What is a Zero Gravity Chair?

While zero gravity chairs continue to become popular choices for new furniture additions to the home, many people are left wondering “what is a zero gravity chair?” We’re taking a look at these revolutionary chairs to see what makes them stand out from the crowd. In this guide we’ll look at how they function, health benefits they provide, and interesting ways to use them in the home so the next time you hear “what is a zero gravity chair?” you’ll be the expert!

What Does Zero Gravity Chair Mean?

To quote Shakespeare, “what’s in a name?” No, your zero gravity chair won’t have you floating around your living room (though that would be very cool!), so then what does the term ‘zero gravity chair’ mean?

Zero gravity chairs are so named because they emulate the neutral body position observed in astronauts at rest in space. In space, the body at rest takes a different position than on earth where gravity takes its toll. Zero gravity chairs replicate this position by reclining the body with the legs above the heart level. This reclining position, called zero gravity position, evenly distributes weight along the length of the body and reduces pressure from the effects of gravity as compared to traditional recliners.

The namesake position of zero gravity chairs provides both comfort and an endless number of health benefits. 

Health Benefits of Zero Gravity Chairs

The health benefits of zero gravity chairs are the most important factor in what makes them unique. While traditional recliners provide comfort, zero gravity recliners positively impact your mental and physical health while you use them.

Zero gravity chairs have been shown to:

• Promote spinal decompression, alleviating back pain and sciatica symptoms
• Improve blood circulation, reducing pressure on the heart and risk of cardiovascular disease
• Reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental health along the way
• Providing deeper relaxation and improving sleep quality

Zero Gravity Chairs for Back Pain and Spinal Decompression

In the zero gravity position, pressure is evenly distributed along the body instead of focused on certain points like in a traditional recliner. This allows for spinal decompression, a gentle stretching of the spine that alleviates lower back pain and allows the spine to heal faster. As the spine decompresses, discs are able to rehydrate as oxygen and nutrients flow more easily throughout the body.

Even 20 minutes a day of zero gravity chair usage can result in the same amount of spinal healing it takes 8-10 hours to achieve in a traditional bed. This means you’re getting full results even from short naps!

Another benefit of neutral body positioning is using zero gravity chairs for lower back pain relief. An estimated 80 percent of all people experience lower back pain at some point in their lifetime, making it a common ailment that needs attention. In a traditional recliner, all the pressure of the body is focused on the pelvic region. In a zero gravity recliner, pressure is taken off the pelvis and sciatic nerve system, alleviating pain that radiates from pinched nerves and possible muscle spasms caused by muscle tension.

Improved Blood Circulation for Cardiovascular Health

Reclining in zero gravity chairs also reduces pressure on the heart and allows for better blood flow. This improved blood circulation carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the entire body more efficiently, helping the body heal faster and perform better. Lower blood pressure also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

Using a Zero Gravity Chair for Stress Relief

Everyone experiences activities that cause stress on a daily basis. It’s how you manage those stress levels that makes all the difference to your mental health. Even a few minutes a day in a zero gravity chair gives you the chance to practice self-care, calm your mind and body, and allow your daily stress to melt away.

Stress reduction and relaxation come together for the last item on our list:

Improving Sleep Quality With Zero Gravity Chairs

The health benefits of zero gravity chairs even extends to sleep quality. In zero gravity position, better blood circulation and even weight distribution improve your lung functionality. Deeper breaths allow the body and mind to relax more deeply. With deeper relaxation comes better sleep quality, allowing you to awaken feeling more rested.

Using a zero gravity chair while pregnant offers a safe sleep environment, especially in later stages where lying flat is not recommended. Zero gravity chairs also provide excellent sleep opportunities for those who may not do well on traditional mattresses due to chronic back pain.

Zero Gravity Chair Features

When you’re discovering the answer to “what is a zero gravity chair?” the primary answer, of course,  comes from the zero gravity position itself. There’s more to these recliners than just the positioning, though. Many zero gravity chairs offer additional features that increase comfort and enhance their health benefits.

Features like massage programs and heat therapy functions are relaxing but also serve to keep muscles relaxed and heal the body after the physical activities of the day. Other models may also include lumbar support for improving posture and realigning the spine to its natural s-shaped curvature.

Places to Use a Zero Gravity Chair in Your Home

Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a zero gravity chair” let’s take a look at how versatile they are in your home! Zero gravity chairs are truly multifunctional pieces or furniture. The most obvious placement is in a main living space. As there are benefits of zero gravity recliners for all ages, everyone can enjoy them as a new addition to the living room.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to present new challenges to adapt to and overcome, you may have found yourself with new circumstances. Many people are now working from home full time, requiring they make a quarantine home office space that fits their needs and keeps up productivity. Using a zero gravity chair in place of a traditional office chair is a great way to protect mental and physical health as you’re spending so much more time at home.

Another change with the global pandemic has been the mass adaptation to distance learning and homeschooling for students. If you’ve found yourself now being a school monitor or even a homeschool teacher, having a comfortable setup is very important. Adding a zero gravity chair to your homeschool setup provides plenty of comfort and benefits for the coming school days.

The places in your home for a zero gravity chair are as endless as your imagination, really. You can use one as a cozy spot while building a home library or get the best seat in the house when creating a home theater! Wherever you opt to add a zero gravity chair, you’ll love the difference it makes.

We hope you now feel very well informed on what a zero gravity chair is and what makes them stand out! Their health benefits, features, and comfort make them welcome in every home. Whether you’re using adding one to a main living space or sprucing up your home office during quarantine, choosing a zero gravity chair will be the best decision you make!

Since we’re all spending more time at home during the pandemic it’s important we take care of ourselves. Check out how a zero gravity chair benefits your body while staying home to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy.