Embody Chair

By: M
From: Boston, MA
Date: 08/22/2011
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I got my Embody couple weeks ago and I can't believe I haven't had a chair like this my whole life. I'm a leaner, so this chair is perfect for me. I can lean all the way back without having to lift the wheels off the floor. The arms are also great. The arm pads are nice and wide so I have full stability unlike other chairs where the pad is narrow and my arms always roll off. The padding itself is comfortable to, it has a nice cushioning.

I read a couple reviews that said the chair was to hard and uncomfortable to sit on. I will say that the chair firm, but it's not a bad firm. It's like sitting on a nice firm mattress.

The only thing I have a slight issue with is the "joystick" to lift/lower the chair. At first the chair wouldn't lift up. So I called and they said this happens sometimes with the piston settling. I had to pull the "joystick" almost all the way up which I thought was going to break it. It has a flimsy feeling to it. That's why at first I didn't pull it up all the way because I thought I was going to snap off.

I also got the carpet/wood wheels. They work great on wood but sometimes find it difficult moving around on carpet since I have it in my bedroom.

Other than that this is a great chair. I would recommend it to anyone who could afford it.

PROS: Good Lumbar Support, Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Comfortable

CONS:

Best Uses: Computer Chair

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:18 PM

By: Bort
From: San Jose, CA
Date: 07/06/2011
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

First let me say that for my job I sit in front of a computer 15 hours a day. I have been doing this for 20 years. I have had many task and executive chairs. As a developer I have always worked in a reclined posture which this chair is supposed to be good for. Since so many have noted the positives let me balance these reviews with some negatives which I think all should be aware of:
- The chair's build is much cheaper than it looks in the pictures. I was expecting a metal frame at least but everything is made of plastic and rather cheap materials which makes it creek and feel like it should cost a lot less than it does
- The back does recline nicely but when you stretch your spine back, it does not stretch enough even on the loosest setting. It flexes only a little and then suddenly caps out digging into ones upper outer shoulders. Maybe it's not for 6'2" people like me because the back seems to short. The other problem is that it doesn't really flex with your back smoothly like advertised. It moves a little side to side but does not contour the back enough.
- The bottom of the chair does not recline together with the back. I have had a lot of executive chairs and I like the bottom to recline together with the back for that great cradle feel which is perfect if you have high foot support. This one does not do that so over time you tend to start slouching as you slide lower and lower in the seat.
- The arm rests are terrible for several reasons. One, they are very small and in the reclined position there is no support for the elbows as the arm rests are too far forward with a big gap where the elbows are. Second there is no way to lock the inner/outer arm rest adjustment. They always go out of position when I pull the chair around or as I get in/out. Then when you want to readjust them back, it is not easy to do so. Third, the arms are not very sturdy and they wobble, probably because of their plastic build. The arm rest padding is of low quality non breathable foam which won't last long. Padded fabric to match the seat would have been nice.
- The padding of both the back and the bottom are very stiff and painful for long seating session. Don't be fooled by 5 min. in the showroom. After a while you can feel the pin pricks of each of the mounting point on the H mounts of the back rest. The bottom also lacks any significant padding and the Italian fabric upgrade will not help. I had to buy a foam cushion to compensate for this design.
- The lumbar support is not adjustable. I wish I could configure it to be higher and more arching but there is no way to do this. Again, looks like the seat was designed for smaller people.

Overall this is a mediocre chair and was expecting a lot more for such a high priced and in my opinion overrated chair.

PROS: Easy To Assemble, Rolls Smoothly

CONS: Not Enough Padding, Uncomfortable, Creaks, Not Ergonomic, Lacks Adjustability

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:16 PM

By: Nige
From: Houston, TX
Date: 06/10/2011
About Me: Budget Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I have loved the Aeron chair for years. We have Leap chairs in the central office. Nothing even comes close to the Embody. If I can get one for work, I will. My wife says that it feels like a massage.

The only improvement would be adjustable back height. My wife is Asian, and the top of the chair hits e back of her head, so not good for people less than 5'6".

PROS: Good Lumbar Support, Sturdy, Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Rolls Smoothly, Comfortable, Attractive Design

CONS:

Best Uses: Primary Work Chair, Home Office, Computer Chair

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:14 PM

By: Coder in Cola
From: Columbia, SC
Date: 06/08/2011
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I work at home as a software developer and have been using Staples branded chairs for the past five years. After fighting back and neck pain for the past few years, I finally decided it was time to get an ergonomic chair. My search started with the Aeron, but after reading product literature and reviews on the Embody, I decided to pull the trigger; [...]After three weeks of using the chair, I am convinced on the benefits of the Embody. I am 6'5" and spend about 8-10 hours/day using this for computer work. My back and neck feel better at the end of the day, at night and when I wake-up the next morning. Adjustments are pretty straight-forward and easy, but it might take a while to dial things in to your shape and use. Since the chair almost forces you to recline, get a good footrest. It will take some pressure/strain off your hips and thighs and help keep them at the right angle.

PROS: Rolls Smoothly, Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Good Lumbar Support, Comfortable

CONS:

Best Uses: Computer Chair, Home Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:12 PM

By: Fawad
From: West Hartford, CT
Date: 06/06/2011
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Excellent product [...]

PROS: Build Quality, Ergonomic, Made in USA, Durability

CONS: None

Best Uses: Home Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:10 PM

By: David the Dazzler
From: San Francisco, CA
Date: 05/09/2011
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

This chair was a little pricey, but I feel worth the money.  After sitting in the chair I ordered, I knew that it was money well spent. The chair supports your body very well and is adjustable to meet your needs.

PROS: Sturdy, Ergonomic, Rolls Smoothly, Comfortable, Attractive Design

CONS:

Best Uses: Primary Work Chair, Home Office, Computer Chair

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:09 PM

By: Patrick the Artist
From: Albuquerque, NM
Date: 05/02/2011
About Me: Budget Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I don't normally spend that much on furniture.  I would rather make it myself than pay the premium for the designer stuff, but for the past two years I have had serious back pain.  It is probably muscle damage but is also for sure a ruptured disk.  Sitting has ben painfull, so much so that it has interfered with my work (which requires numerous hours in front of a computer.  I also couldn't travel.  Well I have been getting shots and doing PT and that has helped but...

I can sit in this chair for hours with no back pain!  When I do stand up, it is just that, standing up, not unbending slowly though an arc of pain. Rather than hunching over my desk I sit perfectly comfortably with proper posture.  My back is supported the whole time.  The back of the chair move s with you, twisting as well as tilting.

The one caveat I have is that if you are used to tilting forward as you work you will either have to retrain yourself (your stomach muscles might feel it the first day or two) or you won't get the full benefit of the chair.  But it is worth it.  Other than that this chair should fit just about everyone.  The seat depth adjust, as does the back shape and position.  The strength it takes to tilt has a huge range and can be restricted to three tils (full upright, a small tilt, and a moderate tilt, or left unlocked to go a long ways. Also the arms can be put almost anywhere.

In terms of build quality the only complaint I have is that the arms wiggle just a tad. Only notice this if I jiggle them, but it is there. Also the fabric (I got the basic stuff) seems to attract dirt like crazy and is dry clean only.

Personally, i love the way it looks and I am ecstatic about the way it feels.

PROS: Comfortable, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble, Back Saving

CONS: Difficult to Clean

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:07 PM

By: dynk
From: Lowell, MA
Date: 04/05/2011
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

I tried this chair for a week.  I could not get the back adjustments quite right, and poor lumbar support for my Sciatica.  The seat is solid and very hard to sit on adding extra pressure on my lower back.

I returned the chair.

PROS: Sturdy, Attractive Design

CONS: Too Hard, Uncomfortable

Best Uses: Informal

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:04 PM

By: neptune
From: Chicago, IL
Date: 03/10/2011
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I love the design aesthetic and it is comfortable. However, for the money, I'd prefer zero creaks and slightly more robust construction quality. All in all, I really do like it.

PROS: Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Comfortable, Attractive Design

CONS: Creaks

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:03 PM

By: ECG
From: Washington, DC
Date: 03/09/2011
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

The Embody Chair has been great. Couldn't be happier.

PROS: Comfortable, Attractive Design, Ergonomic

CONS: A Bit Heavy

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:01 PM

By: Andrew
From: New Orleans, LA
Date: 03/09/2011
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I do not make a ton of money, but what I do have I don't waste on poor quality products. I had started my search for an Aeron. My uncle has one and I have always been impressed by it.

I had heard about the Embody, but read a few unfavorable reviews. There are no local stores that sell the Embody locally, but a Herman Miller rep was nice enough to let me borrow one for a few hours. I like the chair, and decided to one it. Honestly I thought it was OK the first time I sat in it, and felt dumb after placing the order.

Since it has arrived, I can say I definitely do not regret the decision. The more I sit in the Embody the more I like it. It is not as bouncy or "soft" as the Aeron, it is a bit firm, but not at all in a had way. After a while in the chair I forget I am sitting. You do not feel bliss, like a lounge chair, just absence. It does not cause any uncomfortable pressure points like my last chair did. If I am in it for 5 minutes or 5 hours I feel the same. It allows me to work without distractions. On the other hand it is not so soft and squishy that I could fall asleep in it. I do not think this is a perfect all around chair, but I do think it is a perfect desk chair.

There is one aspect I can not judge that I feel the need to mention. The chair comes in two fabric quality options. The sample I was given, was the Balanced Fabric (+$200), which is also the one I purchased. I never had the opportunity to try the cheaper option, and figured if I was already spending the amount I was, I may as well spend the rest so I did not question my decision later. If I had the opportunity to test both side by side, I would. I don't buy things because they are the most expensive, I buy them because they are the best, they often coincide, but don't always. I am sure my fabric is better, but maybe it wasn't worth an extra $200. I am sure it would have been superbly comfortable either way. I do not regret my decision at all, but it is something to consider. I recommend everyone who sits at a desk for hours a day to buy this chair, but I also don't recommencement paying more than you have to. So if you don't find a difference in the 2 fabrics, buy the cheap one.  

Yes, it is more than I planned to spend, but I do not have to worry about wanting/needing a new one any time soon. It has a 12 year warranty, and I feel great sitting in it.

PROS: Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Attractive Design, Sturdy, Comfortable

CONS:

Best Uses: Desk chair, Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 6:00 PM

By: Rich M.
From: Summit, NJ
Date: 11/23/2010
About Me: Budget Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

The chair comes fully assembled - Beware of online vendors that charge extra for assembly (e.g. [...] - charges an extra ~$200 to assemble a chair that is fully assembled by the manufacture)

PROS: Ergonomic, Easy to Adjust, Easy to use, Sturdy, Attractive Design, Comfortable

CONS: None so far

Best Uses: Thinking and Reclining, Computer work, Working long days

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:58 PM

By: Mike
From: Seattle, WA
Date: 09/15/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

This is a great office chair, with one showstopper drawback for me.

On the plus side, the looks, design, ergonomics, adjustability, and build quality are all top notch.  It's solid and substantial (and surprisingly heavy; it actually takes a little muscle to roll it around on carpet), and the fit and finish are really excellent.  The controls aren't entirely intuitive, but there's a video on the Herman Miller site with setup instructions that makes everything clear.  The number and range of adjustments is as good as any chair I've used; the way you can adjust the back to conform to your spine is particularly well done.

Part of the ergonomic theory of this chair (from what I've read) is that you should be able to constantly move and adjust your posture while sitting, so part of the design is an adustable (of course) spring for the recline angle.  The recline action is in fact very nice, just the way I like it, with the seat bottom sliding and seat back tilting in a coordinated, proportional motion.  (Most chairs either have the bottom fixed in place while the back alone tilts, or the bottom and back tilt as a locked units.  Both of those styles are suboptimal; the proportional slide/tilt action is much better, and the Embody gets this right.)

I was a little worried about the looks.  I thought it might look too "officey" for a home office, based on photos and several magazine reviews I've seen (one called it "butt ugly").  It's definitely an unusual looking chair, with the oddly tapered back and that protruding spine setup in back.  But I ended up liking its looks much more in person than in the photos.  A part of this might be that it's quite a lot smaller than I expected - I got the impression from the photos that it was a rather massive beast, but it's not at all.  The back is quite narrow toward the top and it's not as tall as I expected.

With all of that going for it, I really wanted to like the chair.  But once I started actually sitting in it, I found that I couldn't get comfortable for any length of time.  I found myself constantly fighting with the recline spring, and I eventually gave up on the whole dynamic ergonomics theory and just locked the chair in the most upright position.  (Again, the chair has great adjustability - it has three or four notches of tilt lock.)  That helped a bit, but I still couldn't manage to stay comfortable for very long at at time.

I finally figured out that the chair is just too hard for me.  The seat bottom is cushioned a little, but primarily through very firm spring support.  It's not like sitting on a wood plank, but it's surprisingly hard, and basically my butt would get sore after about an hour.  But my real problem is with the back.  The back is made up of little plastic fingers, the idea being to distribute the load rather than creating pressure points.  There's basically no padding in the back, and that's with the up-option fabric; I guess the idea is that you don't need padding because there aren't any pressure points.  Great theory, but it didn't work out in the execution, at least for me.  The problem is that rather than one big pressure point somewhere you get a few dozen little hard plastic pressure points.  My back would get sore after ten or twenty minutes.

I tried for a few weeks to see if I could get acclimated to the chair - I held out some hope it might be an acquired taste, and given all the great theory, I'd like it once I got past the learning curve.  But after using it pretty much all day for several weeks, I concluded that it just wasn't going to happen, and that I really need something cushier.

So overall, there's a lot to like.  If you're the kind of person that prefers a firm chair, this is probably just about perfect.  For me, I really need a lot more padding than this chair provides - add an inch of foam all around and I think it would work, but as designed it's too hard for me.

PROS: Ergonomic, Attractive Design, Sturdy, No Assembly Required

CONS: Too Hard

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:56 PM

By: abvgdeika
From: mountain view, ca
Date: 2010/08/26
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

This is a relatively comfortable chair.  However it's not better, if not worse, than other HM ergonomic chairs.  Yet, it costs almost twice as much as their other chairs.

PROS: Comfortable, Easy To Assemble, Attractive Design, Ergonomic

CONS:

Best Uses: Formal, Informal

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:53 PM

By: works at home
From: Silicon Valley, CA
Date: 08/10/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I loved the back support and ability to adjust the chair.  However, I found the seat to be too hard.  I would start to feel uncomfortable after sitting in the chair for a short while.  I had very high hopes for the chair and reluctantly had to return it.[...]

PROS: Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Attractive Design, Sturdy

CONS: Uncomfortable, Too Hard, Difficult To Clean

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:51 PM

By: CrazyMoe
From: the flat state of Kansas
Date: 08/03/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

The Embody..I wanted it and now it's mine!! I got this thing on sale [...].  Thank You SmartOffice!!!

PROS: Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Sturdy, No assembly, Comfortable

CONS: No complaints

Best Uses: Studio

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:49 PM

By: Wayne G
From: Tennessee
Date: 07/15/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I could not be happier with the Embody chair.  It really lives up to the hype.

PROS: Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Comfortable

CONS:

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:47 PM

By: Jono
From: Melbourne, Australia
Date: 07/11/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Great chair for the office, I spend 8 hours a day sitting at my desk and a quality chair makes a big difference.  Not to mention the design...

PROS: Comfortable, Easy To Assemble, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Attractive Design

CONS:

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:46 PM

By: eman
From: Overseas
Date: 07/11/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Amazing level of adjustability. Very comfortable.

Definitely worth it.

PROS: Attractive Design, Sturdy, Comfortable, Ergonomic

CONS: Wrong part from factory

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:44 PM

By: DKE
From: San Francisco, CA
Date: 06/29/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Arm rests seem to move easily (when I don't want them to), but it's not a big deal.  This chair is great!

PROS: Comfortable, Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Lightweight, Easy To Assemble

CONS:

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:42 PM

By: Nathan
From: Portland, OR
Date: 06/28/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

After months of research, decided this was the best chair for my back. I'm not disappointed. In fact, it's even better since it's so easily adjustable that it fits my much smaller wife and she loves it, too. I'll need to purchase another one for when we're both home and need to work on our computers at the same time.

PROS: Comfortable, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble

CONS: expensive

Best Uses: Office, Home Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:41 PM

By: Desk Jockey XL
From: Boston, MA
Date: 06/08/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

- intelligent design and use of materials (mostly recyclable)
- flexible fit
- good for larger folks
- many well-designed adjustments, with instructional setup videos online
- excellent support and airflow; both the seat and back allow passage of air, so no hot spots

PROS: Attractive Design, Comfortable, Easy To Assemble, Ergonomic

CONS: Very Expensive

Best Uses: Desk, Computer Station

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:39 PM

By: Sam
From: Austin, TX
Date: 06/08/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
I use the Embody to do my work - software development.   In addition, I spend lots of time just browsing the net and doing music / photography on the computer.

Everything about the chair is well thought out.  At first glance, the chair looks a bit odd and normal at the same time.  But, after using the chair for a while, I 'get' why it looks the way it does.  The seat looks like a normal office chair seat, but upon inspection, it is actually a mesh (web or net like) with no pressure points.

You've gotta love a company that creates a chair that is both beautiful and highly functional while setting the pace for chair design for YEARS to come.


PROS: Attractive Design, Lightweight, Sturdy, Comfortable, Easy To Assemble, Ergonomic

CONS: NONE

Best Uses: Computer Use, Formal, Informal

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:34 PM

By: lethoski
From: Houston, TX
Date: 06/04/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

The Embody chair is great.  The ability to adjust to your individual taste seems unlimited.  The chair is very study and the construction / quality is superior to anything else I have used.  A great chair.

PROS: Attractive Design, Sturdy, Ergonomic, Comfortable

CONS:

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:32 PM

By: Gibby
From: Newport beach, CA
Date: 6/4/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

This is truly the most comfortable quality office chair i have ever owned!I can sit at my computer at home for most of the day and never feel tied.There isn't a better chair and i certainly would buy this product again.

PROS: Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Lightweight, Easy To Assemble, Comfortable, Sturdy

CONS:

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:31 PM

By: Claudius
From: San Francisco
Date: 5/11/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

unfortunately i have to be a dissenting voice on this chair- i expected greater comfort. The issues is that these chairs do not provide a "cushy" sit- they are stiff and hard. Even in an office- why can't there be a cushy ergonomic chair; must we always have trade cozyiness for ergonomic? The perfect chair has not been designed yet.

PROS: Ergonomic, Sturdy

CONS: Too Hard

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:28 PM

By: Butt Worn, Leg Cramps
From: Houston, TX
Date: 5/1/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Office, it is functional, generally ergonomic, much better than any other office chair.  Great for those who work at their desks all day. Great once one get's through instructions that need refining.

PROS: Attractive Design, Comfortable, Sturdy, Ergonomic

CONS: Set up instructions, Customer Service Info

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:26 PM

By: Josh the Chair boss.
From: San Bruno, CA
Date: 4/26/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

This product is wonderful sitting my office space. The arm adjustments allow me to practice guitar while sitting on the chair. The manual for adjustments is available online if anyone has questions regarding it. There is no way to increase or decrease the height of the chair, that would be the only con. But overall, sturdy, and you gotta love the 30yr warranty. The fabric for the Rhythm is great but need a lint cleaner to clean. Excellent chair definitely worth price.

PROS: Ergonomic, Comfortable, Sturdy, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble

CONS: Difficult to Clean

Best Uses: Office Chair

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:24 PM

By: Raf
From: California
Date: 4/25/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I spend a lot of time at my computer desk and needed a comfortable chair because my back was starting to ache.  I looked at a number of chairs and finally picked the Herman Miller embody.

I am not disappointed.  The embody is highly adjustable, looks pretty good, but actually using it - it's like floating on air.  Not only is the chair comfortable, but it actually encourages better sitting posture.

Now if only I could replace the driver's seat of my car with one...

PROS: Attractive Design, Comfortable, Ergonomic

CONS: Pricey

Best Uses: Informal

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:21 PM

By: Xavier
From: Hermosa Beach
Date: 4/23/2010
About Me:
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

This chair is incredibly uncomfortable to sit in.  No lumbar support, no matter how I adjusted it I was still hunched over.  It looks amazing but I still had to get rid of it

PROS: Attractive Design

CONS: Uncomfortable

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:19 PM

By: frankygoes
From: Montreal, QC
Date: 4/23/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

Great suppport, but I thought the seating area was going to be softer and more molding to my shape. It's still pretty stiff compared to memory foam. Ventilated yes, but if it's not soft, it's no good for over 5 hours sitting.

PROS: Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Attractive Design

CONS: Uncomfortable, Seating cushion too stiff

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:17 PM

By: Bob
From: Traverse City, MI
Date: 4/23/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I can sit for hours at my desk and feel perfect!

PROS: Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Easy To Assemble, Comfortable, Sturdy

CONS:

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:14 PM

By: Matt with a bad back
From: Washington DC
Date: 4/22/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Use mostly while I'm working and editing which requires sitting for extended periods on time.  Really love the adjustability

PROS: Comfortable, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble

CONS: Takes time to get used to

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:12 PM

By: Mike Minus Back Pain
From: San Jose, CA
Date: 3/24/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I just finished my thesis, and over the year I worked on it, I "got" both tendinosis and chronic back pain. I bought this chair in an attempt to nip the back pain in the bud, before it became more serious, and I've got to say, it's working wonderfully - it conforms to my back, and I can sit again without encountering pain! I am very happy with smart furniture, too, because they upgraded the casters and the aluminum frame for free, [...]The chair will creak if I do an extreme back stretch, or if I bounce on the back of the chair - this isn't indicative of bad quality (the chair is superbly built!), but I think it's more a sign that I'm being a bit too rough on it. This chair really encourages positive movement, so I don't feel sore, even after hours of sitting.

PROS: Comfortable, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble, Ergonomic, Sturdy

CONS: Creaks

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:09 PM

By: Tim the Hummer!
From: Chattanooga, TN
Date: 3/11/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

No regrets today William!  This chair is so "ASK-ickinly"  perfect in every way. The feel is exact. The movement around my desk is epic.  Even walking up behind the chair makes me happy.  Embody>Aeron

PROS: Comfortable, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble, Ergonomic, Sturdy

CONS:

Best Uses:

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:07 PM

By: Pixar 360
From: Rochester, NY
Date: 2/23/2010
About Me: High-end Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I tested every well-known desk chair I could find including the classic Aeron, Mirra, Humanscale's Freedom chair, Eames Mgmt. Chair, and the Chadwick.  There is no doubt of all the high-end task chairs I have sat in; the Embody is the most amazing and conforming chair of the group. I will devote very little time to how good this chair is, because it is perfect. I'm 6'3" 185lbs and the Embody absolutely cradles my spine and legs beautifully without putting me to sleep while I work long hours at my desk/computer. The only drawbacks are: as amazing as the color fabric choices are, they quickly become filthy no matter how careful you are. Because of this, I opted for the black fabric. The armrests also have a feature where they gently swing away from your body so that you can stand up from the chair with more grace. However this causes the armrests to move with relatively little force, sometimes when you don't want them to. I'm looking into a way to tighten them down in place. Keep in mind; these are VERY VERY VERY small details.Lastly; I tend to bounce my legs frequently; especially when I'm consumed in my writing, or hitting my design groove while sketching. The chair definitely creaks whenever I bounce, which is a shame, since the build quality is TOP NOTCH. The chair weighs something close to 60 pounds, and came delivered fully assembled. This review almost had to contain my nit-picking since there really are too many good things to say about the important part of this chair. I'll summarize by saying; IT SEATS YOU PERFECTLY. Quite literally, I find myself complaining aloud about every other chair I sit in that ISN'T the Embody. If Herman Miller sold an Embody bed, I'd take out a loan immediately. Big thanks to Smart Furniture for their deals on optional accessories, which were well below list price. The translucent casters and aluminum base are very nice upgrades!If you can possibly spare over $1000 on a chair; this truly will be the last chair you buy for the 11 year Herman Miller Warranty period (and more). The bottom line is; if you work for hours at a desk, you simply can't spend a better $91 a year on something as important as your comfort and productivity.

PROS: Comfortable, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble

CONS: Difficult To Clean, Creaks

Best Uses: Desk chair, Computer Chair, Task chair

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:05 PM

By: dmitrynt
From: Brooklyn, NY
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Very nice chair.  However, could not find how to raise the chair.  Not a big issue for me since i am 5.6".

PROS: Ergonomic, Comfortable, Easy To Assemble, Attractive Design, Sturdy, Lightweight

CONS:

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 5:01 PM

By: Julie the Designer
From: San Leandro, CA
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

This is a wonderful chair, it is great looking and very comfortable.  The most expensive chair in our house to date, but worth the money.

PROS: Comfortable, Ergonomic, Attractive Design, Sturdy, Easy To Assemble

CONS: None

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/6/2011 4:59 PM

By: heretic monk
From: Los Angeles, CA
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

chose embody after wanting aeron for years.  once i sat on embody and compared, i went with the new model.  it is a great chair and i wish i had one in every room and at work.

PROS: Attractive Design, Lightweight, Comfortable, Sturdy, Ergonomic

CONS:

Best Uses: Informal, Use for computer, Art studio

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/2/2011 6:49 PM

By: Experientrial
From: San Antonio, TX
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

office chair, graphic designer. Can't wait to get it in our new home. I have it in temporary quarters, on carpet and it is impossible to maneuver. I bought it without the carpet wheels knowing I was going to use it on concrete floors.

PROS: Comfortable, Sturdy, Ergonomic, Attractive Design

CONS:

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/2/2011 6:47 PM

By: Isaac
From: NYC
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: High-end shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Takes little time to get it adjusted, but once you find the right configuration you'll never want to seat on any other chair, highly recommended.

PROS: Attractive Design, Ergonomic, Lightweight, Sturdy, Comfortable, Easy To Assemble, Cool

CONS:

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/2/2011 6:45 PM

By: Chairman
From: Memphis, TN
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: No
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

The chair had problems but that was Herman Millers fault. I had to replace it twice but the third one is fine ;) [...]

PROS: Comfortable, Attractive Design, Ergonomic

CONS: Poor Construction

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/2/2011 6:43 PM

By: Sparkly
From: Idaho
Date: 2/3/2010
About Me: Midrange Shopper
Verified Buyer: Yes
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

I was having lower back, hip and shoulder problems, especially when work days would stretch out to 10-12 hours. Yoga was only able to partially fix my problem but switching out my office chair to the Embody chair has helped immeasurably! I would highly recommend this chair to everyone who has to sit, staring at a computer screen, for hours on end.

PROS: Attractive Design, Comfortable, Ergonomic, Sturdy, Lightweight, Easy To Assemble

CONS:

Best Uses: Office

From: gcayabyab@smartfurniture.com | Created on: 9/2/2011 6:40 PM