ergonomic schoolbag

Shopping for Ergonomic Study Desk and Chair at ERGOWORKS

Recently, I was pretty annoyed with people misusing the word “ergonomic” – especially people who should really know better. I feel that there is a need for the general public to understand more about ergonomics, without just buying a product that is labelled as “ergonomic” but it is not, or buying a genuine “ergonomic” product but not using it correctly.

Ergonomics, as (I hope) we all know, is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems to optimise the comfort and performance of individuals, and to minimise risk of injury or harm.

As such, a chair can’t be “ergonomic” until you’ve established who will use it, the shape and size of the user, and what their activities are while sitting on it. Similarly, a study desk with adjustable height does not automatically make it “ergonomic”.

I’ve seen many cheap China-made study desks that claim to be ergonomic just because their height is adjustable. I’ve also recognised that there are situations where brands use the word “ergonomic” to add a marketing edge to their products without feeling the need to fully research, understand or justify that description.

The most important messages that I want to share with you today is: 1) before you buy an ergonomic product, please check whether the brand is medically endorsed by doctors, medical professionals or posture specialists, 2) make sure that you know how to use the ergonomic product effectively from the people where you bought it from.

I quote a very good example here. Don’t just buy an ergonomic school bag just because it’s labelled as “ergonomic” and let your child use it without teaching them the proper way of using it. You can’t reap the benefits of an ergonomic product, unless you use it correctly.

ERGOWORKS Showroom at Marina Square #03-337

Recently, we were out shopping for an ergonomic study desk and chair for Edison. I came to know ERGOWORKS when I worked with them on a campaign a year ago. (I’m not paid to write this post.) Since then, I told myself that I want to buy an ergonomic study desk and chair for Edison when we move to our new home.

Much to my surprise, I discovered that ERGOWORKS showroom at Marina Square has a revamp. I love its clean, simplistic but highly innovative design. The new concept showcases the vast range of ergonomic products that ERGOWORKS can provide in this niche market.

Here are some of the ergonomic products at ERGOWORKS that we really like.

1. Kids Ergo Study Desk

There are a wide range of Ergonomic Study Desks that provide a healthy study, reading and writing workstation for our kids.

I really like the IMPACT Bundle 2. The golden maple top with pink trim and a pink chair is so beautiful that it totally screams “buy me now!” This set is sold at a promotional price of $999 now (u/p $2,399). But don’t worry, I won’t buy a pink desk for Edison. He will get a blue, white or grey set.

ERGOSTARS ES-8501 Desk & Chair Set is another good choice, especially when it’s having an online promotion now for just $699 (u/p $1,998). It comes with 3 colour options – blue, grey and pink. This video gives you a very good introduction of this product.

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The important ergonomic features of these tables include desk top height adjustable, desk top tilt angle adjustment, rounded edge for child safe design, easy mobility with caster wheels, desk feet leveler, and wrist support pad that holds book and laptop. They are suitable for kids 4 years old to adulthood. I’d say it’s a good investment for a quality product that lasts for years.

2. Seating Solution

I tried the DUOREST Chairs and I really love them. They provide excellent whole body support and comfort. The unique design of the highly adjustable neck rest and back support puts my spine into a good posture. Most importantly, it prevents neck aches or back stiffness from long hours of sitting.

3. IMPACT Backpack

Please read my previous review on IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Support Backpack, if you haven’t.

IMPACT Backpack is simply the best for its design, structure and spinal protection benefits. After one year of usage, Edison’s backpack is still in good condition – despite his rough handling (boys can never be gentle with their belongings!). The bag is made of durable, water and UV resistant materials that are built to last.

Most importantly, the professional Spinal Care Systems provides excellent support to the contour of the back while effectively distributing the weight equally on the surface of entire back. Edison’s posture is greatly improved with IMPACT ergonomic school bag.

ERGOWORKS provides a 20% trade in royalty program, that’s going to save a lot on our next upgrade of IMPACT backpack for Edison.

4. Computer Accessories Solution

I also came across Computer Accessories Solution at ERGOWORKS which interest me greatly. Occasionally, I suffer from wrist pain due to prolonged use of keyboard and mouse. I really hate it, but I don’t have a choice – as long as I’m stuck with this desk-bound job.

The CONTOUR RollerMouse Red (also a Red Dot Design Award Winner 2013) and Neo-Flex Notebook Lift Stand are perfect for my home office. The RollerMouse Red is placed below the keyboard, so I don’t need to reach for the mouse. I move the cursor by rolling the bar lightly with my fingertips.

Everything I need to control my computer is just right in front of me. This ergonomic position eliminates repetitive movements that can cause neck, shoulder and elbow pain. It took me a while to get used to it, but once I did, I really love the product.

5. Arm & Wrist Solution, Back & Seat Solution, Air Quality, and Heat Therapy Solution

Apart from school bags and workstations, ERGOWORKS also have a lot of ergonomic lifestyle products that I’ve never heard of. I’m glad to discover these gems.

I recommend ERGOWORKS because it’s the only medically endorsed and certified ergonomic brand in Singapore. Just a note to you that ERGOWORKS has three showrooms in Singapore at Marina Square, Centrepoint and Causeway Point. Many times, I walked into the “wrong” Ergo shop as there are a few shops with similar names that confused me.

ERGOWORKS is a brand that I trust, and I can genuinely recommend to you. Their extensive range of products have won numerous accolades and achieved international ergonomic standards. All ergonomic products from ERGOWORKS are also endorsed and recommended by The Chiropractic Association (Singapore) and Singapore Physiotherapy Association.

Anthony, the Sales Consultant at Marina Square outlet, demonstrating to us the proper use of ergonomic chair

Most importantly, ERGOWORKS delivers professional services to their customers. Every time we shop at ERGOWORKS, their friendly staffs demonstrate to us the proper use of their ergonomic products and give us recommendations on products that suit our needs. ERGOWORKS truly cares for customers who desire comfort, wellness and protection for their body structure and posture.

Check out ERGOWORKS if you’re looking for ergonomic products and professional services.

ERGOWORKS
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard #03-337 Marina Square
Opens Daily: 11:30am – 9.00pm
Tel: 6837 3370
Website: http://ergoworks.com.sg/

Shopping for a Good School Bag for Edison: IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Protection School Bag

I’ve to admit that I didn’t pay much attention in choosing a school bag for Edison last year when he was about to embark on his Primary One journey.  The main reason is because he has a locker at school, so I was under the impression that his school bag will not be heavy.

But I was so wrong.

It turned out that the average weight of his school bag is 4kg (that’s a quarter of his body weight!) So I imagine myself carrying an 11kg bag to work (11kg = 1/4 of my body weight). That looks really awful and the possibility of Edison stressing his spine is real.

The irritating thing about kids is that they like to carry everything to school. When he’s unsure, he packs everything. When he’s paranoid of forgetting something, he packs everything. When he’s too lazy to unpack, he packs everything. Conclusion – he still packs everything to school. And I also realized he didn’t use the school locker at all!

The main problems associated with his current school bag are:

1) The base of the bag dropped below his waist line, so he tends to lean forward to counter-balance the weight of the bag. This contributes to poor posture and can potentially be a source of musculoskeletal pains.

2) The bag doesn’t have a firm base. Hence, it tends to topple over when put on the floor. I knew this because I often see foot prints on his bag. Urgh!

3) The books can’t sit firmly in the bag because the base is not strong enough. As a result, the books are often twisted and folded at the corners (“plastic bag” effect). He also couldn’t retrieve the books easily from his bag.

4) The padding does not provide any ergonomic benefits and has poor ventilation. This explains why his shirt is often soaking in sweat by the time he reached home.

Choosing an appropriate school bag, having it fitted correctly and wearing it properly is extremely important to ensure healthy development of our children’s spine. A poorly fitted or excessively heavy school bag can cause a number of health issues such as scoliosis, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, lower back pain and poor posture.

Posture problems and spinal pain in children can potentially lead to permanent spinal damage in later years. This is the MAIN ISSUE that I’m concerned about. However, many of these issues can be prevented by choosing the right ergonomic school bag and wearing it properly.

Tips for Choosing the Right School Bag

Correct Size

  • Choose a backpack with two even straps which allow the weight of the load to be evenly distributed over the body. A waist belt or Chest Stabilization Strap will also help to keep the bag close to the body when moving around. All straps should ideally be padded.
  • Opt for a bag that fits your child and is appropriate to their body size. It should rest comfortably against their back. Avoid school bags that are wider than your child’s body size.
  • The bag should have adjustable buckles or straps to lower or lift the pack into the appropriate position.
  • The bag should also be well padded where it touches the back.

Recently, I came across IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Protection school bag from one of its showrooms ERGOWORKS at Marina Square #03-337, which is stone throw from the Pan Pacific Hai Tien Lo restaurant. I was instantly captivated by its design, structure and spinal protection benefits.

Before I go any further, please allow me to give you a brief introduction of this brand which I have researched.

IMPACT is the only multi-awarded ergonomic brand founded in Singapore since 1997, and also the only ergonomic brand medically endorsed and recommended by both the Singapore Physiotherapy Association & The Chiropractic Association (Singapore). IMPACT ergonomic products are widely distributed internationally, voted as most favourite ergonomic school bag and Best of the Best ergonomic products by reputable magazines, well trusted by many parents, schools and children for past 17 years.

So, I’m curious to find out how IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Protection school bag can address all my needs and prove itself to be the BEST ergonomic school bag for Edison. I’ll go through in details now.

My Review on IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Protection School Bag

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1. Firstly, the bag weighs about 1kg, considering an ergonomic bag at this size, so it’s super lightweight. The wide padded backpack straps provide stress-free support to the shoulders (feel like bungee straps); hence I don’t really feel the weight of the bag itself. The chest stabilizer belt reduces swinging movement and distributes the load evenly.

2. I really like the book divider with inner suspension straps to keep books and files neatly in the bag. The contents are held in a vertical position, and thus easy to be retrieved from the bag. The base is non-slip, firm and strong so there is no more “plastic bag” effect.

3. There are 2 side pockets designed for water bottles and small accessories. The bag is also fitted with USA 3M Scotchlite reflective strips and logo to provide better safety at night and low light situation. The bag is made of durable, water and UV resistant materials.

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4. What I like best is the good air breathable ventilation system. So it provides the comfort when he’s walking home from school under the hot sun.

5. Most importantly, the professional Spinal Care Systems provides excellent support to the contour of the back while effectively distributing the weight equally on the surface of entire back. Edison’s posture is greatly improved with IMPACT ergonomic school bag.

6. The bag also comes with a warranty of 180 days from the date of purchase against manufacturing faults and defective parts. ERGOWORKS provide after sales support and 20% trade in royalty program, that’s going to save a lot on next upgrade of IMPACT bag!

7. This feature may not be useful to him now, but I’m sure he will love it in 2-3 years time. There is a headphone speaker hole on the bag. So, he can enjoy his favourite music when he’s travelling.

Edison was truly excited with his new school bag. He commented that the bag is so comfortable to carry, and the straps are easily adjustable with their EZ parachute pull tabs. That’s the quickest and easiest adjustment I’ve ever seen!

Shopping Experience at ERGOWORKS Showroom

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ERGOWORKS Showroom at Marina Square

Our overall shopping experience at ERGOWORKS showroom has been an enjoyable one. The staffs are very patient in addressing our queries and pro-active in recommending the bags suitable for our needs.

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Last weekend, the showroom was full of parents shopping for ergonomic school bags and ergonomic desks and chairs for their children.

The showroom is spacious and all the products are organized neatly to give customers a pleasant shopping experience. There is a wide range of ergonomic school bags; we’re simply spoilt by choices. They come various sizes and functionalities – you can certainly find one that suits your needs.

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This is his final choice – this design comes in 3 striking colours.

Besides the IMPACT ergonomic school bags, there are many other ergonomic products such as DUOREST ergonomic chair, IMPACT ergonomic desk + chair set and get ready to indulge by wide selection of posture, back care products for entire family members!

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For the health, comfort and safety of your children, I strongly recommend IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Support Backpack to you. Priced between $49.90 to $129.00, it is very reasonable – given the durability, fine workmanship, assembled by ISO certified manufacturer with more than 30 years of fine bags making experience and made with Korea superior grade materials.

IMPACT is the lightest ergonomic school bags in its class with durability tested by SGS and PSB. It’s also medically endorsed and recommended by posture experts. So, I’m assured of its quality and spinal protection benefits.

With IMPACT Ergo-Comfort Spinal Support Backpack, I’m glad to give Edison a GREAT START to Primary 2.

For more information, please visit ERGOWORKS website. Also visit ERGOWORKS Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ergoworkssg.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Ergoworks.