POD WELLNESS

By Tess de Klerk

Walking into the lovely POD studio in Hannington Lane in Brighton, my whole body felt tense and knotted after months of being hunched over my computer. I desperately needed the sweet release that only a massage could bring but, I must admit, when first invited to try POD, I expected a souped-up version of the airport massage chair awkwardness - being poked and prodded in mostly the wrong places and leaving the chair feeling decidedly underwhelmed.

Blissfully, I can now unequivocally state that the POD massage chair is in a completely different stratosphere as Alex, the founder of POD, rightly stated.

I walked out of POD feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. All that from a 20-minute session!

The studio is perfectly set up for social distancing and each Pod is positioned in its own private area. A choice of nine therapeutic programmes, ranging from gentle relaxation to invigorating Thai stretch massage, ensures a suitable programme for everyone.

After much deliberation, I finally settled on Flex, a deep tissue back massage followed by gentle yet progressive stretching whilst fully reclining back in ‘zero gravity 2’ for greater relaxation. I was offered a heated eye mask (yes please!) and a choice of music and binaural beats to aid in achieving my desired state of mind.

Whilst nestling into one of the sleek Pods, impressive cutting edge technology quickly scans the body to tailor and match to a person’s unique body contours. Soon I was settled in a superbly comfortable, perfectly fitted massage cocoon. Over the next 20 minutes, I experienced a proper deep tissue massage and expert stretching! All programmes can be enjoyed with uninterrupted reflexology, whilst compression airbags in the arms, hips, legs and feet promote blood circulation. The infrared heated “human touch” double roller system massages the upper body and neck, while simultaneously massaging the lower lumbar, glutes and hamstrings, meaning 20-minutes really can achieve the equivalent of one hour of traditional therapy. Just 20 minutes transformed my tense and knotted self!

Pod is impressive and uniquely suited to our current needs. I can imagine forward-thinking companies leasing one of these from POD for their office. Result – happy, relaxed and grateful staff. Massage therapy and relaxation are offered in a safe and socially distanced way and it is affordable, effective and walk-ins are welcome – just what I needed today.

Lunch really is for wimps, lunch time at POD is the new way to go.

I walked out of POD feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated

◗ Contact Alex Collinson, POD Founder and Director on 07544 839145 or email brighton@elevateyourday.co.uk