Embody Chair

My employer recently bought this chair for the employees that require an ergonomic chair for medical reasons and I was one of the lucky testers! I have chronic issues with my neck, lower back, and hips so they figured if it worked for me it must be pretty good.

This chair is better than good, it's magic! After using this chair for over a year I had to temporarily use a normal chair when we had to start working remotely. After 2 weeks of sitting in a regular computer chair I was in serious pain. I didn't realize just how much the chair really helped (or I had forgotten how much pain I was in before) until I didn't have it any more. Thankfully I have my chair again and I'm feeling much better.

If I ever start working from home permanently I will take out a loan just to buy this chair, it's 100% worth it.

If you are an employer and you want your staff to be productive and focused, buy this chair for them even if they don't have a Drs note for an ergonomic chair.

Long clinic days this chair has virtually eliminated all LBP, stiffness and I'd buy another anytime.

I purchased one of these earlier this year, but I could never find a comfortable adjustment using the Backfit knob. It seems that the more counterclockwise you turn it, the more the backrest reclines *and* with that, the more aggressive the lumbar support. However, the inverse is of course true: turning clockwise means that the backrest leans more inward, but the more I turn it in that direction, the less back support I get. I personally can't feel much of any lumbar support at all unless I turn it completely counterclockwise. Specifically, I'm looking for lower lumbar and something near the sacrum, which I definitely am not getting out of my Embody at the moment.

Sadly, I waited until beyond the return period (I ordered January 2020), attempting to give the chair every chance I could. Now, I am stuck with it. I hope that I can make this work somehow...

I've been using these chairs with my employer since 2014 (2020 now). I have got to say, this is the most comfortable chair out there. We have several models from different manufacturers, but none of them come close to the comfort that this chair provides over a grueling 10-14 hour work day. If you can afford it, buy it!

TLDR: This chair fixed all the circulation problems I was having in my legs. My back is extremely happy as well. Worth every penny it cost to be pain free.

Long text:
I've been having bad problems in my legs for years now. Doctors couldn't figure it out, all tests looked fine. I discovered it was a circulation problem in my legs due to my old PC chair. I had spent some time away from my desk and and felt better. When I returned, all my leg problems came back. That's when I thought it could be my chair. Everyone talks about your back when it comes to chairs, but very few ever mention legs.

Sadly, I had fallen into the hype of those "gaming" chairs. These things are atrocious. It was cutting off the circulation in my legs and wasn't giving my back the support it needs. Do not get those. Please. Just don't.

This is where my chair journey began. I started off trying some cheaper $100-$300 office chairs from big box stores. They didn't work. Those chairs would have the foam flatten quickly and left my legs feeling awful. My back was alright with those, but my legs would still get messed up. This is when I started looking at the higher end chairs.

Started off with a Series One and then a Gesture from Steelcase. No good. The front where my legs rested was digging into my thighs and wrecked my circulation on both chairs. Back they went.

Had Herman Miller recommended to me. Took a quick look at the Aeron, but I can tell that front lip was going to dig into my legs. I opted to try the Mirra 2 instead. It didn't work. I found the mesh to be quite hard and ended up hurting my hips after some time. Didn't help with my legs either as it does have a hard lip around the edged to hold the mesh up. Back it went.

I'll note that Herman Miller's return policy was great. They sent me label, I slapped it on the chair box, scheduled a return pick up, dude came and picked it up. Easy.

Running out of options, I gave Herman Miller one more shot. I ponied up for the Embody as it appeared to have no hard edges to dig into my legs. The chair arrived on time and I began to unpack it and hoped for the best.

This is it. This is what I was looking for. It has no hard edges anywhere to dig into me. It flexes and moves with me instead of trying to lock me into place.

I waited for the entire 30 day return period to be up before writing this review. I'm keeping it. It's not going back. I sat in the Embody the entire time with no pain anywhere. Other chairs didn't make it past 5 days. I'm sitting in it now as I write this with no pain.

Very few out there mention leg problems when it comes to chair reviews. I wanted to write this up in case others out there might have the same problem I had. The Embody is the one that solved that issue for me. Yes, it's expensive. But if your legs are having issues like mine did, this might be what you need.

For those looking at this for back issues, the back on this is wild in a good way. It has just enough lumbar support for me and flexes with me as I move around in it. I don't feel any of the individual pixels. It just feels solid and really comfortable.

Anyway, I'll wrap this is up by saying that I highly recommend this chair if you can get past the expensive price tag. If you have any kind of pain and can't find a chair that helps, this might be what you need.

Also a game changer for me. Great chair for eliminating almost all the lower back pain I experience with other chairs. I wish it were less expensive though.

Agreed this is a very expensive chair, however, if you have lower back pain, it is worth twice the amount! I'm in front of a computer at least 7 hours a day, and my back was getting so bad I was at my wits end. I tried everything, but as soon as I started using the Embody, my back pain diminished by 85%. (I still think my bed is responsible for some of my pain) This chair is a game changer!

I bought my Embody almost two years ago for work during one of the Herman Miller sales. I had been telling people in my office for months I wanted one and my manager even said I could try a cheaper chair and get the company to expense it, but I had been waiting literal years to get one of these chairs, and it was going to be mine. And let me say, it has been the best investment I’ve ever made for work, and it’s changed my life. Not in one of those immediate revelatory ways you think of when people say that, and you assume it’s just hyperbole. No, it’s been a very subtle change, like when I get off work and I don’t have a tension headache from sitting forward improperly at my desk to type because my feet didn’t reach the floor or my lower back doesn’t ache constantly from having to lean over if I wanted to use an armrest. So if you are too small for the usual office chair, this is definitely a great option. Not to mention, in the white frame with black fabric and black hardware, it looks really sleek, and I get a lot of compliments.

I bought my Embody chair more than 10 years ago and I still find it to be quite comfortable. I sit in it at work every day. After 10+ years it show some wear and tear and the armrests need repair, but overall still good. I'd recommend this chair. I'm 6'-3" and have occasional back issues; all the adjustments this chair can do are helpful.

This chair is simply amazing. It provides all day comfort and excellent back support. If I could change anything about this chair it would be the armrest width adjustments. They move too easily not allowing the chair the be moved by its armrests as well as moving when you put pressure on them when you use them to stand up.

I used to be really into my desk aesthetics so I went for the coolest looking gaming chair that I could find. A bucket style seat that, now I know, was way too big for me and was actually doing some serious damage to my back.

My back always would hurt and I would just blame it on the 8-10 hours a day that I'm at my desk. I never thought the solution could be so simple.

I started extensively researching ways to alleviate my back pain so I started with purchasing new monitor stands. When that didn't work I then started looking into chairs. The Embody immediately caught my attention and after watching the few videos online about the Embody, I decided to give it a shot.

The first week I sat in the Embody I thought it was uncomfortable. I saw some reviews saying the same thing and I thought...oh no I should have listened. I gave it another week and to my surprise, it keeps getting more and more comfortable. My back was so messed up that this chair was basically restructuring my posture (which made it seem uncomfortable).

It has now been about a month and this is the single best investment that I have made in my office. I highly recommend you give it a shot and get though the uncomfortable stage. You will LOVE IT!

I've been a Herman Miller Aeron chair for the last 24 years. I've been retired for 10 years and spend a lot of time in my office chair, 7 days a week.The Embody back support and support under the thighs are in a whole different universe than the Aeron. I've never been happier. The comfort, build quality and premium materials combine to make this the best office chair I have ever used.

I love my Embody chair, just a bit more than I love my Aeron chair. However, it is a noisy chair. when getting in our out of it, it creeks and moans as the plastic elements flex against each other. And my left armpad looks horrible now with bad wrinkles atop it. Otherwise, it's a great chair.
I feel like I'm sitting in a modern office when I sit in my Aeron. I feel like I'm sitting in the future when I sit in my Embody chair.

I would like to have assemble ASAP and rush delivery which I had a surgery on September 9 11 and 16 I need assemble because I can’t do it myself with whatever comes.
Please
Thank you
Hakim Nazary

The Embody really does allow you to customize just about anything you could possibly want in regards to your seating position. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 for one reason. The ease with which the arms move in and out means that the majority of the time the arms are moved unintentionally. If I barely put pressure on the arm and lean over the side of the chair or use the rest to re-position myself I usually move the arm rest unintentionally. I wish their was a way to lock in the position I most desire.
I'm about 6'3, 200 Lbs, and my legs are long from my knees to my hip so I really like the ability to extend the seat out further to support my hamstrings.

It’s a fantastic chair, one issue is that the pneumatic cylinder makes it vibrate a little. At the price point I’d expect quality assurance to catch any and every problem. I weigh 165 pounds so no unusual strain on it either

I have had a long storied career as a chronic pain patient. Having both been born with back issues and being involved in a near death auto accident. I can not stress enough how good this chair is for some one with back and leg pain. It transcends what I have etched in my head as a "chair", and I view it more as a valuable tool. If the price point has you on the fence, I will concede yes this is not a cheap piece of furniture. It is worth every red penny there asking though. I could never see my self going back. Ruins other chairs for me to be frank. just unlike any thing I have ever sat in. Bravo

Chair is comfy but I use the mouse a lot while reclined and the emody chair's arm angles upward during the recline. The angled arm rests no longer support my arm since it is no longer parallel with my desk.

This is actually my second Embody chair. I got one months ago for the office and loved it. I've got all kinds of problems with pain and I sit 8 - 10 hours a day for work. This is the first chair where it didn't contribute to my pain level so I got one for the home office too. I love the customization options and color choices. You can really pick out what you want and get the right "fit" for yourself. I'm an average sized guy at 5'10" so I was able to configure the chair for all day comfort regardless of seating position. The only thing that keeps it from 5 stars are the armrest. They are adjustable up and down and that work great and locks in place once you find the height that comfortable for you. The problem lies with what I'll call the lateral or width adjustment. You can move the arms inward or outward to accommodate a wider or slimmer body type but this is the only adjustment that does not lock (or at least I haven't been able to figure it out) the majority of the time its not an issue but if you drop an pen or something, you will notice it immediately. For example, if I drop something on the right, I'll put my left hand on the left armrest to support myself but as soon as I lean over the right side, the armrest collapses in toward me. The chair is extremely stable so I've never toppled but it's kind of a system shock the first couple times you do it because you don't expect it. I've gotten to the point where I don't lean over the side anymore but some kind of lock would prevent it in the first place. Other than that small concern its a great chair.

Most reviewers miss what's best about this chair: Customization to your body!

Chairs keep getting bigger like the population in this country but if you have unique needs/ shape a standard chair won't do it. I'm tall with long legs and short, small torso. Most arm rest in chairs don't adjust sideways. The roll out feature on the seat adjusts the size/fit to support my long legs. No other chair I tested could do this. Either a humongous char for a heavy set or wide person or a small frame that did not carried my leg. While I do wish the instructions were a bit better, this is the only chair that truly adjusted to meet my body needs. Most reviews overlook those two unique features that make a WORLD of a difference to some of us. Priceless!

When your occupation requires you to stay at the desk for long periods of time... a chair can be the best investment. The comfort is unmatched.

The carton that arrived was beat up. When I took it out there was one caster off. I could not get it back in place. Customer service was wonderful and I had a replacement the next day.

I could not find the online tutorial and had to call in to figure out all the adjustments. Of course they showed me where the video was. The most difficult adjustment was actually the height. There is a clear lever and you really need to pull it up or push down. I was concerned about putting that much presser on the lever but Customer Service assured me it was ok.

I expected the lumbar and thoracic areas to contour more to my back. Specifically creating differences from left to right. This is a very specific issue due to scoliosis so it probably is not an issue for most people.

Overall I am pleased.

I live in an apartment that never drops below 60 and never exceeds 80 degrees in LA. The armrests shrivelled within about 2 years and began falling apart by year 3. When you spend over $1000 on a chair I'd expect the pads to be durable and easy to replace. I can't find affordable replacements anywhere.

better to get my 50 dollar chair back from the dumpster then buying an over priced dollar store chair

My last chair was causing me back problems so rather than take a shot at another possibly sub-par chair I went with the manufacturer that just about every business uses. I love the novel back support of this embody chair. It fits me at 6'5" 320 lbs and actually encourages me to sit with proper posture. My aches and pains have begun to go away. I hope it lasts the 12 years without a hitch, they ain't cheap, but so far, at least, worth every penny...

I have owned my Embody chair for years and I still love it. I am overdue for a replacement but keep waiting for the sage green fabric to come back. The currently offered shades of blue, black, or brown are just too boring for such an awesome chair.

The chair arrived fully assembled and was easy to adjust right out of the box with its intuitive controls. Love the design and seat cover material. Just a few thing that could have been better executed; 1) the side adjustment is not as smooth as I would have expected and can be tricky to adjust 2) In a chair at this price point leather should be used on the arm rest.

I would recommend this chair to a friend who is looking for a supportive chair for working at a desk.

I had ordered a new Aeron chair (I had previously owned 2), but returned it because the metal rim was cutting into my legs. I replaced it with an Embody. Oh, my! Yes...that good! I feel like rolling it from my home office to my dining room for dinner...it's that comfortable. And I'm a big boy...6 ft, 260lbs. HM Service was impeccable. They sen the Embody...I rolled the Aeron into the box, called FedEx...picked up next day. Credit applied within 2 weeks. But back to the chair. The flexible back is on gimmick...when I lean back it conforms to my back and moves with it. The seat is very wide and firm...big enough for my fat keister! I'm not sure what others are talking about...it has NO creaks, squeaks, or pops. Quiet as a mouse. Amazing comfort...now to see the long-term durability...my Aerons lasted 15 years and I sold them second-hand for half of their original cost!

I feel I can sit in this chair for as long as I need to, my back has never felt as good as it does after a long sitting. Only thing is I wish I had confirmation my warranty was received. Thank you!

I have had this chair in my office for 7 years and recently added one to my home office. The chair is durable, comfortable, and adjustable. Not only is the chair great, but the customer service from HermanMiller was top notch. The chair arrived damaged. I sent a picture and put in a ticket and a new chair was delivered 2 days later with a return label for the first one. Big Fan.

I really didn't know what an office chair was supposed to be until I purchased this one.

Loving my Embody chair so far. My previously intolerable back pain is slowly disappearing and I feel just fine after sitting many, many hours in this chair. So glad I invested in my long-term health with this chair.

4.5/5
This is a spaceship of armchairs. Never in my life have I ever sat in something more comfortable than this.

My only minor complaint is that leaning on adjustable arms sometimes gets them to move outwards.

This chair is still like new. I have moved this chair to 3 different buildings because I will not sit in anything else. This has been well worth the money and I still receive a ton of compliments. The best office purchase I have EVER made. All the adjustments are amazing.

Full disclosure...I am a Herman Miller employee and salesperson. I own 3 Embody chairs. One for me, one for my husband and 16 year old. Whenever I have a customer with a bad back, I bring them an Embody chair. 100% of the time, they want to purchase the Embody. It saves backs daily.

I think the only drawback is: one of my adjustable chair arms is not stable. It's easy to wobble.

Loving it

I received my chair a few days ago. It's amazing how many adjustments there are. I'm 6'4", so chairs are a challenge. One of the most important adjustments is the arch of the back. I like mine pretty flat and I was able to adjust it to a prefect fit. I also love the recline tension adjustment. The height adjustment works perfectly, even for my height. This is something I sit on for 8-9 hours per day, so it had to be comfortable! Yes, its a lot of money, but worth every penny!

I am 6'6" 265 lbs. It is difficult for me to find office chairs are comfortable. The seat is wider than most and the back support is adjustable in all the right places. The chairs has been here for about two weeks, they look great, high end and high style. I have considered taking one star off for price - but maybe not - as these are the best chairs I think I have had including other popular HM chairs. Two weeks in and so far impressed.

I have tried so many chairs out there. And I guess the conclusion I've came to is you get what you pay for.

I was having some pretty serious back issues on my previous chairs. After having only sat on this chair one day all my problems were gone. And I feel better when I stand up after having sat on it than before I have started sitting on this chair

Only issue is it isn't really exactly comfortable and I doubt it is meant to be comfortable. But it is definitely healthy to sit on, for hours and hours straight, you can sit on it if you are working and you will forget that it is uncomfortable.

A headrest or somewhat softer padding could definitely help with the comfort.

Solved all of my back issues! Most comfortable and supportive chair I have ever used - well worth the investment!

I've had my Embody chair for about a month now and I am very satisfied with it. It is very comfortable to sit in for long sessions working or gaming. I especially notice it when I get up after a long session and my back doesn't hurt like it used to in other (very cheap) chairs. All the controls work as you'd expect. The armrests are fine; more movement options would be nice, but 90% of the time I'm content with them as they are. I got the basic black fabric and it's working fine for me; plenty comfortable and looks nice. I love the aesthetics of the all-black chair. Overall, I'd rate this the best chair I've ever sat in, and I'm tempted to buy a second one for the office. I got this because I was worried about my back health, and I am completely happy with my purchase.

Very comfortable. It is expensive but is definitely worth it.

Awesome chair. I didn’t know how much I needed it until I got it

Literally molds to and supports your back. excellent for sitting and working on a computer while you use your mouse, keyboard and phone which often requires subtle back adjustments. This chair keeps up!

I have been reading about Herman miller products for a long time, but never got around to actually buying one due mainly to price.

This year though I decided to give it a try and couldn't be happier. By far the best office chair I have sat on.

I am 5,6 155 and I found my optimal setting in a matter of one day of sitting on it. It is firm enough to support your entire back, yet loose enough to not feel like you have a wooden stick behind you.

Overall I would say for those whose price tag it might scare off, 1300 for 10 years is not expensive at all. We buy smartphones for that price and keep them for 2...

Time to save up for the Ottoman one now for the living room.

Everything i hoped for! A wonderful chair. Built to last.

I waited 2 months after receiving my chair before posting my review. I made my purchase based solely on online research, I did not visit a showroom to try out this chair. I work from home and spend at least 40 hours a week in this chair.

My first ~10-14 days of using it, I would find it comfortable for the first bit, but then would be uncomfortable. At first the adjust the Backfit multiple times a day, then around the 10th day I think I made my last adjustment to it. Once I found the fit that works for me, it has been absolutely fantastic.

There are the odd creaks when sitting/standing. Nothing that has bothered me, and honestly with as many moving parts to this as there are, I consider it acceptable (at least). There are a number of reviews that seem to exacerbate this issue beyond what it is. If at some point it changes, then I may reach out to find what I can do myself.

All in all, I'm completely satisfied with my purchase. The only regret I have is not making it years ago.

When I first used this chair, the lower back support hurt me due to my body position / structure. Specifically around the tailbone. It was a strange feeling not.like the pressure points of other chairs -- more like soreness after stretching. I started doing yoga again and specifically hip exercises, and now the pain is gone. It moved up my back slowly and now I feel no pain in my chair.

I believe the chair opened.my back up and realigned my muscles, causing me to sit straighter. The upper back support at the shoulders really helps with posture which helps with blood flow.

The seat is awesome.

My only complaint is that the tilt limiter only blocks backwards. I cannot lock it from coming back up -- maybe by design as the chair encourages good posture. The adjustments are easy to use, well built, and have the standard controls with more granular ranges plus a lumbar control which basically just adjusts curviture of the chair.

Would give 5 stars if not for initial pain and the missing forward tilit limiter.

Bonus half-star for arriving fully assembled

My Embody is new and I've only had a chance to spend a few hours in it but so far it is just fantastic. The quality of the construction of the piece is superb and the support it provides my butt, legs and back is excellent. I think the look is "industrial chic" with the cool "skeleton-like" back design. I'm very pleased with my purchase and wish I had done so some time ago! Recommended without reservation.