I haven't spun in a long time, probably at least three years. Last night I had the chance to spin at a gathering and used a wheel that was not my own. That might be part of my problem, but I'm not sure. Today my lower back is stiff. I think I need to sit lower but don't have a chair that is low enough. I noticed last night that the chair I was on was a bit higher than some of the women's spinning seats. Are there guidelines about how to be seated at a double treadle wheel? I have a Suzie, last night was using an Ashford Kiwi, BTW. Nice wheel, but I prefer my Suzie. <img src="/images/graemlins/heart.gif" alt="" /> I'm thinking of either making or buying a spinning chair. Any suggestions?

Posture is SO IMPORTANT to comfortable spinning for any length of time. The basic rule of thumb is to have a chair or stool that matches your height/leg length. You want to have your thighs parallel to the floor, not sloping down or up. This creates the least amount of tension on your lower back. Sitting straight on to the wheel is important too, you don't want to be skew-jawed and have to twist your torso while treadling. And, of course, a nice straight posture like your momma always said! Slouching or hunching over your wheel is a bad idea for lots of reasons. Be relaxed, be comfortable and enjoy your spinning!

Newbie delurking here!

Majacraft has two spinning chairs, one portable and another a bit more classic. They're made of the same rimu wood as the spinning wheels.

I've seen spinning chairs in antique shops and auctions too, and most of the time they are very reasonably priced since sometimes they think they are just weird looking chairs.

I have a Little Gem (named Gemima, Gemma for short) and I use my dining chairs. I'm above average height, and most of that is legs, so I need a tall chair. I sit upright and I don't use the back of the chair at all when spinning.

Muscles are important all around the waist. A strong natural "corset" helps keep pain away, but is a pain to accuire...
/Malin

Thank you both for your replies. I have found that my computer chair is the perfect height, except for the arms it would be wonderful. I think I'm going to find one of those office chairs on rollers, unless I find a special wooden spinning chair that I like. I *do* like having a back on the chair to lean on occasionally.

I'm working on the "strong natural corset" part - and it is a pain to acquire! That is part of my problem with getting stiff, I'm working hard on the exercise lately, and when I sit still for longer than a half hour I tend to 'bind up' in my joints. I am getting up to stretch every 15 minutes or so and find that helps.

When I'm at home, I use an oak chair that I found at a yard sale. It's the perfect height for me, no arms. However, I found a folding chair at Target for $4.99, no arms, and it worked really well for camping. It came in a bag with a handle, which helps when lugging a lot of stuff!

OK, I admit this is the first time I've been to this site, and I couldn't help but read your replies. It is perfect timing, as I've been spinning for about 1 year, and in May herniated a disk in my lower back (not from spinning, ha). So, YES, posture is very important. I've found that I use one of my old kitchen chairs the most. It has no arms, and a padded seat. I tried using a special chair just for spinning, but found that I couldn't get comfortable on it. Happy Spinning!

I am short and rather large and had a lot of trouble with backache when doing spinning demonstrations away from home. It took a while but i actually found a fold up chair that suited my height(or lack of) that i could throw in the car and take with me,it cost $10. I never looked back so you don't have to buy an expensive chair,just one that suits your shape and height.

I like sitting in my Amish rocker or a chair that my hubby made me. When spinning outside I have a favorite lounge chair I use.

I use a stool that I got at a local flea market that originally went with a vanity/dresser. It's just the right height, has no back, and is very comfortable. At the same place I got a spinning chair - 3 legs and a narrow back - and am in the process of redoing it. You might try flea markets and the like for something that works for you.