Gardening is a fulfilling hobby that allows you to grow beautiful plants and flowers. But spending long hours weeding, planting, and pruning can wreak havoc on your joints. Kneeling and bending over for extended periods can strain your back, knees, and hips. Fortunately, kneeling benches provide the perfect solution to make gardening gentler on your body.
What Are Kneeling Benches?
Kneeling benches are small gardening seats designed to elevate you slightly off the ground while supporting your weight on your knees and shins. They typically have padded knee rests, a small seat, short legs, and some even have handy tool trays attached.
To use a kneeling bench, you kneel on the knee pads while leaning forward over your work. This takes pressure off your back while still allowing you to be close to ground level for tasks like weeding, planting, and pruning.
Benefits of Using Kneeling Benches for Gardening
Kneeling benches provide many advantages that can make gardening much easier on your body:
- Save your knees from aches and pains
- Prevent back strain from bending over for long periods
- Adjustable for your height and comfort preferences
- Use on all garden surfaces and terrain
- Portable to move around your garden
- Models with tool trays keep supplies handy
- Allow you to garden longer with less fatigue/discomfort
- Protect joints and reduce risk of arthritis or inflammation
- Better posture while gardening can boost productivity
By taking pressure off your back and knees, kneeling benches allow you to garden comfortably for longer periods. They help preserve your joints and prevent pain that could stop you from enjoying gardening.
Choosing the Right Kneeling Bench
With different brands and designs available, keep these tips in mind when selecting the best kneeling bench:
- Consider your height and weight – choose appropriate size
- Make sure knee pad is comfortable yet supportive
- Look for thick, durable foam padding for knees
- Test seat size and height suits your preferences
- Select a bench with adjustable legs or seat, if needed
- Tool tray can be handy for small trowels, markers, etc.
- Choose simple design without unnecessary extras
- Prioritize stability – should not wobble or shift
- Opt for weather-resistant materials if using outdoors
- Look for non-slip feet to grip the ground
- Ensure good quality construction and materials
The right kneeling bench should suit your body, hold up over time, and provide a stable, comfortable kneeling position. Test different options to find the best fit.
Using Your Kneeling Bench Correctly
Once you’ve chosen the ideal kneeling bench, use proper posture and technique to maximize the benefits:
- Place pads directly on kneecaps for optimal comfort
- Adjust seat height so thighs rest comfortably on calves
- Use back support if needed until core strength improves
- Take standing breaks to stretch legs and improve circulation
- Position bench in your work zone before starting
- Start slowly until your body adapts to new position
- Listen to any pain signals and stop if you feel strain
- Keep core engaged and back straight as you lean forward
- Avoid hunching shoulders – use optimal posture
With mindful adjustment and proper form, a kneeling bench can make gardening a pain-free, calming experience. Don’t ignore discomfort – listen to your body and adjust your position until you find equilibrium.
Models of Kneeling Benches for Gardening
Many excellent kneeling bench options are available to suit different needs and preferences:
Basic Foam Kneeling Bench
Simple foam kneeling benches provide thick cushioning for knees and shins at an affordable price. They allow basic kneeling comfort during gardening tasks.
Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
For those wanting extra back support, ergonomic kneeling chairs have padded cushions and adjustable backrests. They encourage proper spinal alignment.
Rolling Gardener’s Seat
Rolling kneeling benches add wheels so you can move around the garden without standing up. Helpful for constantly changing positions.
Tall Kneeling Stool
Tall kneeling stools lift you higher off the ground, reducing the need to hunch over. Great for taller gardeners or raised beds.
Folding Kneeling Bench
Lightweight kneeling benches fold up for easy transport and compact storage. Ideal if you garden in multiple locations.
Kneeling Bench with Tool Tray
Models with built-in tool trays provide easy access to trowels, markers, gloves and other items. Saves time and energy.
Tips for Using Kneeling Benches Effectively
Follow these handy tips to maximize the benefits of your kneeling bench:
Gradually Increase Usage
If new to kneeling, start with short 10-15 minute sessions and slowly increase over days/weeks as your body adapts.
Support Your Knees
For optimal joint protection, make sure you’re directly kneeling on the pads, not on the hard ground.
Engage Your Core
Keep your back straight and abdominal muscles engaged while leaning forward to avoid hunching.
Adjust Your Height
Experiment with different seat/leg adjustments until you find the right height for your needs.
Use With Caution on Slopes
Position your kneeling bench carefully if gardening on any kind of incline or slope for stability.
Take Regular Standing Breaks
Alternate between kneeling and standing every 20-30 minutes to give knees and legs a rest.
FAQs About Kneeling Benches for Gardening
Are kneeling benches bad for your knees?
When used correctly, kneeling benches actually protect your knees from pain by evenly distributing weight and avoiding pressure on the kneecap. Make sure to kneel on the padded area with proper form.
What muscles do kneeling benches work?
Kneeling benches engage your core and back muscles as you stabilize yourself leaning forward. Your glutes and quads also activate to support your kneeling position.
How long should you kneel on a kneeling bench?
Aim for 20-30 minute sessions to start, building up to 45-60 minutes maximum as your knees and core strengthen. Take regular standing breaks to allow circulation.
Are kneeling benches comfortable?
A quality kneeling bench with adequate padding provides very comfortable support for your knees and back. Make adjustments until you find the optimal position.
Can you sit on a kneeling bench?
Sitting on a kneeling bench puts excessive pressure on your tailbone. Kneel on the pads or perch on the front of the seat without putting full weight back.
Kneeling benches are extremely useful gardening tools that allow you to weed, plant, prune and harvest while protecting your joints. Choosing an ergonomic bench suited to your height and tasks can make gardening more comfortable and enjoyable.
Start slow, listen to your body, and use proper posture to fully benefit. Reduce back, knee, and hip pain so you can garden abundantly. With a quality kneeling bench, you can comfortably grow and nurture your landscape for years to come.
