Gaming Posture: 4 Tips for Improving Ergonomics

Gaming ergonomics is not often discussed. And yet, we know that the impact of extended time in a seated position has significant consequences for gamers' general health, posture, and muscle strain. Is it possible to correct gaming posture? And what are the best ways to prevent pain or injury while gaming?

NPS Commercial Furniture are a Townsville-based furniture supplier, specialising in innovative furniture solutions and designs across a range of sectors. Our highly knowledgeable team are industry leaders in commercial, residential, and industrial furniture design, ready to advise and guide you towards choosing the right furniture to improve ergonomics and functionality. As such, our range of exceptional furniture may be utilised by those in the gaming industry.

Our ergonomic gaming solutions include monitor arms, height-adjustable desks, and ergonomic chairs that will help gamers stay focused and competitive, while at the same time, avoiding injury or strain. Within this article, we’re going to discuss our primary solutions and tips for improving gaming posture.

How to Improve Gaming Posture & Ergonomics

Whether gaming or working at a computer all day, correct posture will help alleviate stress on the body, decreasing the likelihood of developing aches and pains associated with sitting in an unnatural position for a prolonged period. Adopting proper gaming posture will help you game for longer periods, pain-free. Follow the tips below to optimise your gaming set-up and to make the most of time you have available for gaming. 

Monitor Height, Tilt and Distance

Your monitor should be positioned at a height and distance that allows your eyes to naturally rest on the top 3rd of the screen. The screen should be placed at least an arm's length away from you, but this can be adjustable if you're near or far-sighted. The screen should be tilted at a slight angle backwards to limit the amount of jerking neck movements you make while following the movements on the screen.

Instead of stacking books messily or resting your monitor on an unstable surface, a monitor arm allows for three-dimensional adjustability and a high range of flexibility. Using a monitor arm will enable you to easily create the perfect monitor height, tilt, and distance. ZGO monitor arms are available for single or dual screens and are a neat, space-saving solution.

Chair Position

The best FPS sitting position requires the height of your chair to be the same distance from the floor as your knee cap. This position should allow you to have your feet flat on the floor, your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and your hips resting above the level of your knees. If your chair is too high, you can put a box or footrest underneath, to allow your feet to rest in a flat position. The back of your chair should be angled slightly backwards between 100 - 130 degrees to allow your lower back to be supported.

At NPS Commercial Furniture, we have an extensive range of ergonomic chairs that allow you to fully customise the height and angle you're sitting at. The Herman Miller Embody is particularly good for gamers. The Embody features Backfit™ Adjustment technology that automatically adjusts to the user's unique spine shape and movements, distributing weight evenly and relieving pressure and allowing for uninhibited circulation. Our other ergonomic chair options include the Herman Miller Sayl chair, the Herman Miller Aeron chair, the HAG Capisco Chair and the RH Logic Chair.

Desk Height

The best height for gaming desks is one that allows the elbows to rest close to your body at a 90-degree angle. The right desk height should allow your hands to rest in a neutral position while you type or use your mouse. Moving your sitting or standing position frequently will help alleviate stress from building up in certain areas of your body.

A height adjustable desk makes it easy to adjust the height of your desk for both seated and standing positions. Changing between positions helps regulate stress, particularly on your back, generated from sitting or standing in the same position for too long. NPS Commercial Furniture provide a wide range of height adjustable desks and workstations to allow gamers to fully customise their gaming posture.

Take Regular Breaks

Gaming is an immersive activity that requires a high concentration level for long periods. It's important to remember to take regular breaks to rest your eyes and limbs. Stretching during these breaks is highly beneficial, as is making sure breaks are screen-free to allow your eyes to readjust to natural light and movement.

The Importance of Good Posture and Gaming Ergonomics

Gaming ergonomics is an essential consideration for any gamer who wants to remain injury-free while pursuing the hobby they love. Preventing injury with ergonomic office furniture is by far the best way to ensure a rewarding and pain-free experience.