Does anyone have any experience with the Swopper chair?

July 27, 2006 11:37 AM

does anyone out there have any experience with the swopper chair?

i often have lower back pain. i'm pretty sure it is because i sit in front of a computer all day. i've read some good things about the swopper chair (google it).

is it worth the $500-600 price tag?

posted by zzztimbo to Health & Fitness (4 answers total)

I've never used one, but on googling, it totally reminds me of those toys they have on some outdoor playgrounds for little kids to ride. (plastic/metal animal on a spring).

Perhaps you could make your own for a lot less money?
posted by JMOZ at 11:46 AM on July 27, 2006

Ikea has a stool with a rounded bottom for like 30 bucks if you want to see if you'd like the general idea of the thing. Obviously, it won't compare in quality, but it might give you an idea.
posted by callmejay at 11:54 AM on July 27, 2006

(Here's the Google link, fwiw)
posted by Handcoding at 2:07 PM on July 27, 2006

i've sat on one several times but not for extended periods. they're definitely comfortable and fun. it's sort of the same concept as those big inflated balls that a lot of people use for desk chairs. it's quite bouncy and requires you to balance a bit - though not as much as the balls - so i guess it improves your upper body strength? i had a hard time *not* bouncing on it continuously because it was so novel and silly but i imagine that wears off pretty quickly.

and i don't think it would be worth trying to make your own. furniture like that has a lot of engineering in it that would be impossible to replicate correctly.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 4:10 PM on July 27, 2006 [1 favorite]