Human Touch has been in the wellness and massage chair space since 1979, and they design chairs that can fit into a home without looking like a gadget or drawing attention to itself. They offer a broad range of chairs for every budget. Their chairs are used across sports and wellness organizations, where they are often used for recovery purposes.

The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 massage chair is a compact swivel base chair with a retractable ottoman, a calf and foot module, and a FlexGlide massage engine for the back, neck, and shoulders. The massage programs are controlled and smooth rather than brute force, so you feel good during the massage rather than just the next day. The WholeBody 5.1 is a comfort-first chair that can still get into the right areas where you need it.

Design

The WholeBody 5.1 is one of those rare massage chairs that can be placed in a living room without starting an argument. Rather than stand out, it passes as a modern recliner from a few steps back. The footprint is just 28 inches wide, and the swivel base gives you 55 degrees of rotation so you can face a screen, a conversation, or a window without dragging the chair across the floor. The retractable ottoman approach makes it so that the calf wells can be tucked away when you are not in massage mode to save space.

FlexGlide

FlexGlide is the defining feature of this chair and the one that makes it so popular. It is an orbital massage that stays smooth across your back, with less pinching and friction than some traditional roller systems. This chair was designed for comfort and flow rather than sharp intensity spikes that some other chairs dish out. There are different modes that you can choose from, so the feel changes by selecting the program you want rather than trying to work through an array of settings yourself. If you are sensitive to aggressive rollers, this chair will probably be a good fit for you.

Targeted massage

Like most chairs, the WholeBody 5.1 goes the extra mile if you tune it to work with your body size and your situation. You can set the range you want the chair to address and limit it so it doesn't hit areas that don't need it or that aren't ready for it. Width adjustment is also available, which is key if you want more spine-focused work or more lat and shoulder blade contact. There are three auto immersion programs, and each runs a 15-minute session while cycling techniques.

The WholeBody 5.1 can provide neck and shoulder relief, and the setup gives you a practical way to tune it. You can flip the head pillow over the backrest when you want more neck and shoulder intensity. If you are on the taller side of the supported range, it is worth taking the time to get the recline angle and pillow placement right so the rollers sit where you want them. Human Touch lists the intended height range as 5 feet to 6 feet 2 inches, which covers most users but not everyone.

Foot and calf module

The calf and foot module is not just there to check a box. Human Touch uses CirQlation figure-eight motion that moves upward in a wave like pattern and is designed to be focused on circulation. The footrest can rotate between foot and calf positions, and it can lock in place when you want full calf engagement. There is also a calf stretch function that you can use, which can be a nice add if you sit all day or train often. For comfort and massage quality, this leg section is one of the best parts about the for the WholeBody 5.1.

Comfort is not only about rollers. The WholeBody 5.1 uses a dual motor back and leg rest setup, so you can adjust recline and leg elevations. That helps you find the sweet spot where your back is supported and your legs are not fighting gravity. Be sure your room has enough space to recline, since the chair stretches out to about 67 inches long in the reclined position. Human Touch also lists 9 inches of rear clearance, so plan your layout with the wall in mind.

Specs

Max load is 285 pounds, and the chair itself weighs 107 pounds, so delivery and placement deserve a little planning. Upholstery is SofHyde, which Human Touch describes as a synthetic leather-like material that does not use animal hide. Setup is refreshingly manageable for this category since the chair unfolds and you attach the seat cushion, backrest pad, and head pillow. If you would rather not wrestle with it, White Glove delivery is offered as an add on.

Intensity

Human Touch positions the WholeBody 5.1 at a moderate intensity level, and that lines up with how this chair is built. You shouldn't expect deep tissue pressure from this chair, since it is designed more for comfort. If you want it to be a bit more intense, the good news is you can often get more out of it by narrowing width, tightening the vertical range, and using Position plus Partial Glide to focus on problem areas. The pillow flip trick can also bump perceived intensity where it counts.

Vetted Verdict

The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 is a great chair if you want something that can suit just about any space and you're looking for a comfortable chair that can provide some actual relief. If you're looking for more tools, you might also consider the WholeBody 7.1. But the WholeBody 5.1 is a great place to start, and will serve well for anyone who wants a chair they will actually keep in their main space and use often, with massage quality that is smooth, controlled, and comfort driven.