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Why using an ergonomic adjustable footrest is vital for your workplace
Sitting in an office chair for long periods of time can take a toll on your body, especially on your back, feet, and legs. Often, we sit scrunched up and even worse, put a lot of pressure on our musculoskeletal system. Especially so for shorter people and kids who struggle to reach the floor.
That's where a footrest comes in. A footrest is a simple yet effective tool that can significantly improve our health.
Impact of not using a footrest
Not using a footrest while working at a desk can have several negative side effects on your body, including:
- Circulation problems: Prolonged periods of sitting without a footrest can cause circulation problems in your legs and feet, leading to discomfort, fatigue and worst case scenario, thrombosis and cramp as it impairs the blood supply in your upper thigh.
- Poor posture: Without a footrest to support your legs and feet, it's more difficult to maintain good sitting posture, which can lead to lower back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders: Prolonged periods of sitting without proper support can increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck and shoulder pain.
- Decreased productivity: Discomfort and pain caused by poor posture and circulation problems can distract you from your work and decrease productivity.
- Decreased energy levels: Prolonged periods of sitting without proper support can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels, making it difficult to stay focused and productive.
- Difficulty staying awake: Without proper support, it can be more difficult to stay awake and alert while sitting at a desk, leading to reduced productivity and decreased alertness.
- Decreased physical activity: Without a footrest to take the strain off your legs and feet, you may be less inclined to get up and move around during the day, leading to decreased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased risk of heart disease: Prolonged periods of sitting without proper support can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems, as well as contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Benefits of a footrest
Using a footrest can also help to improve posture and reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. By providing a place to rest your feet and legs, a footrest can help to take the strain off your lower back and improve your sitting posture.
So, why is it important to use a footrest in the office? Here are a few key reasons:
- Comfort: As mentioned earlier, using a footrest can help to improve circulation and reduce leg fatigue, making it a more comfortable experience to sit at a desk for long periods of time.
- Ergonomics: A footrest can help to improve ergonomics by allowing you to adjust the height and angle of your feet, which can help to reduce strain on your lower back and improve sitting posture.
- Health: Using a footrest can help to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome as well as circulatory problems, which can be caused by poor sitting posture and prolonged periods of sitting.

- Productivity: By promoting comfort and improving ergonomics, a footrest can help to increase productivity by allowing you to focus on your work without being distracted by discomfort or pain.
But what about an exercise slant board?
Can it add to the benefits of using a footrest? The answer is a resounding yes.
An exercise slant board is a sloping platform that allows you to stretch and strengthen your muscles while sitting at your desk. It's a simple yet effective way to improve posture and reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged periods of sitting.
Using an exercise slant board can help to:
- Strengthening the muscles in the lower legs, including the calves, shins, and ankles.
- Improving balance and stability.
- Increasing flexibility in the ankles and lower legs.
- Improving circulation in the legs.
- Reducing the risk of injury by strengthening the muscles and improving balance.
- Alleviating muscle soreness and stiffness in the lower legs.
- Enhancing performance in sports that require strong lower leg muscles and good balance, such as running, soccer, and basketball.
- Improving posture and alignment by strengthening the muscles that support the spine and pelvis.
- Reducing the risk of developing conditions such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
- Helping to rehabilitate the lower legs after an injury or surgery.
- Improving range of motion in the ankles and lower legs.
- Increasing the intensity of lower body workouts by adding an incline.
- Targeting specific muscle groups, such as the inner and outer calf muscles.
- Enhancing coordination and proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of the body) by performing balance exercises on the slant board.
- Adding variety to a workout routine by incorporating exercises that can be done on the slant board.
- Using the slant board as a tool for stretching the muscles in the lower legs and feet.
- Using the slant board to perform body weight exercises, such as lunges, squats, and plank variations.
- Using the slant board to perform exercises with weights or resistance bands to increase the challenge and intensity of the workout.
For exercises you can easily do in the office or at home, click here.
13 Points to look out for when investing in a footrest and/or exercise slant board?
- Both footrests and exercise slant boards offer significant health benefits, so why not invest in one that allows you to use it for both purposes such as the SpaceSave Ergo Adjustable Footrest and Exercise Slant Board.
- Customizability: Many footrests and exercise slant boards are adjustable, allowing you to customize the height and angle to suit your needs and preferences. This can be especially helpful if you have a standing desk, such as the popular Desk Stand and need to adjust the height of your feet while standing. This can also be useful if you plan to use the footrest or slant board for different exercises or to target different muscle groups.
- Portability: Footrests and exercise slant boards are typically lightweight and portable, making it easy to take them with you wherever you go. This can be especially useful if you work in a shared office space or need to set up a temporary workspace. Make sure it has handles that make it easy to carry.
- Cost-effective: Footrests and exercise slant boards are generally more affordable than other ergonomic office equipment such as standing desks and ergonomic chairs, making them a cost-effective option for improving your work environment.
- Versatility: Footrests and exercise slant boards can be used in a variety of settings, not just in the office. They can be used at home, in a shared office space, or even while traveling to provide comfort and improve ergonomics wherever you are.
- Easy to use: Footrests and exercise slant boards are easy to use and require minimal setup. Simply adjust the height and angle to suit your needs and you're ready to go.
- Size: Make sure the footrest or slant board is the right size for your body. It should be long enough to support your feet and legs comfortably, and wide enough to provide stability.
- Material: Look for a footrest or slant board made from durable, high-quality materials, such as hardwood or plastic. Avoid cheap, flimsy models that may break or wear out quickly.
- Grip: Make sure the footrest or slant board has a very solid non-slip surface to prevent slipping or sliding during use, especially if used for exercises.
- Price: Determine your budget and look for a footrest or slant board that fits your price range. Keep in mind that you may need to invest more for a higher-quality, longer-lasting product.
- Warranty: Check to see if the footrest or slant board comes with a warranty and consider purchasing one that offers a longer warranty period for added peace of mind.
- Comfort: Choose a footrest or slant board that is comfortable to use, and enough padding to support your feet and legs. A lot of footrests require you to wear socks. Consider if you can/want to do that or use one with a rubber surface.
- Safety: Make sure the footrest or slant board is sturdy and well-constructed, with a stable base and no sharp edges or other safety hazards.
For ideas on slant board exercises click here
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a footrest and exercise slant board in the office or at home can provide numerous benefits such as improved comfort, ergonomics, health, and productivity. If you're looking to upgrade your workspace and take the first step towards a more comfortable and productive work environment, consider investing in a footrest and exercise slant board. Your body (and your work) will thank you.
If your children cannot place their feet on the floor, consider getting them one as well, to promote good posture from a young age.
Ergo Adjustable Footrest & Exercise Slant Board
Original price was: R997.R947Current price is: R947. incl. VAT
EEZY Fold Down Wall Mounted Desk Table
Original price was: R997.R947Current price is: R947. incl. VAT
Folding Wall Mounted Drop Leaf Table
Original price was: R797.R747Current price is: R747. incl. VAT
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