Varier Variable Plus Kneeling Chair: Active Sitting for a Healthier Back
Update on March 12, 2025, 2:16 p.m.
We’ve all heard the warnings: “Sitting is the new smoking.” It’s a catchy phrase, but behind the hyperbole lies a sobering truth. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, driven by desk jobs and digital entertainment, are taking a significant toll on our health. While we may not feel the immediate effects, hours spent hunched over keyboards and slumped in chairs are silently wreaking havoc on our bodies.
The human body wasn’t designed for prolonged periods of static sitting. Our ancestors were constantly on the move – hunting, gathering, building. Our spines, with their natural curves, are built for dynamic movement, not for the compressed, C-shaped posture that many traditional chairs force us into.
This unnatural posture puts immense pressure on the intervertebral discs, the cushions between our vertebrae. Over time, this can lead to disc degeneration, herniation, and chronic back pain. The problem extends beyond the spine. Prolonged sitting restricts blood flow, weakens core muscles, and can even contribute to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Beyond Upright: Introducing the Concept of Active Sitting
Traditional ergonomics often focuses on achieving a “perfect” 90-degree posture – back straight, feet flat on the floor. But this static ideal ignores a fundamental truth about the human body: it thrives on movement. The concept of active sitting challenges the notion that we should be rigidly still while seated. Instead, it encourages subtle, continuous shifts in posture that engage our muscles, improve circulation, and keep our bodies and minds more alert.
Active sitting isn’t about fidgeting or constantly shifting around. It’s about finding a seating solution that allows for natural, intuitive movement – a chair that responds to your body’s needs rather than dictating a fixed position.
A Chair Born from Movement: The Story of Peter Opsvik and the Variable
Peter Opsvik, a Norwegian industrial designer, understood this fundamental need for movement. Throughout the 1970s, he challenged the conventional wisdom of chair design, creating furniture that encouraged a variety of postures and dynamic interaction. His work was rooted in the belief that the human body should be free to move, even when seated.
In 1979, Opsvik introduced the Variable balans – a groundbreaking kneeling chair that would become an icon of ergonomic design. The Variable, with its distinctive curved runners, was unlike anything that had come before. It wasn’t about enforcing a single “correct” posture; it was about facilitating a range of positions, allowing the user to rock gently, shift their weight, and find their own natural balance.
The Variable Plus: Design Details
The Varier Variable Plus builds upon the legacy of the original Variable, adding a fixed backrest with an upholstered cushion for enhanced support. But the core principle remains the same: to encourage active sitting and promote a healthier relationship between the body and the chair.
The chair’s most distinctive feature is its curved wooden runners. Crafted from layers of beech plywood, these runners are not simply aesthetic; they are the key to the chair’s dynamic functionality. The gentle curve allows for a smooth rocking motion, encouraging subtle shifts in posture that keep your body engaged.
The angled seat is another crucial element. By tilting the pelvis forward, the Variable Plus helps maintain the natural lordotic curve of the lower back, reducing pressure on the intervertebral discs. The shin rests provide support, but they don’t lock you into one position. You can place your feet on the floor, tuck them under the seat, or even sit sideways – the chair adapts to your movements.
Kneeling Demystified: The Biomechanics of a Better Sit
The kneeling posture might seem unconventional at first, but it’s rooted in sound biomechanical principles. When you sit in a traditional chair with a 90-degree hip angle, your pelvis tends to tilt backward, flattening the natural curve of your lower back. This puts pressure on the discs and can lead to muscle imbalances.
The Varier Variable Plus, with its open hip angle, encourages a more natural pelvic tilt. This, in turn, helps maintain the lordotic curve, distributing weight more evenly across the spine. Think of your spine as a flexible column. When it’s properly aligned, the load is distributed evenly. When it’s hunched or compressed, the pressure is concentrated on specific points, leading to strain and potential injury.
Beyond the Spine: Engaging Your Core and Improving Circulation
The benefits of the Variable Plus extend beyond spinal alignment. The gentle rocking motion and the need to maintain balance actively engage your core muscles – the deep muscles of your abdomen and back that provide stability and support. This subtle core activation helps strengthen these crucial muscles, improving posture and reducing the risk of back pain.
The dynamic movement encouraged by the chair also improves circulation. When you’re constantly shifting your position, even slightly, you’re preventing the pooling of blood in your lower extremities. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and tissues, reducing fatigue and promoting overall well-being.
The Varier Variable Plus vs. The World: A Comparison
| Feature | Varier Variable Plus | Traditional Office Chair | Saddle Chair | Standing Desk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posture | Active, dynamic | Static, often slumped | Active, upright | Static, standing |
| Spinal Alignment | Promotes natural curve | Often flattens curve | Promotes natural curve | Can be neutral or strained |
| Core Engagement | High | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Circulation | Improved | Restricted | Moderate | Can be improved or restricted |
| Adjustability | Limited (rocking) | High (height, tilt, etc.) | Moderate (height) | High (height) |
| Price | Higher | Varies widely | Moderate to high | Varies widely |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
Making the Switch: Adapting to Your Kneeling Chair
Transitioning to a kneeling chair like the Varier Variable Plus can take some getting used to. Your body has likely adapted to the habits of traditional sitting, and it may take a few days or even weeks to fully adjust to the new posture.
Start slowly. Begin by using the chair for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. Listen to your body. If you experience any discomfort, take a break and stretch. Experiment with different positions – place one foot on the floor, tuck your feet under the seat, or sit sideways. The beauty of the Variable Plus is its versatility.
Pay attention to your posture. The goal is to maintain a natural, upright alignment, not to force yourself into an uncomfortable position. The chair should support your natural posture, not dictate it.
It is also a good habit to occasionally stand and stretch.
Sustainably Crafted, Built to Last
The Varier Variable Plus is not only designed for optimal ergonomics; it’s also built with sustainability and longevity in mind. The chair’s frame is crafted from beech plywood sourced from responsibly managed European forests. The plywood is treated through a unique layering process, ensuring both strength and flexibility. The chair is finished with water-based, non-toxic lacquers, minimizing its environmental impact and ensuring a healthy workspace.
Varier’s commitment to quality is reflected in its generous warranty: 10 years on wooden parts and 5 years on mechanical parts. This is a testament to the chair’s durability and the company’s confidence in its craftsmanship.
The Varier Legacy
Varier, as a company, is committed to improving how we experience sitting. The Variable Plus is but one example, but demonstrates the core commitment.
