Introduction
It does not matter whether you are a beginner or a veteran of meditation. One of the prerequisites for having a deep and profound meditation experience is being physically comfortable and having a good posture.
There are many ways of doing meditation, sitting is one of the most preferred and popular methods. Unfortunately, for many of us, our bodies are not flexible enough to sit comfortably.
If it is challenging for you to cross your legs without hurting your back or knees then a meditation bench can be your savior.
What are Meditation Benches?
Meditation benches are low and are usually made up of wood. They have a slightly angled seat so that our back stays aligned and straight while meditating
They are designed specifically for meditation in a kneeling position. It is built to keep your body in an elevated position while kneeling so as to reduce the pressure on knees, shins, and ankles.
With the help of a meditation bench, you can meditate comfortably for a longer period of time.
When your body is comfortable and relaxed it is easy for your mind to focus on the task at hand, which in this case is meditation.
However, by no means these benches are miraculously going to enhance your life with all the benefits of meditation, for that, you need to commit to a regular meditation practice.
Also if your body is flexible enough and if you don’t feel any discomfort or pain while sitting in a cross-leg or kneeling position then you don’t necessarily need a meditation bench.
Benefits of Meditation Benches
Read along to know how meditation benches can enhance your experience.
1. Encourages to keep the spine straight
The seat of a meditation bench is somewhat sloped downwards. While sitting on it the back gets slightly tilted forward. This encourages us to keep our backs straight, so there is an easy flow of energy through our chakras and we can transcend into deeper stages of meditation.
2. Breathe better and deeper
Using a meditation bench keeps our back straight and gives our lungs more space to expand thus allowing more oxygen to the body and keeping our body relaxed. It can help you heighten your meditation experience.
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3. Maintains blood circulation in legs
Sometimes when we sit in a cross-legged or kneeling position for a long period of time we experience numbness or tingling feeling. This is because blood circulation is slowed down while sitting and blood remains in our legs making them numb or tingle.
Since the meditation bench offers an elevated kneeling position blood circulation is maintained and you can comfortably meditate for a longer period of time.
You might also be interested in reading our blog on: How to Solve your Problems through Meditation?
How to Use a Meditation Bench for a Comfortable Posture?
One size does not fit all. Similarly, a bench that is comfortable for me might not be comfortable for you. With some tips and tricks, you can easily use your bench to sit comfortably.
1. Simple Hack to adjust the length of the bench
It is important to select the bench that is right for your height. If it is too tall or short then it will not be comfortable while meditating.
If you are short then buy a shorter bench. Most bench comes in the range of 6 -8 inches in height, but if you are tall then you can increase the length of your bench by adding extra layers of blanket beneath your bench or buy a bench designed for tall people.
2. Give support to your knees
It is better to use a yoga mat, blanket, or cushion to support your knees while meditating because your knees might pain if you meditate on a hard surface. If you have bad knees then it is advisable to use a bench that has more height than an average meditation bench.
3. Support your Ankles
While using a meditation bench it is important to keep your ankles flat with the soles of your feet facing upwards. If your ankles are not flexible then you can put a folded towel beneath your ankles to support them.
4. Keep the shoulders back
Although the bench encourages you to keep your spine straight we still have to be careful about not rounding our shoulders.
While the above points are important, that does not mean that you should stress too much about getting the perfect posture. The most important thing while meditating is being comfortable and keeping your body relaxed. Along with regular practice, your posture will get better and you will develop your comfortable position while meditating.
Best Meditation Benches
1. Bamboo Meditation Bench By Bean Products
Best Features
- This bench has slightly curved feet thus providing more adjustability. It also allows the perfect position for pelvis and spine alignment.
- The bench is designed to reduce the stress on the back and knee joints so that you are comfortable during your meditation practice.
- The bench has hinged folding legs that provide stability, and the bench remains steady and secure during your meditation practice.
- The legs are foldable which makes it easy to assemble, fold and store.
- It is made up of bamboo thus its long-lasting, durable, and Eco-friendly.
- It is locally manufactured by a family in the USA, they use eco-friendly materials that are sustainably sourced and domestically produced.
Why should you buy this bench?
- It is not very expensive, so if you want to try a meditation bench without spending a bomb, you could go with this option.
Keep This In Mind Before Making A Purchase
- Few people have complained about the loose hinges and the screws coming off while sitting.
You can pair this bench with a meditation cushion for extra comfort. To know more about them check out our blog: Elevate Your Meditation Game: 4 Best Meditation Cushions
2. Foldable Meditation Bench By Mudra crafts
Features
- This handmade meditation bench is made from solid pine wood. It is foldable and has a 2.5-inch thick cushion attached to the top.
- This foldable meditation bench is easy to store. The sitting area is 18×7 inches and ideal for lotus sitting and hero posture.
- The legs of the bench are angled to provide comfortable sitting and prevent slouching of the shoulders.
Why Should You Buy This Bench?
It weighs only 3.7 pounds and is easy to carry while traveling for yoga retreats or other trips.
Keep this in Mind Before Making a Purchase
- The hinges do not get locked after opening and the bench has the tendency to collapse on your ankles even with a slight shift in weight.
- The length of the bench is small and not comfortable for people who are tall.
3. Meditation Bench By BLUECONY
Best Features
- This kneeling bench is designed to sit in a natural, balanced, and relaxed posture. It gives your body a proper alignment to keep your spine straight so that your back and shoulder muscles are relaxed.
- The open sitting angle between the thigh and torso coupled with the kneeling position allows the back to be automatically straightened. Using this bench will help your body rediscover its natural curve and decreases the damaging load on the lower back. This enables better breathing and blood circulation.
- The bench can be dismantled by removing both legs and the product comes in a cotton bag.
- It is handmade with wild cherry wood in Canada.
Why Should You Buy This Bench?
- The bench comes in three sizes. Low for people less than 5’4. Standard size for people between 5’4 to 6. High for people 6’ and up.
- It comes in two colors.
- The product has high quality and excellent craftsmanship. No padding is required.
- If you face the problem of sliding down from the bench while meditating then this is the best pick for you because its seat is curved and keeps your buttocks secure.
Consider This Before Making A Purchase
- The bench is expensive and a few customers have reported that the leg of their bench broke after a few days of use.
4. Meditation Bench By Mindful Modern
Best Features
- This bench is made up of bamboo and has hinged legs that get locked when opened.
- It is foldable and comes in a bag with a handle thus making it easy to carry.
- The bench is well-made and very sturdy.
- Comfortable enough for you to sit and meditate for a long stretch of time.
Why should you buy this bench?
- The finishing is good. The bench has a logo on the top which makes it visually appealing.
- It provides all the benefits that an ideal meditation bench should provide.
Consider This Before Making A Purchase
- The bench is ideal for people below 6’ in height but if you are taller, then this bench would not be comfortable
5. Fixed Leg Meditation Bench by Joy Within You
Best Features
- It has a large seat (9×18”) which provides extra comfort.
- The bench has broad legs which provide good stability, also the fact that the legs are fixed adds to the stability.
- The bench comes in three different sizes for short, medium, and tall people.
- The seat is covered with a multi-density pad to provide extra comfort.
- This product is designed and handmade in the USA.
Why should you buy this bench?
- The manufacturer has given a lifetime warranty for woodwork and provides excellent service.
Consider this before making a purchase
- Since the legs are fixed, it takes comparatively more space and is not portable, so traveling with it is not very convenient.
Recommendation
I would suggest that if your budget allows you should go for the BLUECONY meditation bench because it has excellent features and amazing craftsmanship making it the best product out there.
However, if you want something that is affordable and had all the features of a good meditation bench you should opt for the Meditation bench by Mindful Modern.
If you want something that is sturdy then you should opt for the Bench from Joy Within You. If you don’t plan to travel with your bench then this is a perfect choice.
How To Use A Meditation Bench?
Sit on the kneeling position and place the bench behind you.
Pay attention to your feet and ankles, they need to be flat on the floor with your soles facing upwards.
Now slide the bench towards you so that it is right above your ankles. Sit down and see if you are comfortable.
If this does not feel right then adjust the position of the bench so that it is comfortable.
You might also be interested in reading our blog on Zen gifts for him and her.
Conclusion
I have tried my best to curate the list of the best benches which have the best possible features. Each product is described in detail along with the pros and cons, look at them carefully and see which one meets your needs the best.
I hope this article was helpful to you in selecting the perfect bench for your meditation needs and comfort.
