Riding-like sitting

Riding-like sitting

Riding-like sitting or balanced sitting includes a sitting posture that approaches the natural resting position. A forward sloping seat encourages this natural posture, which is the same as when lying on the side while sleeping. The lumbar curve is preserved, the joint angles are open, and muscles are well-balanced and relaxed. This position is exactly the same as when riding a horse: the rider sits upright and at the same time maintains a lumbar lordosis because of the downwards sloping thighs.

Riding-like sitting or balanced seating is the most suitable position for long periods of sitting. Forward sloping seats and higher desks can eliminate lower back strain and even prevent chronic back pain. It also relieves pressure on the lungs and stomach and provides greater mobility.

Further reading

• A. C. Mandal. "Balanced sitting posture on forward sloping seat". http://www.acmandal.com/. Retrieved 2009-06-22. 
• Peter Opsvik. "Re-Thinking Sitting". http://www.bodycorrectliving.com/rethinking-sitting--book.html.