Sitting for too long can be an uncomfortable experience and detrimental to your health, leading to lower back pain, leg stiffness and poor blood circulation. “When you’re sitting in one position for long periods of time, muscles will try to hold the body upright, but inevitably people will be pulled into a slouched forward position,” explains Dr. Anna Di, chiropractor at Unity Health Wellness and certified corrective exercise specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. “A forward slouch, combined with the weight of the body pulled down by gravity, will cause the joints in the spine to shrink and bulge.”
Dr. Jan Lefkowitz, founder of Body In Balance Chiropractic, agrees. He adds that, aside from pain, stiffness, pinched nerves and muscle tension, “the heart has to work extra hard to circulate blood to your body when you are sitting upright for long periods without movement.” But what if we told you there was an ergonomic seating solution to those problems? Presenting: zero gravity chairs.
Designed by NASA, zero gravity chairs place your body in a neutral position akin to floating in air much like astronauts’ experience in space, with your feet, legs and back supported. They generally go from upright to a completely weightless recline to give you that true floating sensation. This can relieve body aches and strain on the spine, stimulate blood circulation and promote a general feeling of relaxation.
Though beneficial to everyone, Dr. Di says that resting on a zero gravity chair is best for people who are frequently sitting upright for long periods of time. Dr. Lefkowitz adds that “it’s also a much better position to read a book or watch TV than laying in bed or slouching on a couch.” Zero gravity chairs are also recommended for people who have back pain or heart issues.
Fortunately, the chairs come in different styles that address different needs, whether you’re looking for a portable outdoor version for your patio or a classic indoor version that blends in with the rest of your living room seating. If you’re not sure where to start, scroll down for the best zero gravity chairs on the market right now—this is the kind of chair you’ll never have to leave.
- Best Zero Gravity Chair Overall: Lafuma Zero Gravity Recliner
- Best Zero Gravity Chair With Cup Holder: Goplus Zero Gravity Chair
- Best Zero Gravity Recliner: Jupiter Wide Power Zero Gravity Recliner
- Best Splurge Zero Gravity Chair: Human Touch Perfect Chair
- Best Oversized Zero Gravity Chair: Dealie Reclining Zero Gravity Chair
- Best Value (Budget) Zero Gravity Chair: Destination Summer Zero Gravity Chair
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Best Zero Gravity Overall
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Not only is Lafuma’s zero gravity chair ergonomic, its fabric is mildew and fade–resistant, plus eco-friendly. No worries about whether it’ll look out of place either; the chair’s pastel color options ensure it’ll add a cheerful touch to your living room or patio.
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Best Zero Gravity Chair With Cup Holder
The Goplus zero gravity chair affords you an extra luxury: keeping your drink right within arm’s reach. Whether you’re lounging indoors with coffee or out on the patio with a cold beverage, this chair has a removable side tray with room for your drink, phone, book and other small items. The chair’s also particularly good for summer lounging; it has water-resistant fabric that can keep you from getting too warm. Despite the fact that it can hold up to 300 pounds and recline 160 degrees, the chair is light and portable.
Best Zero Gravity Recliner
This luxe, lavish recliner cradles every part of your body with its soft headrest and footrest, both of which are remote-adjustable for controlled comfort. It also has a remote-controlled power recline that lets you adjust your overall position to relax your spine.
Best Splurge Zero Gravity Chair
The Human Touch Perfect Chair pampers you enough to live up to its hefty price tag. Verified Amazon reviewers rave about the chair’s benefits in helping with back and leg pain. The chair combines function with beauty, boasting a strong hand-carved wood base and the option of sleek genuine leather or a vegan leather-like upholstery. All in all, its classic silhouette won’t look out of place in your home.
Best Oversized Zero Gravity Chair
Designed to reduce pressure on your spine and alleviate body pains, this option from Wayfair all but swathes you in comfort with its oversized padded surface and contoured armrests. It supports up to 300 pounds and features some notable extras like a cup tray and an adjustable pillow. Weather-resistant fabric means the chair can withstand your outdoor space in addition to your living room.
Best Value (Budget) Zero Gravity Chair
Take some of the pressure off your body and your wallet with Bed Bath & Beyond’s affordable gravity chair. Setting you back at under fifty dollars, the chair’s low price belies its good quality. An adjustable padded headrest, levers to lock your recline position into place and a suspension system all combine for the ultimate zero gravity sensation. The chair requires no assembly and folds for storage, making it easy to bring everywhere from camping trips to the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Gravity Chairs
What Does A Zero Gravity Chair Do?
Zero gravity chairs evenly distribute body weight and put you in a neutral position that relieves pressure, strain and stress. “A zero gravity chair will alleviate spinal compression by distributing the weight of the body evenly through all pressure points,” explains Dr. Di. “If you’ve been sitting for extended periods in an upright chair, your muscles can’t relax because they’ve been constantly working to keep you upright. A zero gravity chair will allow them to relax by supporting your spine in a neutral position.”
The concept mimics the position astronauts are put in before they take off so that their bodies are under less stress. In a zero gravity chair, your feet should be placed above or in alignment with your heart; this creates a weightless, floating sensation that allows you to relax.
Are Zero Gravity Chairs Good For You?
There are plenty of benefits to lounging in a zero gravity chair. On the basic level, they’re great for stress and pain relief. Good ones alleviate lower back pain and leg pain with adjustable reclining positions. But there are benefits to your heart health, as well.
According to Dr. Lefkowitz, “It has to do with the unique positioning in which both your legs and your head are slightly above your chest. Not only does this decompress your spinal column but it also relieves stress on your cardiovascular system as the blood from your legs does not need to flow against the force of gravity.” The neutral floating position promotes blood circulation throughout your body, allowing you to breathe easier, sleep deeper and relax. This is why a lot of people find themselves sleeping in zero gravity chairs as well.
Doctors, however, warn that zero gravity chairs aren’t a cure-all for body pain. Using one in combination with treatment from a professional, postural awareness, and regular exercise can help improve one’s spinal hygiene, but you are still sedentary. “Movement helps bring the blood back to heart. Exercise is really what our body needs the most so make sure you are always making time for that,” Dr. Lefkowitz points out.
