this happens, you better upgrade to a gaming chair.

Below are the things a gaming chair can do for you.

Effective Posture Support

Sitting on a standard office chair for long hours results in discomfort, joint strain, and poor posture.

In contrast, an ergonomic gaming chair helps in supporting a healthy sitting position.

Racing-style gaming chairs have a high back, backrest cushions, and padded bucket seat.

Some models have adjustable armrests, relieving your spine of the pressure from supporting your arms.

Provides Consistent Comfort

Those who get used to sitting on a gaming chair will notice significant changes in their life.

They will enjoy different gaming or working experiences with better posture and improved blood circulation.

There will be consistent comfort as you use a gaming chair as it supports good posture.

Your oxygen levels and circulation increase while reducing stress on your joints and muscles.

Moving While Sitting

Ergonomic scientists suggest that our bodies need to move as static posture can shorten the spine.

Whereas sitting on a swiveling gaming chair helps expand the spine while promoting flexibility at the same time.

You don’t have to strain your muscles to keep them active.

Even small movements can make an impact.

Using a gaming chair allows you to change positions to get your body moving even while seated.

Eye-Level Computing

With gaming chairs, you can make the necessary adjustments to be eye level with your computer monitor.

This action will prevent straining your neck as you try to look up or down on your screen.

Gentle Posture Improvement

Sitting hunched for a long time changes your spine’s natural curve increasing muscle strain around the spine.

As you continue to sit with bad posture, the muscles in your upper back weaken, making it hard to sit straight.

Conversely, you may feel a little uncomfortable as you try to switch to a gaming chair as it forces you to observe good posture.

Apart from feeling and looking good as you observe healthy posture, you will also experience other health benefits.

There will be reduced back pain, lesser headache, and minimal neck and shoulders tension.

The lung capacity increases while your core strength and blood circulation improve.

Increased Energy Levels

Our muscles get strained as we practice poor sitting habits, leading to chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain.

There will be no muscle strain, leaving you with more energy as the gaming chair supports your muscles instead of your body.

Immersive Computing

Sitting in a gaming chair keeps your body aligned and comfortable, giving you a more focused computing experience.

According to research, your posture can affect your mood. Sitting with a good posture is a power pose.

It can decrease cortisol while increasing your testosterone level and feelings of power.

Gaming chairs help you keep a good posture that can lead to reduced tension and back pain.

It also improves cognitive ability leading to high levels of productivity.     

RELATED: What To Look for in a Gaming Chair? (Guide)

What Are the Adverse Effects of Sitting for Long Hours?

Avid gamers spend hours and hours in front of the camera when fully engrossed in the game.

With this unconscious act, most gamers suffer from different health conditions.

Below are some of the most notable adverse effects of too much sitting.

Weight Gain

Too much sitting decreases the lipoprotein lipase activity, impacting your body’s burning fat ability.

When this happens, your body uses carbohydrates for fuel, leaving the fats stored inside, resulting in weight gain.

Poor Blood Circulation

Immobile sitting causes poor blood circulation, which is often ignored, especially when you're too engrossed in the game.

It slows down the blood circulation causing the blood to accumulate in your feet and legs, leading to blood clots, swollen ankles, and varicose veins.

Heart Disease

Poor blood circulation and the inability to burn fat are two factors that can increase the risk of artery blockage from fatty acids, leading to other cardiovascular conditions.

Weak Muscles

The muscles in your mid and lower sections loosen and weakens if you sit for too long.

If you don’t have strong glutes and legs, your lower body will not have the stability to support you completely.

Diabetes

Inactive people, especially those who are always sitting, are more at risk of having diabetes.

There’s a decreased strength and muscle mass lowering your insulin sensitivity.

If you have low insulin sensitivity, you have a higher risk of having diabetes. 

What Does a Gaming Chair Do: In Conclusion

Gaming chairs support the health and wellness of all the people who choose to use them as they help enhance their posture while boosting their vitality.

In the gaming world, comfort plays a significant part, which these ergonomic chairs provide, allowing them to focus and concentrate on the game.

Part of the gaming chair’s many benefits is to help you perform better while protecting you from injury.