I was perusing one of those ‘Golfing for Women’ magazines the other week and started wondering where the women live, who wear the golf attire modeled in women’s golf magazines? I’ve never seen women, not even the professionals, who would dress in such expensive and outrageous clothing.

It’s easy to spend lots of money fitting yourself out for golf. What with hats, sunglasses, gloves, shirts, shorts, socks, windsheeters and shoes, the costs add up very quickly, even if you do your shopping at the sales. Then factor in the cost of clubs, balls, bag, cart and fees and you have to play very often to keep the “CPU” (cost per use) down to a reasonable level.

One glossy advert showed a beautiful model in very short shorts (as if that’s allowed on courses!) that cost nearly $300, a golf shirt at almost $600, a jacket by Ralph Lauren at almost $200 and two-toned Utuser shoes costing $400 plus.

That adds up to about $1,500! I know that I could never hope to get the CPU on that outfit down to anywhere near a normal level in my lifetime! Don’t misunderstand me - I love clothes and I really love shoes, but could never afford, or even want, golf shoes or pants that cost more than most people’s weekly wage.

OK, you need comfy golfing shoes that don’t look like a pair of clogs, but really, you can buy cheaper and still fantastic golf shoes.

I have bought a couple of very stylish golfing outfits, even though none of them are famous brand names. If I were to add up the cost of all of those articles of clothing, it would not come to the price of a Tse golf shirt. Personally, I would prefer to have a few stylish outfits than one that is priced way over-the-top.

If I were to wear a $1,500 set of golfing apparel to play golf in, I would just be too worried about getting it dirty or sweating in it to enjoy a decent round of golf.

Reviews can be very helpful in determining the types of products that might fit your needs. The most effective reviews are ones that cover the salient issues regarding the product you are interested in obtaining. Our experience is that most customers want to know about key aspect of a massage chair such as warranty, ergonomics, ease of use, massage therapy and key features. As such, we have developed a systematic approach to evaluating massage chairs based on the above 5 categories. We also weigh each of these categories equally and give a score up to 20 points. The total possible rating for a massage chair is therefore 100 points. This review will take an in-depth look at the top of the line Omega Massage chair. This is the Montage Premier which is in the luxury range of $4,000 to $5,000.

Warranty & Customer Service: For the consumer, the warranty is a form of risk reduction. In any transaction, one party takes on more risk than the other. The warranty is to reduce the risk of the consumer and balance out the transaction. Therefore, warranty is especially important on higher ticket items. The Montage Premier is backed by one of the best warranties available. Omega Massage gives you 5 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, 3 years labor and 90 days in-home service. Omega also covers any parts shipping expense for one year. This is a more comprehensive warranty than any reputable manufacturer. From a customer service standpoint, Omega has a national warranty call center and is responsive and technically competent with minimal turnaround times. The Montage Premier earns a 19 in Warranty & Customer.

Comfort & Ergonomics: We like the ergonomics of this well designed massage recliner. This chair is designed for the American market. It can fit users up to 6′ 6″ and has a weight limit of 300 pounds. The recliner is wheel chair accessible for those individuals who might have trouble getting in and out of the chair. There is a wireless sub remote that offers tremendous convenience for the users. The chair is comfortable to sit in and has a very nice synthetic leather which is very soft. The synthetic leather is also very easy to clean. We rate the comfort and ergonomics a 19.

Ease of Use: This category is about intuitive use of the massage chair controls. They should be simple and easy to use for first time users. This recliner comes with many advanced features in the remote control. It comes with a wireless sub remote which is well designed and simple to use. There are 5 single touch automatic programs. The chair back and footrest work off a wheel control like an ipod. The LCD control panel shows exactly what massage functions are being applied. The myriad of manual controls have great descriptions in the side panel of the remote. We rate the ease of use for the Montage Premier a 19.

Key Features: There is an array of great features in this massage chair, but we find the full body heat and the lower body traction system to be key features to point out. The Montage Premier comes with heating elements in the chair back, the seat and the leg rest. Each of these areas can be individually controlled. This allows the user to target the use of heat where they most need. We find heat is a great compliment to massage therapy and is used in spas throughout the world. Omega has added an effective lower body traction function. This traction function gently stretches the lower body including the lower back, hips, knees and ankles. The leg rest is brought to the horizontal position. The airbags are activated to hold your ankles in place. The leg rest then lowers successively to 3 positions. When the leg rest lowers, it stretches the muscles and tendons throughout the lower body. The Montage Premier earns a 19 in Key Features.

Massage Therapy: This massage chair is the most comprehensive on the market. It has tremendous capability to deliver a full sensory experience. You have 5 automatic programs, 4 manual massage techniques, and 6 manual massage courses. There are 4 levels of speed adjustment and 4 roller width adjustments. The air compression massage system covers your buttocks, hips, thighs, calves, feet, hands and arms. Additionally, you can apply heat to 3 separate areas of the chair. Slip on the headphones and let the music relax your mind. Get a great lower body stretch from your hips to your ankles. This is a very soothing, invigorating and the most comprehensive massage experience you can get from a massage chair. The Montage Premier earns 20 points for massage therapy.

The Montage Premier earns a 96/100 points on our rating scale. The Montage Premier is the most comprehensive massage therapy chair on the market today. You get comprehensive warranty coverage without having to buy an extended warranty. The chair comes with a wide array of massage treatments to target practically all areas of the body. It provides a strong massage which can be softened with the included extra back pad. Bottom line, this massage chair delivers a soothing and comprehensive massage experience every time.

There are many terms to describe massage chairs. Commonly, you can find robotic massage chairs or shiatsu massage chairs. There are many different terms which can cause confusion for those looking for a massage chair. Shiatsu massage chairs provide a shiatsu massage therapy. This is a massage therapy that origins are in Japan. Let us first explore shiatsu massage then we can make sure that any shiatsu labeled chair actually qualifies for this designation.

Shiatsu massage is a branch of ancient Chinese medicine which was developed in Japan over many centuries. Acupuncture has been used since ancient times, but the use of pressure instead of needles is acupressure. The Japanese healers have practiced many ways to heal the body and to reduce aches, pains and general discomfort. This particular massage therapy developed by using pressure applied to different areas to unblock and enhance energy flow. Through much trial and error, the Japanese healers found specific areas now called acupressure points which were found to help to heal the body.

As the pressure points were being discovered and correlated to different body parts, massage therapies were used in conjunction. Massage techniques such as chopping and kneading were used. Chopping helps stimulate the muscles to increase blood and lymph circulation. Kneading was found to elongate the muscles to help increase flexibility and healing after physical exertion. The use of pressure points where firm pressure is used with either chopping and kneading started the foundation to traditional shiatsu massage.

Shiatsu massage therapy has 3 main parts which include acu-pressure, kneading and tapping massages. Usually the acu-pressure points are detected by performing a body scan. The massage chair then customizes the massage to the user. The back rollers have the kneading and tapping movements. The best massage chairs have these minimum requirements to qualify as a shiatsu style massage chair. Some brands that offer them are Human Touch, Sanyo, Panasonic and Omega Massage.

One of the original lineages of shiatsu massage chairs are by Panasonic. The EP 30003 massage recliner provides two different styles of shiatsu style massage. It has the traditional shiatsu massage and also the Junetsu style. The Junetsu style differs from traditional shiatsu with the use of small circular and penetratng motions. The Junetsu style is good deep tissue relief. The combinations in the auto programs are well thought out for a therapeutic and relaxing massage.

Sanyo has their high end chair that comes with a multi-point shiatsu leg and foot massage. The Sanyo HEC DR7700K uses specialized airbags with built in acupressure nodes to provide penetrating relief to the feet, calves, ankles and legs. The airbags will energize applying firm pressure to the part of the lower body. Other airbags energize with the acupressure nodes to stimulate the pressure points to provide whole body relaxation.

The Montage Premier Massage chair by Omega delivers a penetrating and invigorating shiatsu massage. The Montage Premier has the best foot massage of the high end chairs. This chair has acupressure nodes that penetrate both the arch and the heel of the foot. It performs an alternating sequence which stimulates the major organs and induces full body tranquility and relaxation. Omega also incorporates an MP3 player to play your favorite music to keep your mind occupied on relaxing.

Of course, there are more massage chairs that provide shiatsu massage therapy, but these are the best of the best. Find out if shiatsu massage is right for you. If so, then you will do very well with any of these chairs. Many companies advertise that they perform certain functions, but they may not actually deliver it. If you stick with the top brands like Sanyo, Omega and Panasonic then you will get years of shiatsu massage therapy from your massage chair.

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which it is thought to be derived from acupuncture. However, in the case of acupressure, physical pressure is used to acupoints by various movements. Acupressure is one of the most effective methods for tension related ailments. It stimulates various acupoints which is believed to promote blood flow and healing.

Acupressure is normally performed by using the hands, thumbs, elbows or mechanized equipment. These instruments are used to target the body’s acupoints. It is not that when this pressure is applied to the acupoints, that it will unleash the body’s natural pain relievers.

Acupoints are given places that are especially sensitive to impulses in the body. They also conduct these impulses readily. When these points are stimulated they release endorphins. Endorphins are the neurochemicals which help to suppress pain. This helps to relieve the pain of injury or discomfort from physical activity.

When the acupoints is pressed, this elongates the soft tissue fibers. This helps the muscle to relax, the blood to flow more readily and toxins to be flushed. Enhanced blood circulation brings more nutrients and more oxygen. This helps keep the area functioning smoothly.

Keeping your body and harmony is important. Acupressure massage helps to restore the emotional and physical balance. The impact of stress on the body can accumulate tension resulting in muscle fatigue. This can get the body and mind out of balance. Relaxation is essential to help restore the emotional side. Relieving the tension from the body helps the physical side.

Traditional Chinese medicine works off of a holistic understanding of the body. It is believed that there are pathways connecting acupoints to internal organs. When an acupoints is stimulated, a signal is sent through the meridian to its corresponding organ. This has provided a framework for connecting acupoints to ager organs.

There can be just harmony in the body when the pathways are blocked. Energy may not effectively flow through the body. The stimulation of acupoints target the release of these blockages in the body. This helps to restore the energy flow and harmony in the body.

Oftentimes acupressure massage is used in conjunction with sports therapy. Athletes routinely use acupressure to improve muscle tone and to relieve stiffness and tension. It can be applied prior to an event or as part of the warm down after physical exertion. Is used to relieve pain, improve flexibility and help prevent injury.

We have all experienced muscle stiffness or aching in the joints. This may occur when we exert this muscle more than usual. It becomes stiff and begins to hurt. Acupressure massage is great to relieve this build up of tension. By elongating the soft tissue areas, it restores flexibility and relaxes the muscle.

Realize that when your muscles are stiff, it will take some on doing to restore their flexibility. There is an initial threshold to cross where discomfort and pain is stemming from overcoming the stiffness. However, once you regain some flexibility, then the pain. And the muscle and joint will feel well again.

Acupressure is by no means a substitute for medical care. Although overcoming initial muscle stiffness can cause discomfort, he acupressure massage should never cause pain. Always seek your physician’s advice before pursuing any type of alternative treatment.

Where do you get in acupressure massage? There are many massage therapists which specialize in acupressure massage. You can check your local listings to find one nearby. Another way to go is with a massage chair. Massage chairs are programmed with many of the popular massage techniques. They provide you with acupressure massage on demand.

The beauty of acupressure is it is a natural treatment to benefit both the body and mind. It helps the mind to relax which releases the tension in the body. As the massage penetrates through the muscle and soft tissue areas, stiffness is melted away. This promotes a healthy balance which is positive for healing and maintaining your immune system. Restoring this balance requires periodic massage treatments.

I expect that this initial effort of mine into the world of writing will find a place with both novices and experts in the tennis world. I am trying to interest the student of the game by a somewhat prolonged discussion of match play, which I trust will cast a new light on the game of tennis.

I will address the novice in my opening and speak of certain matters which are second nature to the skilled player. The best tennis equipment is not much good for the beginner even if he really is trying to succeed. However, one has to buy good quality; it is a saving in the end, as good quality material far outlasts poor quality gear.

It is important to always dress in tennis attire when playing tennis. The question of selecting a tennis racquet is a much more serious matter. I do not advocate forcing a certain make of racquet upon any player, since all the standard brands are excellent. However, it is on the weight, balance, and size of handle that the real value of a racquet frame depends, while good stringing is essential to obtain the best results.

After you have selected your racquet, make a firm resolve to use only good tennis balls, as a regular bounce is a great aid to advancement, while a “dead” ball is no use at all. If you really desire to succeed at tennis and advance rapidly, I strongly urge you to see all the good tennis you can. Study the play of the leading players and try to copy their strokes. Read all the tennis instruction books you can find. They are a great help.

More tennis can be learned off the court, in the study of theory, and in watching the top players in action, than can ever be learned in actual play. I do not advise miss opportunities to play tennis. Far from it. Play whenever you can, but strive when playing to put in practice the theories you have read or the strokes you have watched.

Do not allow yourself to become discouraged by lack of progress. The manner of playing some stroke you have worked on over weeks in vain, will suddenly come to you when least expected. Good tennis players are the product of hard work. Very few players are born geniuses at the game. Tennis is a game that pays you interest all your life. A tennis racquet is a letter of introduction in any town.

The fellowship of tennis is universal, since none but a fit sportsman can succeed in the game for any lengthy period of time. Tennis offers relaxation, excitement, exercise, and pure enjoyment to the player who is bound fast to his business until late afternoon.

The following is the order of development that produces the quickest and most lasting results: i. Concentration on the game. ii. Keep the eye on the ball. iii. Foot-work and weight-control. iv. Strokes. v. Court position. vi. Court generalship or match play. vii. Tennis psychology.

Concentration. Tennis is played first with the mind. The best racquet technique in the world will not be enough if the directing mind is wandering. There are many causes of a distracted mind in a tennis match. The chief one is loss of interest in the game. No one should play tennis with any expectation of real success unless he cares enough about the game to be willing to do the practice necessary to learn the game correctly.

Jack it in right now if you are not willing to work very hard. The weather, conditions of play or the murmurs in the gallery often bewilder even very experienced match-players playing in new surroundings. Complete and utter concentration on the game is the only remedy for a wandering mind, and the sooner that lesson is learned the quicker the improvement of the player.

The best way to keep a game in focus is to try for every set, every game in the set, every point in the game and, eventually, every shot in the point. A set is merely a conglomeration of made and missed shots, and the man who misses the least is the final victor.

1. Define Your Needs: There are a great variety of features, functions and technology available in massage chairs. Think of some of the benefits that you expect from purchasing a massage recliner. Are you looking to relieve your back, shoulders, neck, legs, feet or arms? What kind of budget do you have? Is this a long term or short term investment? Most people want 24/7 relief in the comfort and privacy of their home. Think about what you want to get out of your purchase.

2. Back Pain Relief: Are you are looking for back pain relief? If so, what parts of your back is most important? Massage chairs have rollers that can provide full back, shoulder and neck coverage. Many have width adjustments to expand or contract the rollers. Also, the stroke length is important. The stroke length is the amount of travel the back rollers have when moving up and down the chair back. Typical stroke lengths are 23 inches to 31 inches. To get the proper coverage of the back define what areas are must haves for a shiatsu massage chair

3. Massage Therapy: Are you looking for deep tissue massage that penetrates beyond the superficial muscle layers? Shiatsu massage uses the body’s acupressure points combined with kneading and tapping for whole body relief. Swedish massage uses longer strokes, kneading, squeezing and heat. A gentle Hawaiian massage using sway, stroking and light tapping may take you to the islands while you relax. The technology integrated into many shiatsu massage recliners is incredible. Have fun and find the massage therapies you enjoy most and look for massage chairs that have these capabilities.

4. Lower Body Massage: Do not forget your lower body. Shiatsu massage chairs have very effective lower body massage therapies. There are two technologies to consider for the footrest. The mechanical paddle systems or the air massage system. The mechanical paddle system is basically a motor driven paddle system which is used to massage the calves. The paddle system is limited to just the calf massage. The paddle system provides a vigorous tapping massage. The air massage system is driven by a compressor and delivers a compression massage to throughout the lower body. The air massage system uses a squeeze, hold and release massage while also stimulating reflexology points. There are some chairs which combine both technologies. The lower body massages have improved tremendously over the last few years.

5. Warranty Coverage: Warranty coverage varies as much as the variety of massage chairs on the market. First, sort your list down to reputable manufacturers. Find out if the manufacturer has national retail accounts, this ensures that there warranty means something. Typical warranty coverage includes parts; labor, in home service vs. service center, shipping expenses. Interestingly, Fortune 500 manufacturers like Panasonic and Sanyo have short warranties from the manufacturer, but then sell extended warranties to match the rest of the massage chair industry. How long does the manufacturer cover parts? If you need service, can a technician come to your home or do you need to send your massage chair to a service center. This is important, as sending around 200 lbs of massage chair is not an easy task. Also, how long will the manufacturer pick up any shipping expenses to repair the massage chair?

It is an exciting time to be looking for a massage chair. The technology is so advanced and the features are very effective. Research into the various massage therapies and find the ones that will most effectively work for you. When you start to find some models, check around for others that match what you want in a chair. The best is always to try the massage recliner, and then you can test its effectiveness directly. Shop around to find the best deal; do not forget to factor in taxes and shipping. Most of all, find a massage chair to meet your needs today and tomorrow.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve probably heard of Nike shoes and are familiar with their swoosh logo. These popular shoes are sold all over the world and are worn by children, men, women, and professional athletes. You’d be hard pressed to walk into any shoe store and not find a pair of Nike shoes for sale.

The original swoosh logo was originally designed in 1971 by a student studying graphic design at Portland State University. Carolyn Davidson was paid $35 for the famous design but some sources say that the co-founder of Nike, Phil Knight, later bought her a diamond ring engraved with the Nike logo and also an undisclosed amount of Nike stock after she left the company in 1983. It’s interesting to note that Knight originally wasn’t too impressed with Davidson’s work. He said, “I don’t love it, but it will grow on me.”

In 2008 Nike made a net income of $1.9 billion dollars. Not bad for a business that started with a couple of guys selling sneakers out of the back of their van. This is the perfect example of capitalism in action and what can happen if you set goals and work hard. As of late, the company has received bad press due to claims associated with poor working environments and human rights issues with workers overseas.

The name Nike comes from the Greek goddess of victory, and like many other successful companies, had a humble beginning. Philip Knight was a track athlete at the University of Oregon and joined up with his coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1964 to sell shoes out of their cars at track meets. At that time they called themselves Blue Ribbon Sports.

Blue Ribbon Sports started developing their own personal line of shoes in 1971. Before that they sold shoes manufactured and produced by a Japanese company. In the beginning they specialized in shoes designed for football and eventually began making other types of shoes. The Blue Ribbon Sports name was dropped in 1978. By 1980, fifty percent of shoes sold in the U.S. were Nike.

In the past Nike once owned rights to the Bauer Hockey and Starter sprots brands. It currently own numerous other sports apparel companies including Converse and Umbro. You can also still find Nike headquarters in the state of Oregon where it all began over 30 years ago.

Nike Shoes continue to be popular today among professional athletes, sports enthusiasts, and those just looking for a comfortable and attractive pair of sneakers. While Nike is often criticized by others for its mass appeal, I’m sure the co-founders would argue that success never comes easy.