Whether you’re a computer junkie – or simply sit at a desk all day – most of us spend a minimum of forty hours a week strapped to a chair with only our fingers in motion. Healthy? Not likely. And so, the growing trend of ‘active’ seating has emerged. It’s not designed to make you ultra-comfortable, but rather to make you more fit. The latest example is the On, designed by Wiege for Wilkhahn, a product five years in the making, designed to increase muscle health by keeping you moving – while sitting.

On. Designed by Wiege for Wilkhahn.

It all began with the exercise ball – which got some morning news and magazine coverage for its health and posture benefits. A small group of people began using it, in lieu of a chair, while they worked. Barbara Bluestone, now President of ErgoErgo, was one of them. When Alan Heller witnessed this, he set out to create a well-designed, beautiful version that could provide the same benefits – and named it ErgoErgo (check out our videos from both #NeoConEast and @ Heller NYC for further explanation)

Most of us are unlikely to stroll into the office with a exercise ball. ErgoErgo offers a great alternative. But the On by Wiege is for those who want the benefits of increased muscle health- while remaining committed to the traditional office chair aesthetic (or who – more simply – require a chair-back).
The research effort for the On chair involved everyone from kinesiologists to materials scientists. They realized that ‘the right chair isn’t right for everyone’. Despite how ‘ergonomic’ it may be – its rigid form won’t work for everyone.  And so, the One was designed to accomodate a range of sitting positions, with several joints that allow the seat pan to tilt forward, back, and side-to-side. Your position can change constantly. It seems like an oxymoron – but On is designed to keep you moving – while seated.

via Fast Company