When buying a recliner chair for the first time, you might think to yourself: Am I too tall for this recliner chair? Some customers worry that they’ve picked the wrong size recliner chair when their feet hang over the end of the recliner footrest extender. If you’ve noticed this, don’t panic. This is actually a good thing.
Should feet hang over a recliner chair? Yes, your feet should hang over the footrest of the recliner. All lift chairs are designed for your feet to hang over the end. The ideal position is to have your heels extend past the footrest. This distributes the weight evenly to a large portion of your legs, allowing you to sit comfortably.
There’s a lot more that goes into setting up your recliner chair properly, especially to ensure maximum support for your legs. In this post, we’ll take a look at why the feet should hang over the recliner chair and how to adjust your feet properly on a recliner to help you sit for long periods of time in comfort.
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Where should your feet be on a recliner?
The beauty of a recliner chair is the ability to lift the footrest, allowing you to ‘lie down’ comfortably on top of the plush padding and soft material of the chair. There are two important feet positions to keep in mind when sitting on a recliner chair, when the footrest is not extended and when the footrest is extended.
When seated in the normal sitting position (footrest not extended), your feet should rest flat on the floor. Sit in a neutral posture where your legs form a 90-degree angle. This will remove pressure from both your lower back and knees, allowing proper blood circulation within your lower body.
When seated in a reclined position (footrest extended), your feet should hang slightly over the footrest. When your heels hang over the edge of the footrest, the weight of your legs is distributed evenly to a large portion of your legs. Try having your heels on the footrest and you won’t find it comfortable for long.
Image sourced from usmedicalsupplies.com
Achieving the right foot positioning is crucial to avoid leg cramps when sitting on a recliner chair. According to WebMD, one of the causes of leg cramps is muscle fatigue. When your feet are positioned properly, both legs will be relaxed and not tense. This will prevent unwanted leg cramps.
Are recliners bad for leg circulation?
Another question many people wonder is: are recliners bad for leg circulation? A recliner chair, when positioned correctly, can help improve blood circulation when laying on your back with both legs elevated slightly above the heart. This takes the pressure off the veins while promoting blood flow through your body.
Considering that the total leg weight amounts to almost 18% of the human body, a recliner chair can help support the legs. With the pressure reduced from the lower body, circulation is improved in the legs, helping to prevent varicose veins and other circulatory conditions.
In fact, there are many benefits of elevating your legs properly using a recliner chair. According to Dr. Satish Vayugela of Vein Clinics of America, not only does elevating your legs provide pressure relief, but it may also reduce inflammation. Some of the benefits include:
Benefits of Elevating Your Legs
- Reduce swelling by promoting the mobility of fluids in your legs.
- Relieve sore and tired leg muscles.
- Reduce stress by providing you with relaxation.
Calm the nervous system when combined with rhythmic breathing
The caveat, however, is to not sit for long periods of time. A recliner chair can cause leg problems when used incorrectly and used all the time. Imagine if you sit for 8 hours straight without any movement. Your muscles would feel weak and stiff due to inactivity now, would they?
Remember to incorporate movement throughout the day. A recliner chair is perfect for taking a rest or nap once in a while. However, too much sitting is bad for you, especially with your legs reclining. Over the long term, consistent inactivity can slow your metabolism and cause many health problems.
Final Takeaways
Understanding whether one’s feet should hang over a recliner chair is more than a simple yes or no answer. In addition to positioning your legs properly, remember to incorporate movement in between sitting times. Choosing the best recliner chair for home is also important to achieve comfort while you take a well-deserved rest. 🙂
