John Baymore on sat 26 jul 03
Alisa,
Hi.
I have used one of these almost since they first came out for my main
throwing wheel. I find it great. I use it with a Brent CXC at the
standard wheel height for that model. I am 5' 9" tall. I have it adjust=
ed
so that my butt is just about at the level of the wheelhead surface. The=
tilt of the saddle is fully forward. I feel way less stress in my back
muscles since I changed to using it. But I do have to say that I never h=
ad
any sigfnificant back issues to start with. And I plan to keep it that w=
ay
.
Ergonomics is not something most potter's mentors or schools teach studen=
ts
much about. But in my opinion...... they are very important. In many
ways. I also happen to have a background in teaching skiing...... and ha=
ve
a decent grounding about general biomechanics issues and how it affects
performance. Easy to extrapolate to throwing. Just a different physical=
skill.... when you take out the factor about WHAT it is that you actually=
make . I do spend a bit of time on it in my beginning and advanced
throwing classes. I feel that is part of a good foundation. It also mak=
es
throwing easier and more effective . =
The concept is simple....... use the body the way it is designed to
work......don't fight it or make it do things that harm it.
The main benefit of the saddle is the ability for you to keep the pelvic
girdle tilted forward. This keeps a curve in the small of your back
instead of the more typical throwing posture you see of a rounded lower
back. This is how your lower back is designed to be. It is better for t=
he
discs between the vertebrae. The pelvic tilt allows you to bend forward
toward the wheel at the HIP rather than in the back. This is a motion th=
e
hip joint was designed to take. =
This "break at the hip" posture can be accomplished on a flat seat
too.......... it is just a little easier on the saddle and you can get a
better curve to the lower back.
I altered the backrest on mine. I have bent the metaql upright for the
seat back so that it presses forward more. That helps keep it in contact=
with your back better. To sit bolt upright I have to press into the seat=
rest a bit.
Like Tony.... I also do not just sit and throw for endless hours at one
sitting....... really never have. It doesn't make sense. About an hour
max.... then get up and move pots, wedge, look out the window, and so on.=
=
Also streching and working out the abdominal and back muscles makes a big=
difference. =
This saddle unit has been discussed extensively in the past...... check t=
he
archives.
best,
.......................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086-5812 USA
JBaymore@compuserve.com
http://www.JohnBaymore.com
603-654-2752 (studio)
800-900-1110 (studio)
"Earth, Water, and Fire Noborigama Woodfiring Workshop: August 15-24,
2003"
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