Let's cut to the chase: The chair doesn't defy gravity. Even with all the massage elements running and in full recline, you're not going to fly off into the atmosphere. Nor does the chair hover, float or even lose weight. In fact, according to the user's manual, the chair weighs 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) [source: HT-7450 Manual]. So what does it mean if a massage chair is a zero-gravity model? ­It has to do with the recline position the chair can assume. The position mimics the posture astronauts take during liftoff on space missions. Because astronauts endure intense and sudden increases in gravity while escaping the Earth's gravitational pull, it's important that they position themselves so that their bodies can deal with the increase in stress. By assuming a reclined position, astronauts distribute the stresses of takeoff across their bodies in a safe way. To that end, the chairs astronauts sit in during launch use this reclined configuration. Zero-gravity massage chairs can assume the same position to help distribute a user's weight across the chair.

The manufacturers claim that this relieves stress on the body and allows for a deeper, more intense massage experience. Some manufacturers claim that the reduction of stress on your body is so effective you'll feel virtually weightless as a result. ­While several massage chair manufacturers offer models that come with the zero-gravity position feature, not all zero-gravity chairs are massage chairs. wicker chair rental mdSome furniture manufacturers offer normal chairs that recline into the zero-gravity position. used herman miller eames lounge chair for saleThe chairs distribute your weight and support you, but they won't rub away your tension and stress.table and chair rentals jacksonville nc

Other manufacturers stop short of making that particular claim. Instead, they say that the chair replicates the launch chairs for astronauts. They call their chairs zero-gravity not because of the effect the user feels, but because of the position the chair assumes when activated. One benefit of this position is that it promotes circulation in the legs and reduces swelling. bean bag chairs in calgaryElevating the legs over the level of the heart during rest can help prevent conditions like varicose veins [source: VascularWeb]. chair rentals in southington ctOf course, you could achieve the same effect by lying down and putting a couple of pillows under your legs. louis xv chair cheapBut that's not quite as impressive.rent tables and chairs cedar rapids

During the author's massage experience -- yes, the author was the weary journalist mentioned earlier -- there was no sensation of weightlessness, but the reclined position was comfortable and did allow for an intense massage. Because the author's back was in full contact with the chair's backrest, the full force of the chair's massage routine was effective. An upright position might not allow the intensity and thoroughness of a massage in the reclined position.baby high chair gumtree singapore Are zero-gravity massage chairs worth the expense? foldable chair hire sydneyThat's a decision best left to the consumer. Some people might think the chair's convenience and effectiveness makes the expense completely justifiable. Others might prefer to see a human massage therapist -- $4,000 could buy a lot of visits to the spa.

To learn more about massage chairs and related topics, take a look at the links on the next page. Zero gravity chairs come in an assortment of styles from several manufacturers. It's important to practice good posture at all times to get the most benefit from a zero gravity chair. People who have had back surgery may want to consult a medical professional before purchasing such a chair. This Day in History Learn something new every day Top 10 amazing movie makeup transformations These 10 facts about space will blow your mind Top 10 unbelievable historical concurrencies Top 10 facts about the world 10 hilariously insightful foreign words These 10 animal facts will amaze you Can you see through these real-life optical illusions? 10 most extreme places on Earth Adorable animal families that will make you "aww" You won't believe these 10 facts about people A zero gravity chair is a highly adjustable chair that is designed to support the human body extremely well, creating a sense of weightlessness and comfort.

Several furniture manufacturers produce gravity chairs in an array of styles and prices, and these chairs are often featured in furniture show rooms for people who want to test them out. As with other pieces of ergonomic and specially designed furniture, it must be carefully adjusted to be effective, and it is possible for the chair to be poorly adjusted, resulting in discomfort to the sitter. Most zero gravity chairs are designed to be set in a variety of positions. Users can recline at several angles, sit upright to work, or even lean forward to focus on various projects. In all of these positions, the settings of the chair are intended to support the weight of the body, reducing pressure on the spine and ribcage and keeping the sitter in a state of comfort. By reducing pressure on the body, the chair can also be helpful for people with back pain or other physical discomfort. Many companies say that their chairs can be used in the workplace or studio, serving both as functioning work chairs and recliners.

For people who work in office environments, a zero gravity chair can be a helpful reminder to relax periodically, allowing the eyes and brain to adjust from focused work while the body unwinds. It can also, of course, be used exclusively as a lounge chair, or it may be installed in a living room for the comfort of guests and residents of a house. As a general rule, a zero gravity chair features several movable parts that can be adjusted with levers or knobs, and many have locks or memory settings to ensure that the settings of the user are not lost. Because the best use of the chair is customized, some users are reluctant to let other people use their chairs, as they want to preserve their personalized settings. These chairs are typically upholstered for comfort, and they may also have wooden fittings like armrests and legs for aesthetics. According to Stokke, a well known manufacturer of zero gravity chairs, people who have had back surgery may want to consult a medical professional before purchasing such a chair.

As with other ergonomic products, it is also important for people to integrate other ergonomic lifestyle choices into their lives to ensure that the benefits of the chair are not canceled out by other bad habits. You might also Like @orangey03: Sure there is. Those low end zero gravity chairs are more often built mostly for outdoors. Extra expensive chairs like those from Human Touch or Osaki are built strictly for indoors. You can get outdoor zero gravity chair for even under 100 bucks, but there are many within that $100 - $200 range. I bought a couple of zero gravity lounge chairs because I didn't have enough seats for my husband's family when they came to stay with us. They fell in love with the chairs, and now no one else in the house is getting a chance to use them! These chairs have become my favorite places to sit. I look forward to using them when the relatives leave. @orangey03 – I have an outdoor zero gravity folding chair that is so relaxing. I got it on sale at a garden center near the end of summer for only $20.

They normally cost twice that much. The chair is made of what looks and feels like blue trampoline material. It's very supportive, but it isn't too stiff. You can lean so far back that you feel like you are surely going to tip over, but you won't fall. I have fallen asleep in my zero gravity chair several times, because it is just that comfortable. The only complaint I have about it is that it is very heavy. I guess that if this is the only drawback, I can deal with it, though. Is it possible to find an outdoor zero gravity chair? I don't have enough space in my cubicle for an office chair like this, but I would love to feel weightless in my own yard at the end of a hard day. The zero gravity reclining chairs that I've seen have all been in offices of people who are in upper management. I think only the important people get chairs this awesome! The chairs actually look like they could defy gravity. The bases and arm rests are thin and simple, yet they somehow hold you up in the air.