I bought this vacuum to try and lighten the strain on my back. I was previously using a Shark Liftaway Professional (which is an amazing vacuum). However, it's become increasingly difficult to have to hold a canister in one hand while vacuuming with the other. So far this vacuum has caused less strain on my back because it is doing well on the bare floors as well as carpets without changing the structure of the vacuuming process. I am happy with it.