I began my chair massage career way back in 2001. My first chair was very basic but at the time it ticked all the boxes for what I needed as I was just beginning. Since then the corporate chair massage business is booming.
As you can therefore imagine the range of different chairs on offer is wide, varying in quality and price. I currently have 4 massage chairs. I have had to say goodbye to a few as they just were too heavy and unhandy or they just simply deteriorated due to constant use. (Text continues below photos)
I bought my first aluminium chair in 2007. I wanted a wooden one simply because they looked nicer but these had just been discontinued (last year a very kind friend/colleague gave me one as he had so many – lucky me!) On average massage chairs weight about 8kg.
So over the years I have quite a collection. Preferring not to drive, I figured the quickest, most environmentally-friendly way to get to customers would be to cycle. Carrying my chair on my back like a rucksack started in 2001, you couldn’t miss me! My saddle had to be low enough so I could put my foot on the ground whilst still seated otherwise I would loose my balance and fall off. Whilst waiting at traffic lights I am often asked “What’s in the bag? A body? A musical instrument?” No-one has ever guessed a massage chair.
Have I ever fallen off? Twice. The first time was when two thieves stole my bag from my front basket whilst I was cycling. In my rage, I screamed and shouted and cycled after them. Unfortunately I lost my balance and fell sideways (I did get my bag back by the way, minus some cash and CD player). The second time was a gust of wind which I did not expect so not really as exciting as chasing after thieves.
I have a few regular corporate clients who I go to every two weeks or every month, so to make travel easier I leave a chair at their offices. (Text continues below photos)
I am getting older 😉 so I have now invested in an electric bike with a trailer for my chair. There is no stopping me!