The Anthros Chair Goes Beyond Ergonomics

WHEN YOU LOOK AT OR SIT IN an Anthros chair, its name makes sense. Anthro is a prefix that means “human,” and Anthros chairs are clearly designed with every part of the human body in mind. 

The Anthros chair launched last September and is the first offering from the Grand Rapids, Michigan–based company founded by Steven DuFresne and Eric Murphy. Prior to launching Anthros, DuFresne spent decades working with wheelchair users, some of “the most complex sitters on the planet.” Leveraging its background in wheelchair design, Anthros offers a science-backed, evidence-based, and research-focused ergonomic chair perfect for everyday use, whether in the office or in front of a gaming setup. 

“We had to help people sit all day, every day, and not get hurt,” explains DuFresne. “People who are paralyzed from the waist down can’t sense pain. They can’t say, ‘Oh, my back hurts.’” But there are a lot of chairs out there. “In 2019, we sat in every chair at NeoCon, and we left there and had a moment where I turned to Eric and said, ‘Let’s do something; I think there is room for just one more chair.’ ” And so they did. 

Anthros prioritizes user comfort and health. Its adjustable two-part back system features a dynamic lower-back pelvis support (rather than a traditional lumbar support, which results in slouching over time) that adapts to the natural curvature of the spine, promoting proper posture and reducing strain on the back, even during extended periods of sitting. This thoughtful design is further enhanced by adjustable armrests and seat height, allowing for customization to individual preferences and body types. The chair also incorporates a unique tilt-and-swivel mechanism that encourages fluid motion and flexibility.

For Anthros, ergonomics is an overused word in the industry. Instead, the company offers up “Anthronomics,” a word it defines as an understanding of biomechanics, ergonomics, and anthropometrics, “in the pursuit of optimal posture and support of the human body in the standing and sitting postures.” It all illustrates how the brand sees “seating at a different level.”