Embody ® Chair Review
What you get
Chris Boshoff reviews the Embody ® Chair
For many years the Aeron was the flagship chair in the Herman Miller ® range. For any chair to be awarded the flagship status in that company it need to possess some very special characteristics. The Embody ® replaced the Aeron ® as the new flagship chair.
So does the Embody ® deserve the title? Let's have a look.
The new flagship chair in the Herman Miller ® Range
The Embody ® encourages you to move
The first important feature this chair has is that it encourages you to move.
Several scientific studies and ergonomic experts agree that movement while you sit is beneficial, because it lead to increased blood and oxygen flow. With this in mind, the manufactures created the Embody ® to give you the ultimate in seating comfort. But it doesn't only encourage you to move it provides you support through the full range of movement. A little bit more later on.
Back Support
Back support and comfort is taken to a whole new level. The backrest of the Embody ® is flexible and consists of different segments.
A matrix of pixels in the backrest ensures that the backrest automatically moves and adjusts to the shape of your back as you move. This ensures that you receive proper support no matter the position you sit in and that your weight is evenly distributed. In one review I read the author compares the matrix of pixels to the springs in a Simmons bed. Each spring moves independently as you move around.
Another feature is the Backfit adjustment systems. You can adjust the backrest to line up with the natural curve of your back - not only the lumbar region, but the whole back. As an example, the part of of the backrest that support the thoracic regions (the part of the back where the spine is connected to the ribcage, or middle to upper back) can be adjusted by 9.3 degrees to best fit your back's specific curve.
The backrest is frameless and you will not find the top of the backrest poking into your back when you take a quick nap in the reclined position.
Tilt or recline
Most important thing to notice here is that The Embody ® encourages you to work in the reclined position. Scientific studies have shown that the reclined position is the most beneficial position to work in, as it put less pressure on the intervertebral discs in your spine and also reduces fluid loss from the discs. The backrest automatically adjusts to best fit the shape of your back and no matter whether you lean forward or backward the support is there.
The tilt mechanism ensures that the backrest stay fixed relative to the seat due to the placement of rotation points in the seat and in the back. This ensures that your pelvis area does not move backwards when you sit and that the pelvis is supported no matter the degree of recline. When the pelvis moves rearward it encourages you to slouch, the worst possible sitting position. This feature prohibits that.
You can adjust the resistance of the backrest when you recline to ten different levels by turning a knob clockwise or anti clockwise.
One more thing. You will find that your eyes stay in touch with your computer monitor no matter the position you sit in. Another improvement on the Aeron ®.
Back Support
Back support and comfort is taken to a whole new level. The backrest of the Embody ® is flexible and consists of different segments.
A matrix of pixels in the backrest ensures that the backrest automatically moves and adjusts to the shape of your back
as you move. This ensures that you receive proper support no matter the position you sit in and that your weight is evenly distributed. In one review I read the author compares the matrix of pixels to the springs in a Simmons bed. Each spring moves independently as you move around.
Another feature is the Backfit adjustment systems. You can adjust the backrest to line up with the natural curve of your back - not only the lumbar region, but the whole back. As an example, the part of of the backrest that support the thoracic regions (the part of the back where the spine is connected to the ribcage, or middle to upper back) can be adjusted by 9.3 degrees to best fit your back's specific curve.
The backrest is frameless and you will not find the top of the backrest poking into your back when you take a quick nap in the reclined position.
The seat
The seat consists of four layers. The top layer consist of textile, underneath that you will find a mat layer, underneath that a layer that Herman Miller ® calls a Local Spring Layer and right at the bottom a global spring layer. All layers are totally breathable ensuring proper air flow and dissipation of heat and moist away from your skin.
When you sit the sitting bones, thighs etc. need different levels of support. As you move the Pixilated support system of the chair adjusts to distribute the weight evenly and it creates a feeling of floating in the air.
The seat depth is adjustable from 15 to 18 inches and is lockable in six different positions. Unless you are extremely short or tall this will ensure that your back stays in touch with the backrest and that the front end of the seat does not create unnecessary pressure on the bottom of your legs. Some people complain that the Aeron's hard edges hurt them when they sit in the reclined position. The developers of the Embody ® overcame this by manufacturing edges that flex.
The Arms
You have the option to purchase a chair with or without arms. The arms are easily adjustable by 6 inches horizontally or vertically. Width adjustment occurs by pulling or pushing the arms out of the way and you can adjust the height by pushing a button at the bottom of the armrests. By putting pressure on the arms when you get up, you can easily get them out of the way.
The backrest of the chair is also narrow and it allows you to move your arms freely. Chairs with a wider backrest will hinder you to move your arms past a certain point.
Casters
You have an option of four casters to best match your specific floor surface.
Standard casters for most office carpets, hardwood casters have a thin rubber layer to protect the floor,casters for carpets with longer hair and translucent casters feature double clear polycarbonate wheels
Your Options
You can choose between a graphite and white frame although the white frame cost a little bit more. The base comes in titanium or graphite and if you are willing to spend a bit more you have the option of a polished aluminum finish.
You will be in the environmentalists' good books as the chair is 95% recyclable and the chair is made of 42% recyclable materials. The maximum weight capacity of the chair is 300 pounds
My Take
If you are spending a lot of time in front of a computer this is the right chair for you. In fact, the Embody ® has been designed with the computer user in mind. The Embody ® overcomes all of the most frequently heard complaints of the Aeron ® and deserves to be the new flagship chair in the Herman Miller ® range.
GO HERE if you are interested in this chair.
What people say
Most reviews I have seen gives this chair 5 stars. I have seldom seen such good reviews for a chair. Reviewers use words such as best chair ever sat in, most comfortable chair ever and worth every penny.
Positive feedback is mostly about the comfort of the chair, the ease with which the chair adjust to your body's shape. Back pain sufferers also mention how they have no back discomfort when they sit in the chair.
Negative feedback is mostly on very minor issues such as the joystick you use to make adjustments is stiff and that the chair will gather dust over time.
Where to Buy
I only recommend honest suppliers, offering good prices. Let me know if you have a different experience
If you buy a chair in this price range it is important to buy from a Herman Miller ® approved merchant. Not only will you receive the full 12 year warranty, but you will also receive the best price.
I find that the following merchant consistently offer the best prices. In fact, they promise to match any price you may find online providing it is exactly the same make, model etc. I suggest you try them first. CLICK HERE to go to their website.