Take A Seat Sit on it

Let's harken back to our school days. Hours and hours spentsitting on straight-backed wooden desk chairs, shifting from sideto side by the end of the day. Maybe those chairs had some effecton our attention spans.

Even though we're all grown up (don't laugh), that sameprinciple still applies. Only now it's business productivityinstead of grammar grades that are on the line.

Good ergonomic seating involves more than just your tush. Itshould also cradle your back; encourage good posture; and allow forheight, back and arm adjustments. Some of the chairs we looked atcome in different sizes, like clothing, for a more individualfit--so you aren't obliged to squirm and slouch in search ofthe ultimate position. Selecting a particular chair depends on yourbody shape, size and work habits. Don't be afraid to send achair back if it doesn't still feel comfortable after eighthours.

"Active sitting" is a term being tossed around a lot.Many companies are designing chairs that encourage and supportmovement so they follow along when you tilt back or turnside-to-side. The chairs on these pages are all ergonomicallydesigned to hold the body in a natural position throughout theworkday.

Prices for the following chairs vary greatly with the grade offabric you choose. Higher-quality fabrics and especially leathercan end up costing you hundreds of dollars extra. But remember, thelower-grade fabrics look (and will hold up) just fine.

Manufacturer: Bevco

Model: 6003AA

Street Price: $319

Phone: (800) 864-2991

Web Site:http://www.bevco.com

The 6003AA's under-seat levers control its many tiltoptions. An advanced rocker feature lets you practice "activesitting." The rocking tension and back and seat angles can beset for customized seating. The height is adjustable from 16 to 21inches using the lifetime-guaranteed pneumatic lift. The AA standsfor "adjustable arms" formed from sturdy polyurethane.The seat is roomy and constructed with a waterfall front for evenleg support. Standard upholstery colors include black, blue, brown,burgundy, gray and navy.

Manufacturer: Haworth Inc.

Model: TAS

Street Price: Starts at $365

Phone: (800) 344-2600

Web Site:http://www.haworth-furn.com

The TAS may sound expensive, but it's actually priced in themid-range of truly ergonomic chairs. A traditional design disguisesits modern features: It tilts side-to-side as well as forward andbackward to encourage the user to move around. This follows thetheory that motion creates alertness and increases workerproductivity. Haworth has also attached a built-in, pullout hangtag so the operating instructions are always readily available. TheTAS can be purchased with or without arms and with black, graphiteor stone-colored trim.

Manufacturer: Amotek/Lusa Inc.

Model: Flex

Street Price: $275

Phone: (800) CHAIRSS

Web Site:http://www.amotek.com

The seat of the Flex chair incorporates two inches ofhigh-density foam overlaid with two inches of memory foam that"learns" the user's shape to improve the fit overtime. It takes just two simple under-seat paddles to control thechair's tilt, height and back angle. The polypropyleneconstruction of the shell back lets the chair actually flex withyou as you move. The arms are adjustable--in/out and up/down--andthe seat can be locked or allowed to float free. The Flex featuresa five-year warranty with a lifetime guarantee for the pneumaticcylinder.

Manufacturer: ERA Products Inc.

Model: Galaxy

Street Price: $1,495

Phone: (800) 576-7328

Web Site: N/A

Don't forget to buckle up. This ergonomic chair looks likeit was pulled out of a sports car--and for good reason. FromERA's Driver's Seat line, the Galaxy was designed byautomotive engineers. It offers knob-controlled lumbar support,eight-position back tilt (one-piece model), easy lift control forheight, rocking tension adjustment, adjustable arms and a positionlock. The head rest is also adjustable, and leather is standard. Itcomes with a lifetime frame warranty; mechanisms are covered forthree years. Consider it the Cadillac of office chairs.

Manufacturer: Grahl Industries Inc.

Model: Premier Duo-Back

Street Price: $339 (without arms)

Phone: (888) 289-4724

Web Site:http://www.grahl.com

This chair not only makes a great conversation piece, butit's practical as well. The split-back design follows yourmovements in all directions without putting pressure on yourvertebrae. The Premier Duo-Back is nicknamed the"hugger," and for good reason. The key is in thedesign's support of both sides of the back, allowing freedomfor the spine. Seat tilt, back angle and height are all adjustable.Carpet casters come standard, and adjustable arms cost anadditional $64.

Manufacturer: HON Industries Inc.

Model: 7701

Street Price: $120

Phone: (800) 435-7889

Web Site:http://www.honcompany.com

This task chair is made with computer users in mind. It'sthe first and most basic in HON's extensive 7700 Series. (Ifyou want something with bells and whistles that's stilleconomical, the 7707 and 7708 have more adjustable parts.) With itsquick-adjust back height and 360-degree swivel, the 7701 is a good,basic choice for those with tight budgets or for those who want tokeep up with a growing work force. It comes in three differentframe colors--black, light gray and taupe--with a variety of fabricchoices.