What Is a Zero Gravity Chair?
“Relax & recoup” just took on a whole new meaning.
Zero gravity chairs help you "get your lounge on" while promoting restorative rest and relaxation for your body. This type of chair reclines to distribute body weight evenly, reduce pressure on the spine, and improve circulation – creating a weightless feel. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what a zero gravity chair is and explore the potential benefits of this health-conscious chair design.
What Is a Zero Gravity Chair?
A zero-gravity chair is a reclining chair model that NASA created as a way to reduce physical strain on astronauts during launch. Furniture manufacturers soon hopped on the trend and began making stylish and cozy zero gravity chairs that fit right in with living room furniture and even outdoor spaces! These chairs are designed so you can sit in a "neutral body position", where you’re reclined with your legs propped up higher than the heart. This position helps evenly distribute weight/pressure across your body while you’re lounging so that gravity doesn't put too much pressure on one area. In standard sitting positions or with traditional recliners, gravity puts strain on the lower back, but zero gravity chairs put you in the perfect seated position to prevent that from happening. This reclined position also helps contribute to better blood flow throughout the body. Zero gravity chairs tilt to about 120° when reclined, but they can also be used in the upright position when you want a standard seating option.
What Are the Benefits of a Zero Gravity Chair?
Zero gravity chairs have a variety of potential health benefits; from helping you reach a state of relaxation to alleviating aches and pains. Review this list of four potential benefits you can enjoy from using a zero gravity chair:
1. Increases blood circulation: Perhaps one of the best potential benefits of zero gravity chairs is the improvement of blood circulation throughout your body. The chair's design makes it so that your heart and your feet are level with one another when you sit in the reclined position. This allows your heart to pump blood throughout your body with ease because gravity isn't interfering with the process. Not only does this help keep your heart happy, but it also has the potential to keep the rest of your body healthy and strong.
2. Reduces spinal pressure: The key benefit of zero gravity chairs is that it encourages your body to rest at an angle where gravity is equally distributed. This takes excess weight off of your neck, back, and spinal column, which has the potential to alleviate spinal pain from compressed vertebrae or help to realign the spinal column.
3. Alleviates low back & hip pain: Similar to alleviating spinal pressure symptoms, zero gravity chairs can also help reduce pain or prevent agitation of the lower back muscles, nerves, and spinal/pelvic area. This is what sets the zero gravity chair apart from standard seat positions because gravity isn't compressing the lower back area.
4. Eases muscle & joint tension: When you sit in a zero gravity chair, your body achieves a weightless feeling. There isn't too much pressure on one spot, as your whole body is equally supported. This can potentially help reduce inflammation, tension, and pressure points in muscles and joints. The way you sit in a zero gravity chair can also have the potential to improve posture because you aren't sitting forward or slouching.
Important Note:
Zero gravity chairs can be super beneficial, but they should not be considered a medical solution or alternative to treatment by a medical professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zero gravity chairs good for back pain?
Yes, they relieve spinal pressure.
Can you use them indoors?
Yes, you can use zero gravity chairs indoors or outdoors.
Do zero gravity chairs fold?
Many models are foldable for easy storage and transportation.
Tip!
Check out the Different Types of Recliners to Help You Relax & Unwind to learn more about your options.
