Posted on 16th Nov 2011 @ 4:18 PM

Ergonomics has long been an important feature in the workplace. This field has led to the creation of ergonomic chairs, keyboards, desks, and other office equipment to help people stay comfortable and productive at work.

But what about at play?

Comfort and safety are a priority for both serious athletes and weekend warriors. So it's refreshing to see ergonomic trends finally seeping in to recreational equipment. Here are the six most ergonomic sporting goods products on the market today.

1. Smooth Fitness Ergonomic Push Up Bars
   Sport: Muscle-building

Did you ever notice that when you do a lot of push ups, your wrists start to really hurt? And those aren't even the muscles that you're trying to strengthen when you do push ups. These push up bars let you place each hand around a grooved and padded handle while providing stability for each repetition.

2.  PING Hoofer golf bag
   Sport: Golf

Schlepping your golf bag from place to place can really do a number on your torso. Not only does this golf bag weigh just five pounds, its weight is evenly distributed to prevent muscle strain. In addition, the two adjustable sliding straps let you achieve a "backpack fit" to minimize the strain on your shoulders and back.

3. Uhlsport Ergonomic AbsolutGrip Bionik X-Change Goalie Gloves
   Sport: Soccer

Serious goalkeepers need to have gloves which offer both durable protection and freedom of movement. The revolutionary padding on this pair will protect your hands when catching or punching shots or crosses, and the fingers allow excellent motion and grip on the ball.

4. Gamma Xuron Ergonomic Handle Micro Shear Cutter for Racquet Stringing
   Sport: Tennis

Serious tennis players want their rackets to be strung in a manner which complements their style of play. This means spending some time stretching and loosening the strings on a racket to achieve the precise combination of power and control. This racket stringing tool has ergonomically-designed grips on the handles to prevent hand strain.

5. UTG Carbine Ergonomic Vertical Foregrip Tactical Grip
   Sport: Shooting

When you're firing rounds from a machine gun, you want to have a firm, yet comfortable, grip on the weapon, right? This grip comes with ergonomic finger grooves to help you grasp the gun tightly. It also comes with a smartly-designed end cap and a Picanniny mounting deck, which enables the grip to slide on easily and screw on tightly.

6. Everlast Women's Ergo Foam Gloves

          Sport: Boxing (Ladies)

Who says women aren't allowed to get into the ring and mix it up? These boxing gloves feature injection-molded protective foam, which not only safeguard the boxer's hands, but also keep her fists in the proper position during a fight. They even boast a THUMBLOK design which keeps the thumbs positioned properly to avoid injury.

Sports can be grueling enough on your body without the added strain and pain that comes with poor equipment design. Thankfully, sporting goods manufacturers are starting to embrace ergonomic concepts in their products in order to help athletes achieve their maximum levels of performance.

Image credits: smoothfitness.com, golfinternationalmag.com, bestcovery.com,  iowacareerexpo.org, vendio.com, dickssportinggods.com.