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“I spend many hours every week chained to my computer to manage the activities and growth of PhotographyTalk, which is why I’m so happy that I sit in the Embody Chair by Herman Miller. One of the benefits I like the most is being able to recline with my spine firmly supported by the incredible back design and still be very productive and alert. Herman Miller is accurate when it says this chair improves both the mind and body.”
Alex Schult, founder, PhotographyTalk
Considering its legendary status in the office furniture world, it’s no wonder that the people at Herman Miller designed the Embody Chair to be more than highly comfortable and to reduce the stress on the body from long hours of sitting. This chair was specifically conceptualized to be a beneficial experience, with a body of scientific studies to support its claim to make the person sitting in it healthier. Who wouldn’t want to work in a chair that improves circulation, encourages a lower resting heart rate and protects the tissue surrounding the sitting muscles from deteriorating. Meanwhile, the chair’s back is designed to maintain the spine’s natural contour, minimizing physical stress to a person’s entire back.
Herman Miller has brought many innovative furniture designs to market since the 1930s—the first L-shaped desk, first plastic chair, all the celebrated mid-century designs of Eames, Nelson, et al and, of course, the cubicle (OK, maybe not so great. The company’s reputation, however, was again reinforced as at, or near, the top of the heap when it introduced the Aeron chair during 1994. The New York Museum of Modern Art thought so much of the Aeron that it was added to the museum’s permanent design collection before the chair’s commercial introduction—a distinction that very few consumer products have received. Of course, the best companies don’t rest on their laurels. Their greatest and most satisfying challenge is to be in competition with themselves, which motivated the people at Herman Miller to try to make an even better chair, and the Embody is it.
At $1,199, the Embody Chair may be beyond many photographers’ financial reach, but if you’re a professional or a photo editor, then the investment is worth every penny…and is a business expense. If you’re the kind of photographer that only shoots with the best cameras, lenses, etc., then the Embody Chair is their equivalent and the only place to flop your fanny. Plus, any manufacturer that warrants a product for 12 years, 24/7 use and all parts and labor is rather confident you’ll be satisfied with what it sells you.
The Embody Chair has been designed with a number of technologies and systems that are what makes it so darn comfortable and a positive experience for the sitting body.
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The Pixilated Support System consists of a primary vertical “pillar” on the back of the chair that is shaped like the human spine. This is connected to a series of smaller and separate arched supports with targeted, “pixilated” points that correspond to regions of your back and their varying needs, for optimal flex and support. The technology is similar in the seat, with multiple layers and regions attuned to maximize pressure distribution. When your body is cradled in this innovative chair structure, not only does it move with your body and keep your weight evenly distributed, but also dissipates heat because of all the available negative space through which air can flow freely.
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The outline of the Embody Chair emulates the concept of the infinity swimming pool. There is no hard edge frame, which can press against the back, arms and under the thighs in conventional chairs, and limit circulation. The Embody’s soft edges move with your body, so you won’t feel the need to stretch as often as in a cheaper chair. The frameless design also helps to keep the neck, shoulders and arms relaxed, so you can twist or turn in your seat without restrictions.
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The adjustable tilt limiter should actually be called the “unlimiter,” as you can lean back through a huge range of recline positions. Your thighs will remain in place and your feet comfortably on the floor, eliminating virtually any stress you might typically experience to your knees, ankles and thighs.
Like any excellent (and design-sensitive) piece of furniture, the Embody Chair by Herman Miller comes in a rather comprehensive palette of materials and colors, so you’re able to customize it to match your taste and/or office/studio décor.
Starting from the floor and panning vertically, you first have a choice of four roller caster sets.
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Carpet only.
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Carpet and hard floor compatible.
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Carpet or hard floor with automatic braking system that restricts the movement of the chair when unoccupied.
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Premium translucent.
Your next choices have to do with the frame and base. All Embody chairs are built with a polished, cast-aluminum seat frame. Your trim and base options include:
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Solid, polished aluminum (metal, silver color).
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Titanium (metal, light grey color).
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Graphite (plastic, black color).
Continuing the camera pan to the upper portion, you can select either the same black Graphite frame or a white-plastic look. You must choose the black Graphite upper frame if you want Graphite for the lower section.
The materials that cover the back and seat surfaces are critical, since your body parts rest against them. Choose either the Rhythm material style, which is standard for this chair, or the premium Balance style. Rhythm is 100% polyester and Balance, 100% polyester knit. The Balance fabric has been custom-resourced. Paying an extra $200 for the Balance material is your call, as it is, perhaps, slightly more breathable, helping to eliminate heat, but Rhythm should satisfy all but the most discerning tastes.
As a photographer, you’re an artist (and you’re spending more than grand!), so the color of your Embody Chair is probably more important to you than someone doing data entry all day. The Rhythm fabric is available in 10 colors, such as Berry Blue, Green Apple, Mulberry and Mink. The 6 different Balance colors include Iris, Berry Blue, Green Apple, Black, Blue Moon and Carbon.
To enjoy a chair of such excellence, be prepared to spend some time with the Herman Miller online tutorials to help you adjust it properly, particularly the unique back-angle feature. It will certainly feel like no other chair you’ve ever used, so don’t be surprised if it seems unusual at first. That is simply your body adjusting to a chair fit it has never experienced.
You’re also making a significant contribution to the protection of the environment when you choose the Embody Chair by Herman Miller.
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95% recyclable product.
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Contains absolutely no PVCs.
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Built with 42% recyclable materials.
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McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Cradle-to-Cradle Silver-Certified.
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Certified by GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.
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Certified by GREENGUARD Children & Schools.
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BIFMA International level-2 certification.
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Qualifies for credits towards Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.
The Embody Chair by Herman Miller is available from Amazon.com, starting at $1,199.00, which includes the adjustable arm supports
Photo © 2012 Herman Miller, Inc.
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