How To Use A Footrest? – In 6 Simple Steps!


Footrests are not that difficult to use. But using a footrest and how to use a footrest properly are two extremely different things! That’s why this article brings you 6 simple and ergonomic steps that most people don’t know. By following these expert tips, you can set your footrest up properly in sheer minutes This could prevent you from poor posture and even injury! Let’s get started!

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If you’re in a hurry, here is a site I recommended for office equipment with lifetime guarantee!

When setup properly, footrests can improve your posture, reduce back pain and increase blood circulation around the body. Source

How To Use A Footrest - Task Master Adjustable Footrest by Safco

How To Use A Footrest?

1. Clean the area where the footrest will be placed

To ensure that the footrest achieves the best grip possible and doesn’t get destroyed in dust and dirt, the surrounding floor should be cleaned frequently.

When you have used the footrest itself for a period of time, it too will need to be cleaned.

Plastic footrests can usually be cleaned with the wipe of a cloth. Foam footrests have a removable cover that can be washed.

If you intend to wear socks or go barefoot, cleaning will be less hassle than wearing outdoor shoes.

Tip: Proper care and cleaning of the footrest and surrounding area can make a footrest last even longer!

2. Verify that your desk or chair is setup ergonomically

Before you go adding another piece of furniture to your workstation, it’s vital to ensure that the desk, chair, screens, keyboard and mouse are positioned ergonomically. This will ensure you have the best chance of adopting a good posture when sitting at the desk.

In addition to that, when you add the footrest to the equation, it makes it easier to orientate it to the correct location, height and angle.

Otherwise, you might find that you have to go back and readjust the footrest if setting up your work area ergonomically is an afterthought.

Some of the key factors to consider when setting up an office desk ergonomically are listed below:

  1. Your eyes should be in line with the top third of the screen
  2. Arms should be at a 90-degree angle when typing
  3. Thighs should be parallel with the floor while seated
  4. Feet should be able to comfortably reach the floor or footrest
  5. Back should be resting against the chair
  6. The lumbar curve on the back of the chair (if it has one) should align with the curve in your lower back

3. Place the footrest slightly in front of your chair

The footrest should be slightly in front of the chair so that the chair does not hit off it. Plus, your feet should be slightly forward when they are resting on the footrest.

But not so forward that your legs are stretching to reach the footrest or that you are causing yourself to slouch in the chair.

4. Angle the footrest correctly

A footrest, at a minimum, should offer a degree of tilt adjustability so that you can angle the surface where you rest your feet to suit your height and preferences.

So, what angle should a footrest be at?

The best angle to tilt the footrest at is usually between 15 – 30 degrees. This encourages blood flow through the legs.

Plus, it enables your feet to be positioned in the most neutral posture possible while.

Even if that level of tilt is built into the footrest, you should avoid tilting the footrest more than 30 degrees unless advised to do so by a medical professional.

5. Adjust the height of the footrest

Footrests are often purchased due to the fact that the chair or desk setup is too large for the user.

Not all footrests have height adjustable features though!

If it does, follow these steps below to adjust the height correctly:

  1. First, adjust the height so that your feet can reach the footrest.
  2. Secondly, you should ensure that your thighs remain parallel with the floor.
  3. Your knees should not be higher than your hips, they should be level with your hips.

Over my 10+ years of completing ergonomic desk assessments, I have often given the recommendation to the person to get a footrest as their feet were dangling!

So, if you’re looking for a footrest because your workstation is too large, you should consider a height-adjustable footrest. This will increase the likelihood that the footrest will meet your needs.

Plus, you’ll have a bit more choice in the height that you want the footrest to be at. This can make your seated experience even more ergonomic and healthy too!

Most footrests have a height adjustability of around 3 – 5 inches.

However, I have come across the Mount-It Adjustable Footrest which has a phenomenal height range which can reach between 3 – 15 inches!

The larger the range of height adjustability, the more certain you will be that it will meet your requirements.

Here’s an example of a height-adjustable footrest by Task Master with a lifetime warranty that’s available on OfficeFurniture2Go.com.

Tip: Being barefoot on a footrest can cause less wear and tear than wearing shoes.

6. Trial it and adjust the footrest as necessary

Once you have followed these steps, try sitting in the position and trialing it out for a few hours or days. If you experience discomfort, make some minor adjustments each time.

But make sure that you follow the ergonomic principles that I covered above!

Tip: It can be useful to have someone observe your posture or even take a photo of yourself to see if you’re sitting ergonomically.

Conclusion

Using a footrest is simple, but using a footrest properly is a bit more of a challenge. Now that you know everything that you need to, you should have no problem setting up an ergonomic haven for yourself to sit or stand in.

As you can see, there are an endless list of things to be aware of whether you’re in the process of choosing a good quality footrest or if you already own one.

The above footrest user guide only scratches the surface of essential factors that you should know about footrests.

If you’re interested in more, here are some other useful articles I wrote that you should go check out:

  1. Are Footrests Worth It? – The Must-Read Insider Guide!
  2. How To Choose A Footrest – A Fail Proof Guide!
  3. Anti-Fatigue Mat V Footrest – Top 10 Useful Differences!
  4. How Much Do Anti-fatigue Mats Cost? – A Complete Guide!
  5. Are Anti Fatigue Mats Worth It? 11 Unexpected Pros & Cons!

Recommended products:

  1. Task Master Adjustable Footrest + lifetime warranty (link on OfficeFurniture2Go)
  2. ComfiLife Foot Rest (link on Amazon)
  3. Mind Reader Footrest (link on Amazon)
  4. Andyer Portable Travel Foot Hammock (link on Amazon)
  5. 5Fold Under-desk Foot Hammock (link on Amazon)

Sharon

With years of both professional and first-hand experience in office equipment and work settings, I now want to help you avoid making mistakes that countless others do. Whether you're studying or working from home, this site will help you create the ultimate haven for working safely, comfortably and productively in!

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