Over 50 phrases and idioms in the English language exist which reference our feet.
Feet are important. If those sayings are any indication, we use them for more than just walking.
Every day we think on them, jump into things with them, put them in doors … though always the best one forward, first…
For many people, however, work doesn’t happen in the feet. Rather, it occurs on the other side of the body – far away in the head.
While our brains storm away delivering the creative genius that flows through our fingertips into the keyboard, it might be easy to forget what our feet are doing beneath our desk.
Enjoy productivity from brain to toe. An ergonomic footrest can help. Here are five ways they do.
5 Ways Using a Footrest Keeps You Comfortable and Productive
Set the foundations of achievement by keeping yourself grounded, poised, and productive. A footrest helps with that because:
1. It Increases Support for Your Back and Upper Body
Research has shown that paraplegic individuals who use footrests are able to function better in daily living. In the study, the use of a footrest helped alleviate certain back conditions and improve upper-body mobility.
In other words, a footrest really does make you more productive.
Take a moment to check your posture in that seat you’re in – did you just discover an opportunity to straighten that back or open up those lungs?
(No? Awesome! Congrats on the great posture. Keep it up!)
Just like your foot position informs your posture when you’re standing, the way your feet rest also plays a role in whether you’re sitting up straight and keeping your upper body supported.
That’s where a good footrest comes into play.
Whether static (stationary) or dynamic (moving around), these devices keep your feet wonderfully grounded, tilted in a neutral position that encourages more support for your shoulders, back, and hips. That helps you stay relaxed, alert, and responsive to anything that heads your way during the workday.
Productivity feels good, doesn’t it?
2. Dynamic Footrests Help You Stretch and Relax
We sit a lot – some people are saying that we sit more now than any other period in history.
Some research also shows that the average office worker may sit up to 15 hours per day when we factor in commute and time spent unwinding in front of the TV in the evening.
All that sitting means we’re also assuming a relatively monotonous posture, which makes a footrest all the more important.
While a static footrest will keep your feet in the ideal position to support good upper body posture, a dynamic footrest will help keep you moving throughout the day and staying a little more active.
You can do simple foot exercises on them and use the movement of the footrest to help you stretch.
Our Rocking Footrest even comes with features to gently massage your feet as it moves – because your feet carry you through the world and can use all the love they can get.
3. You’ll Enjoy Better Blood Circulation
Ergonomic posture isn’t just important because being comfortable means being productive. It also has a direct impact on our health. Whether we’re seated or standing, good posture helps align the body so that it can function optimally.
Footrests are known to boost blood circulation when they’re adjusted to angle the foot naturally. In one study involving computer workers, the angle of the footrest was directly linked to swelling in the legs and ankles. When too flat or too steep, researchers found that swelling increased because less oxygenated blood traveled to the toes.
Moreover, the study found that dynamic footrests, with their ability to encourage movement throughout the day, significantly enhanced lower body circulation.
The ideal angle for a footrest differs from person to person. A follow-up study indicated that participants experienced improvements in circulation with a footrest angled between 15 and 30 degrees.
So, here’s a little pro tip: make sure you’re choosing a footrest that’s adjustable so that you can find your ideal angle.
4. It Supports the Proper Use of Other Ergonomic Office Furniture
Did you know that the standard height desk is either too high or too short for 95 percent of Americans to sit comfortably at it? Having the right footrest in these scenarios can make a difference.
We already mentioned that good posture starts in the feet. When dealing with variable desk heights, a footrest makes it easier to embrace the proper use of your other ergonomic furniture by keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor.
Even if you raise or lower your chair to adjust to your desk’s height, you’re still able to sit properly in a supported manner. Sitting properly, in turn, encourages the correct use of other accessories such as keyboards or trackballs.
5. You Can Personalize Them To Your Body and Workspace
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ergonomics because everyone is a little different. That’s why we’ve developed numerous footrest options meant to suit your body and workspace.
Footrests are just as easy to personalize to your body and workspace as other ergonomic furniture. (In fact, they’re small enough that you can take them with you in the event that you don’t have a dedicated workstation, or you’re prone to moving around.)
We offer a variety of ways to personalize them to your body and workspace. Enjoy:
- Options for surfaces, including comfortable, non-slip tops.
- Color choices such as the SmartFit® Solemate™ in black or gray to match an office.
- Exercising motion or stationary devices with circulation enhancing features.
- Non-skid surfaces to help shoes stay in place.
Work Smarter, Not Harder, with Ergonomics From Kensington
While our brains are hard at work innovating and creating amazing customer experiences, remember that your feet do a lot for you, too.
If you’ve been dipping your toe in the waters of ergonomics, a footrest might be right up your alley. These simple, portable devices can help set the foundation for good posture and optimal use of the rest of your office – literally. We’ve explored some of the science behind footrests and provided an array of options for you to get started.
So, go ahead and put your best foot forward. An ergonomic footrest from Kensington can help.