Massage alfresco
The sun is shining, the sky is blue and you’re out by the pool. It’s the perfect atmosphere to relax, but there’s one thing missing. How about a nice massage?
Although many of us would like to bring in a professional masseuse, it may not be in the financial cards. There is, however, a more affordable solution.
HoMedics, which has specialized in massage products for nearly a quarter of a century, recently debuted a line of outdoor massage products.
“We recognized that people engage in relaxation activities in various places in their home. In the past, it was mostly in living room and office settings. Now, people are using outdoor spaces as living spaces. They have more plush furniture outdoors, have grills built in outside, televisions outside. … They are building an extension of their homes. For us, it was natural to bring our products that they love to use in the living room to their outdoor living room,” said Brigid Ferraro, HoMedic’s senior product manager, personal care and wellness.
All of the outdoor massage products are battery operated, allowing them to be used practically anywhere.
The first-of-its-kind line includes a body roll, massage mat, massage cushion and foot and calf massager.
Ferraro said the company pioneered affordable and portable massage products. Prior to that, mechanical massages were usually found only in high-end furniture, she said.
Today, HoMedics is responsible for more than 80 percent of the market for home massage products. In addition to the outdoor line, the company offers a variety of cushion and mat massagers, spot massagers for the back and neck, foot massagers and handheld massagers.
“It’s our claim to fame,” Ferraro said.
In creating the new line, a special outdoor fabric was used, making the massagers water, mildew and fade resistant.
“We do recommend, if there’s a monsoon or severe weather, to take it indoors. But, you could leave it outside with your other high-quality patio furniture.”
They also have a meshlike quality that allows air to circulate so they don’t get hot.
Unlike other products offered by the company, the outdoor line does not have any heating units so you get a cool massage.
The massaging body roll is available in blue, green and brown and has a suggested retail price of $39.99 It has a shoulder strap, making it easier to take it wherever you go.
The massage mat offers a vibration massage in three speeds and three programs. It sells for $49.99 and includes a carrying bag.
The massage cushion, which retails for $39.99, also offers three speeds and three programs.
The foot and calf massager offers vibration massage with toe-touch control and sells for $19.99.
“The foot unit is very interesting,” Ferraro said. “It has a curved design that matches the natural curvature of your feet.”
Since the outdoor line is so new, HoMedics hasn’t had much customer response yet. However, Ferraro has tested the products at home and loves the ability to get a massage while sitting outdoors.
“I have two at home; it stays light here very late and I will go out after work and let the day melt away. It’s a great way to close out the day,” she said.
All of the massage products are available online at www.HoMedics.com.
