Polo Saddle Seats from Score combine the comfort and ergonomics of a saddle seat with the concept of "active seating". The design permits 5° of pivoting movement in all directions through a pivot point integrated into the base. Unlike some other products that one leans back into or perches on, the Score Polo Saddle Seat provides a central support that bears the entire weight of the torso and upper limbs. This minimizes the strain on the legs and encourages individuals to actively use their legs to engage the hips and torso in the movement facilitated by the pivot action. This pivoting capability allows the Polo saddle to move and shift throughout the day. The light-weight portable seat is easily moved between locations or set aside when transitioning to a standing position. A simple lever-activated gas cylinder adjusts the seat to serve for surfaces of varying heights. The small 15.75" diameter base also makes the Polo ideal for anyone creating a workstation that includes sitting and standing, with a range suitable for people from 4'9" to 6'2" tall. By providing an in-between seating option for short-term tasks, the transition to a standing position becomes almost effortless. The Polo offers enough support to keep fatigue at bay, while still permitting a full 360° rotation, combined with the freedom to flex forward, backward and laterally.
The Polo Saddle Seat is currently only in stock with the smaller Amazone saddle that is a slightly narrower fit or "cut" than many other saddle seats and has a moderate pommel rise at the front. The smaller dimensions make it better suited for use by those of slender or petite builds. The narrower cut also means that it can accommodate positions higher than the 45° downward thigh angle commonly recommended for saddle sitting.
Promotes Correct Posture - Polo Saddle Seats create a forward tilt on the pelvis which naturally encourages the S-curve necessary for proper spinal alignment. This positions the head over the spine, ensuring that the back can provide the necessary support without fatigue. This also encourages a noticeably more upright stance, with a reduction of the forward bend of the neck. By combining the Polo Saddle Seat with a correctly positioned monitor the head can be properly supported over the spine. Not only is this a relaxed position, it is also healthier and places less strain on the muscles of the neck and upper back.
Reduces Weight Load on Legs and Feet - The Polo Saddle Seat provides a central support that bears the weight of the entire torso and upper limbs, minimizing pressure on the joints of the lower limbs. This translates into reduced risk of damage to the knee and hip joints (which can occur when these joints remain under continuous strain from standing on hard surfaces).
"Active Working" Dynamic - The Polo Saddle Seat features a pivoting action which encourages one to actively move throughout the day. This movement can benefit the entire body as it will exercise core muscles in addition to the muscles of the legs. Flexing of the leg muscles is difficult when in a traditional standing position and can lead to swelling of the lower legs (edema) as blood and fluid collects in them. Relaxed activation of those muscles is encouraged by the Polo Saddle Seat as position is shifted and they are employed to provide balance throughout the day. Although minimal, this minor flexing aids in moving fluids back into the circulatory system.
Promotes Health of Spinal Discs - The "Active Working" referred to earlier also has a positive impact on the spine. The continuous movement creates a 'pumping' action within the spinal discs. This action aids in drawing nutrients into the discs and expelling waste, resulting in healthier discs.
Can Improve Internal Organ Activity - Polo Saddle Seats promote a 135° Open Core Stance which reduces pressure on the internal organs. This means easier and deeper breathing as the lungs are no longer compressed and the diaphragm is not restricted. In addition, this stance and the resulting increase in movement also encourage a more active digestive tract and improves overall circulation.
Can Increase Mental Alertness - The upright posture, deeper breathing, improved circulation, and increased ability to move all contribute to a greater degree of mental alertness as cardiovascular activity is significantly increased over that of a traditional static seated position.
Reduces Risk of Lower Back Pain - For many people, standing in a static position for extended periods with the feet flat (such as at a standing desk), can lead to lower back pain. The muscles of the lower back are able to relax when a Polo Saddle Seat is used to carry the weight as the seat provides centralized support for the entire torso. In addition, the pelvis is rotated forward to help restore the naturally-supportive S-Curve in the spine.
Reduces Standing Fatigue - Many people who have adopted the concept of Standing to Work have discovered that standing all day is actually tiring, especially on the feet and legs. For those who are pursuing a healthier and more active lifestyle, standing while working can actually reduce their ability to achieve this goal. The reason is that by the end of the day some may find that their legs and feet are already exhausted and require a rest. As a result, rather than having energy to pursue their recreational activities at the end of the day, those people find themselves seeking respite from activity. By using a Polo Saddle Seat throughout the day and allowing the seat to bear their weight, individuals can significantly reduce this fatigue, leaving them with the energy to actively enjoy their recreational choices. (When standing a quality Anti-Fatigue Mat can also provide additional cushioning that can further aid in relaxing the feet.)
Expands Comfort Zone - The upright stance provided by the Polo Saddle Seat, combined with the 360° rotation and 5° angle movement provides an extended reach which cannot be achieved with traditional office seating. This expands the comfort zone, providing access to a larger area of the worksurface while at the same time reducing the risk of overextension.
Decreases Unnecessary Neck Rotation - The rotating and tilting capabilities of the Polo Saddle Seat offers a range of movement beyond that available with traditional seating (chairs, stools, etc). Rather than relying on neck rotation to view to the left or right, those using a Polo can effortlessly rotate their entire torso since the seat freely rotates with body movement.
Freely Pivoting Base: Polo Saddle Seats feature a large 15.75" diameter base that offers excellent stability, with grips to keep it from shifting on any flooring. The supporting cylinder/leg is mounted to a central pivot integrated into the base. This pivot lets the saddle follow the movements of the body as position is shifted throughout the day. This ability to pivot encourages continual movement of the pelvis and hips which triggers repetitive core muscle activation as balance is maintained.
Adjusts to Fit the Individual: The Polo Saddle Seat is height adjustable from 23.5" - 31.0". which enables it to accommodate users ranging from 4'9" up to approximately 6'2" tall. (assuming an optimal saddle position with the thighs angling down at 45°).
Comfortable: The saddle-styled seat is naturally contoured to offer a natural and comfortable position. The cushion offers just the right amount of padding and is upholstered with breathable fabric for increased comfort during longer work sessions.
Universal: The Polo Saddle Seat can be deployed with any Standing Desk or Height Adjustable Worksurface. Shorter individuals may even be able to utilize it at a standard 29.5" to 30" fixed desk height.
Portable: Polo Saddle Seats are designed with portability in mind. Weighing in at just 13.5 pounds, the Polo is easily moved aside for standing or for transport between locations. This makes it ideal for those who wish to regularly switch between the "active sitting" afforded by the Polo and a fully standing position or for those who wish to utilize it in multiple locations.
Storable: Since the Polo Saddle Seat can be lowered to 23.5" it can easily be stored out of the way when desired, even just tucked under the desk.
Robust: The Polo Saddle Seat is rated to support up to 264 lbs (120 kg).
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Take advantage of the pivot action provided by the base to shift your hips and stretch. Engaging in small movements throughout the day will keep joints moving freely.
When considering a Saddle Stool it is wise to consider the entire workstation. The reason behind this is that an appropriately positioned saddle-style seat will raise you significantly higher than does a standard office chair or flat stool. This means that other factors such as keyboard/mouse/equipment and monitor heights will need to be adjusted to bring them up to an appropriately ergonomic position. Failing to address these factors will usually result in you keeping the saddle positioned too low and losing most of the benefits which the saddle seat might otherwise offer OR potentially introducing other ergonomic issues while trying to reach a workspace that is positioned too low.
Selecting the appropriate height of a saddle stool can be done by simply comparing your height to the recommended height ranges indicated. If you happen to be at the upper end of the height range and think that you may want to at times elevate the seat higher, you may need to look for a saddle that has a higher range. The suggested height ranges are based on individuals of average proportions. If you are aware that your leg-to-torso proportions are outside the average - i.e. unusually short or long legs, you will need to make allowance for that when selecting the appropriate height. In those cases consider whether to go "up" or "down" to a different model that would better match your leg length.
When setting the height of the seat you want to have your thighs angled downwards at roughly 45° as this position provides optimal pelvic tilt for most. This will also usually comfortably align the thighs with the contours of the seat, permitting them to rest naturally against the saddle and reducing the risk of pressure points on the inside of the thighs.
Be careful to not position the seat significantly lower than where the thighs are at the optimal 45° angle. Sitting in this manner changes the angle at which the pelvic bones contact the seat and concentrates your weight over a smaller zone along the crown of the saddle. For most people this will not only be uncomfortable but also pushes the lower spine into an unnatural C-curve. This posture exerts undue stress on the lower back and spine and greatly reduces the effectiveness of the Saddle Stool posture.
Saddle-style seating does require an adjustment period. Trying to perform marathon work sessions in the first days of use is discouraged. Rather, take the time to let your muscles and joints adapt to this new posture. Take breaks, use your old chair, stand up and stretch, and even walk around. Also, expect that over the first days and even weeks you may find that there is sensitivity. Adjust the seat to reduce pressure points or ridges, fine-tuning the seat position to meet your requirements. Of course, if you are an equestrian or cyclist you will almost certainly adapt very quickly since your body is already acclimated to this style of seat.
