If you're buying office furniture, computer chair choices may have you somewhat confused. Today, there are saddle seats, ergo-balls, standing stools and other choices that waver from the standard chair.

So, to help you make your computer chair choice, keep reading for a helpful overview of the new and unique seat choices available on the market today.

Exercise Ball Seating

The basic principle behind an exercise ball chair is that it forces you to maintain good posture, therefore alleviating stress on your back, shoulder and arm muscles. Also, because you're holding proper posture and engaging your core muscles to stay erect, you actually also benefit from an all-day abdominal workout.

That said, spending hours and hours on an exercise ball chair can cause pain in the upper legs for some individuals and isn't recommended for those with tailbone or lower back pain. The lack of support can prevent a tailbone injury from properly healing.

When choosing an exercise ball chair, it's important to select one that's properly sized for you. A chair that's too big will raise you too high over the keyboard, forcing you to rest your wrists as you type. A chair that's too low will force your thighs and knees up while your arms strain to reach the desk. Most balls come in optional 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm or 75 cm dimensions, so choose accordingly.

Kneeling Chair

A kneeling chair essentially forces you into a downward kneeling position. This seating arrangement then keeps your spine erect, therefore alleviating upper back and arm strain when working at a computer. Remember though, it's important to make sure the stool is properly adjusted to fit you or it can cause uncomfortable cramping.

Unfortunately, kneeling chairs can actually be quite hard on your knees, especially if you're using one for hours on end, day after day. Fans of the chair suggest looking for a model with additional knee padding or investing in a Tempurpedic pad designed for the knee.

Saddle Seating Position

When it comes to office furniture, computer chair companies always want to sell you on overpriced, ergonomic wonders that come complete with hundreds of adjustable levers and mechanisms. But, sometimes simple is better.

That's where the backless saddle seat comes in - it's simple, but basically engages the user to sit in a comfortable position that causes almost no strain on the back.

But, the saddle seat isn't an automatic sell - the position forced on individuals when sitting in a saddle seat takes some getting used to. We all know that office furniture, computer chair choices and cubicle layout are all contentious subjects and highly customizable.

Well, the saddle chair is no exception. Because the seating position is often an acquired fit and the purchase cost is a bit more than a more traditional chair, buyers should take them for a test spin before they invest. Otherwise you may end up with another store-bought item that sits in a corner, attic, or garge getting little - if any - use.