by Melissa Brenneman

Is it possible to completely rid your body of stress in 15 minutes? You bet your $6,000 automated massage recliner it is. Creator and owner of downtown Greenville’s Healthy Lounge, Jennifer Morrow, came up with the idea of creating a place for rapid relaxation after sitting in a massage chair at the mall. She designed the Healthy Lounge for those individuals who need to quickly, affordably, and healthily relax.

Similar to a tanning salon, the Healthy Lounge offers high-end equipment for you to use without having to buy the equipment yourself. Anyone can walk in or schedule an appointment, and spend 15-30 minutes relaxing in a massage recliner or recharging with an oxygen session. Fortunately, when I went to the Healthy Lounge, I had enough time to experience everything this unique hideaway had to offer.

Upon entering the Healthy Lounge at downtown Greenville’s Riverplace, I got the feel of a hip, modern hangout. Bright colors and industrial fixtures set the tone for the displayed original artwork. Dividers along a hallway defined four rooms that were blocked off by curtains. As Jennifer guided me into the last room, a monster chair known as Sogno greeted me. As I settled into Sogno, Jennifer explained that the chair would first scan me to understand my body type, and then proceed to give me the best possible massage. After I slipped on the nearby headphones and set the music to a soothing jazz, Sogno began scanning me. Jennifer showed me where to press the call button, just in case things got too rough, and left Sogno and I together alone. It felt like someone wearing a warm leather jacket was hugging me. As Sogno kneaded my back, perfect pressure released tension in my feet and hands. As I sat there in awe of the precision of this machine, I began to compare Sogno to a massage by an actual person. I first thought about how nice it was that I didn’t have to undress and be partially exposed to a complete stranger. Having stayed fully clothed and away from human eyes, I didn’t wonder if Sogno was secretly thinking I’d be a good candidate for a plus-sized model. My second thought was that Sogno was more attentive than an actual person. Sogno worked my neck, lower back, calves and wrists at the same time. My human masseuse can effectively attend only one part of my body at a time. Drifting off into a daze, I couldn’t help but think that the makers of this machine had named him properly – Sogno is the Italian word for dream.

After 15 minutes, I reluctantly left Sogno to spend time with his brother, Robo Chair. His mission is to give deep-tissue massages. Though the same company designs Sogno and Robo Chair, they offer completely different experiences. Robo Chair applied more pressure to my feet, legs, arms and hands. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but Robo Chair gives a harder massage. I felt tension leave my limbs as the rollers in Robo Chair started at my shoulders and thighs, and worked down to my fingers and toes. It took the makers of Robo Chair seven years of research, development and testing to perfect its pressure and application. Based on my experience with Robo Chair, I’d say they were successful at creating a unique machine that provides the feel of a legitimate deep-tissue massage.

Following my massage with Robo Chair, I experienced my first ever oxygen session. In a lounge-like sitting area, Jennifer explained to me what an oxygen session was. Basically, the air we breathe is about 21% oxygen. However, by hooking up to the oxygen filters at the Healthy Lounge, you can breathe in four to five times that amount. Why breathe in high amounts of pure oxygen? Well the information cards at the Healthy Lounge explain it to you. Some benefits of oxygen are a heightened sense of concentration and memory, and the development of healthy sleeping patterns. After putting breathing tubes in my nose, I relaxed and enjoyed the oxygen that was scented with aromatherapy oils. Within minutes I started feeling more alert. Having always dealt with minor asthma, I noticed that my lungs felt lighter. It was refreshing. My mind was a little clearer and my lungs felt clean.

The Healthy Lounge is great for anyone on a time and money budget. A 15-minute session of any service is only $15. They also offer special package deals and chill out sessions designed for groups or parties (find out more at www.healthylounge.com). A retail section offers items like travel accessories and canned oxygen. The Healthy Lounge also has a healthy snack section including granola, health bars and teas. In the spring, Jennifer plans to open a full service beverage bar that provides performance shakes and natural juices. This will be convenient for those who jog along the Swamp Rabbit trail right in front of the Healthy Lounge’s front entrance. With such great prices and unique services, the Healthy Lounge is a place that everyone must check out. The technology of the chairs alone is worth going by for a visit.

I hope to go back soon for another visit at the Healthy Lounge. My Italian dream, Sogno, left quite the impression.