Gaming has become a favorite pastime of many people, young and old. Serious gamers spend a lot of time focused on their sport and are dedicated to building their characters and succeeding in battles of their chosen game. Unfortunately, this extended time sitting at the gaming console or computer can wreak havoc on a person’s posture.
Sitting for long periods of time can have other adverse effects on a person’s body and overall health. It is important for every gamer to take steps to maintain posture and health while gaming.
Comfort
The most important aspect of proper gaming posture is finding a comfortable place to sit while focused on the game. An uncomfortable chair can cause a person to lose focus on their game. Many gamers choose chairs designed specifically for comfort so they can spend hours fighting through dungeons or taking their team into battle.
One popular choice for comfort is a beanbag chair. These chairs provide the perfect support that conforms to a player’s body to allow them to succeed in their gaming pursuits. Great comfort can also reduce much of the stress that gaming can cause. A chair from Fombag provides the right support surrounded by softness in a variety of colors to match any gaming room décor.
Time Limits
Sitting too long when playing video games or even working at the computer can pose serious risks to health. It can cause pressure points that can pose risks of nerve damage. It can also cause problems with blood flow. Long periods of lack of exercise can also increase the risks of heart disease and diabetes. This makes it vitally important for every serious gamer to set time limits for themselves.
Every couple of hours, a person should get up and move, at least a little. Taking a short walk or even stretching can have great benefits for health and circulation. It is also important to schedule a time for exercise. At least three hours a week in thirty-minute intervals can be very beneficial in maintaining health and proper circulation.
Posture
Many Americans have serious issues with their posture. Poor posture can lead to a variety of problems with movement and even health. Not only does a person with poor posture have more of a slovenly appearance, but they can also have more pain and health issues than those with good posture. Poor posture can directly lead to issues with back and neck pain. The strain on muscles and pinched nerves can also lead to more headaches.
It can also be more painful for those with poor posture to work, stand, or sit. Poor posture can have many serious effects on a person’s enjoyment of life and productivity. This makes it important to take steps to correct posture and ensure poor habits do not begin. Unfortunately, many gamers, especially those on a console or handheld device, lean forward or even hunch over while playing. This can cause significant damage to one’s posture. These tips can help avoid many of these problems.
1. Proper Chair Height
Chair height is often a problem that leads to poor posture while gaming. The chair used during gaming or even working on the computer should be of the perfect height in proportion to the gamer’s body. The chair height should allow the gamer’s feet to rest flat and comfortably on the floor.
A chair that is too high can cause legs to dangle, too low and the person’s thighs will not rest flat on the chair resulting in a poor gaming posture. This can cause back pain, sciatica, and even sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
2. Proper Monitor Height
Whether at a computer or gaming on the console, it is important that the monitor is placed in the appropriate range to prevent the gamer from looking upwards or even downwards during the gameplay. This can pose issues of neck pain and headache when holding this position for long periods of time. The monitor should be raised so that it is at proper eye level, ensuring an aligned gaming position that’s comfortable and avoids straining.
When adjusting the monitor, the eyes should rest at the top 1/3 of the screen. This allows the gamer to view the entire screen without causing undue stress on the neck muscles. With this setting, gamers will notice far less neck strain and tightness even after long games.
3. Proper Chair Back Position
One of the most important aspects of posture is keeping one’s back in the proper position. Unfortunately, when playing video games, it can become easy to slouch over and lean into the game, especially when the game becomes intense. When a chair’s back is in the proper position, it makes it more difficult to slouch. It is also more comfortable to sit up straight.
The backrest on a chair should be at a 90-135 degree angle. This pushes your back to maintain a more upright position. Chairs with lumbar support are available to help support the back by providing the right support at the curve of the spine. A headrest can also be beneficial in helping the gamer relax in the chair without slumping over.
4. Keyboard or Controller Position
The position of the keyboard or controller is also important in maintaining proper gamer posture and allowing for unrestricted blood flow. These devices should be kept in a position to allow a person to maintain a 90-degree bend at the elbows. The elbows should also rest close to the body in their resting position.
The controller or keyboard should be positioned so that the hands are resting on the player’s lap. This provides a more natural flow of the body and prevents pushing up on shoulders. It also prevents slumping over to reach the device easier.
5. Monitor Distance
The monitor distance can also be very important in preventing eye strain or awkward positioning of the head and neck. The screen should never be closer than 20 inches to the face. It is suggested that the monitor should be approximately arm’s length from the player. This includes positioning the monitor to be at eye level.
Larger monitors and vision issues may require some adjustment to this length. However, it is a good idea to view the screen in a relaxed position and see if the images are clear. This should be accomplished without the need to lean forward, backward, or turn the head at any angle to see the screen.
6. Hip, Feet, and Thigh Position
For proper blood flow and reduced pain, there are certain positions the hips, thighs, and feet should be. The gamer should sit with their hips all the way back in the chair so that their back is pressed against the back of the chair. The thighs should sit flat on the chair. Legs should be bent at a 90-degree angle at the knee with feet set flat on the floor. No leg or foot crossing as these positions can limit blood flow and increase the chance of improper posture while seated.
When sitting for long periods of time, it is important to ensure there is no pressure on any area of the legs and feet. If it seems a foot or leg “falls asleep” while sitting, it means there is no proper blood flow and repositioning is necessary. Continuous pressure over a long period of time can lead to serious problems later in life. They can also promote serious complications for those with circulation issues. Nerve damage and even blood clots can be a problem with long-term pressure on the legs, hips, or feet. The best posture for gaming ensures that the body is comfortable, well-oxygenated and balanced.
7. Head and Shoulder Position
When seated and playing games, it is important to keep the head against the headrest if the chair has one. This helps to keep the head in the right position and prevent fatigue and the temptation to tilt or turn the head in ways that could cause strain. The neck should also be held in the proper position to prevent neck pain and tension headaches.
The gamer should keep their head back with their chin tucked so that their ears are lined up with their shoulders. This allows the muscles to remain in a more natural position and prevent tension. It is also important to mind the shoulders when sitting for long periods. The shoulders should be positioned so that the shoulder blades are downward and back towards each other.
The upper back should be resting on the back of the chair. Even when the game becomes difficult, it is important to avoid shrugging or rounding the shoulders. This can increase tension and throw off the posture of the entire body.
Having the right gaming equipment and tips for proper sitting can help prevent many of the issues caused by poor posture. It is important to follow these steps each and every time a gamer plans to play their game, especially when these gaming sessions last for hours as it will ensure you have the best posture for gaming. A proper diet, hydration, and regular breaks can also allow even the most serious of gamers to stay healthy and pain-free no matter how long they play their favorite games.