If you’re looking for a pedometer, you just might not have to look any further than the HJ 112 model from Omron. This is a great little pedometer that manages to combine features, price and design into one very attractive package. Whether you’re an enthusiast or novice this pedometer will appeal.

The great thing about this pedometer is that you can carry it in your pocket, purse or bag, and it still works amazingly well. It will keep accurate track of your steps, distance and calories burned.

It’s got a lovely big display that is really easy to read, with buttons that aren’t fiddly, which makes a nice change on something this small. If you do happen to want to fix it to your belt, it comes with a detachable holder and also a strong security strap which you fix around your wrist.

It’s supposed to last up to 6 months using the replaceable lithium battery, which with an average of 10,000 steps per day works out as a lot of walking!

I must admit I found this to be a brilliant pedometer. I did look at other models, but when I compared the price, features and ease of use, I personally thought this one came out the winner. The HJ 112 and the HJ 720ITC are both new type pedometers that you can keep in your pocket, and to be honest the only reason I picked the HJ 112 was because I didn’t have any need for the software that comes with the 720 ITC.

In case you are wondering, yes, this pedometer can be used for jogging. In fact I use it for jogging now, although I never intended to when I bought it. It’s surprising how much fitter you get after a few weeks of regular exercise!

I have a little circuit that I take, but after a month or two I started jogging for small distances and then walking again, but now I jog for almost the whole time. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have done that without the HJ 112.

So, if you need a good pedometer that won’t let you down in a hurry, then the HJ 112 is probably as good a choice as any, especially if you don’t need all the extra software and stuff.

If you’re not the person doing the walking and you’re considering buying a pedometer for someone else, the HJ 112 makes an ideal choice. It’s got everything you need to keep track of your activity but is really easy to use.

Not only is this a very cool gadget, it’s also a really practical gift that will actually help them to stay healthy. Personally, I think that’s a great way of showing someone you really do care about them.

One great venue to actually try massage chairs our various events. You can find home shows, county fairs and other types of shows where massage chairs will be displayed. This is a great opportunity to try out some of the latest massage chairs. Although, this is a great venue, you do need to be careful of some vendors. Based on our customers who have purchased at shows and our own first hand look, We offer the following 5 tips on how to avoid key problem areas to find the best massage chair for you.

1. Massage Chair Components are Critical: Ask what country the main components are from. The critical components are the motors and the pc board. The motors should be made in Japan and the pc board should be from either Japan or Singapore. If the components are from other locations, then these components are of inferior quality and subject to short life spans or in other words – junk!

2. Beware of Over Generous Warranties: Many of these vendors promise very compelling warranties. The question is: Will they be here tomorrow to honor that warranty? One way to find out is to ask the salesperson if they have independent internet dealers, (That doesn?t mean their own website or E-bay!). Or even better, do they have retailers that have physical brick and mortar locations (preferable a known chain store). If not, then chances are they may never answer your call down the road for help. (The number you have reached has been disconnected and there is no new number–beep!).

3. We Get Our Massage Chair From Panasonic’s Factory: One of our favorite sales claims is where the massage chair comes from or where it is made. Some of our customers told us that salespeople would claim to get their massage chair from Panasonic’s factory. This is a weird claim and we see it as a tactic to get you to believe somehow their quality is the same, but of course at a substantial discount to the Panasonic chair. Now, how could this be? It must be the same as the Panasonic, be careful!

4. Can’t Find the Kitchen Sink: We were surprised at how some of the booths were set up for some vendors at Home Shows and County Fairs. There are many manufacturer’s that display at these shows and they will have 1 or 2 models to try. On the other hand, there are small importers that just got a container load of everything but the kitchen sink. Their booth is piled high with the stuff and they have a massage chair crammed in there as well. Be careful, that the chair being offered wasn’t just the last great deal he got. Because after the sale, the chair becomes your problem. They may not have a national technician service network or even parts on hand. Go with the major brands and you will not regret it!

5. This is The Deal of The Century: We all know the saying: If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is! This is certainly true when looking for a massage chair. The major manufacturers offer show specials, so you truly can get a good deal. Where you must be careful, are the small time vendors. They bring in a cheap chair loaded with features and sell it at ridiculously low prices. Avoid the temptation of short term gain for long term pain. You may be buying a long string of breakdowns, long waits for parts (if ever) and expensive technician service calls. Be careful of the deal of the century!

With the help of our customers, we offer you these nuggets of advice when shopping at a home show or county fair. There are many excellent massage chairs at these events. It is a great venue to take a break and try one. You will find the major manufacturers at these events and can take advantage of their special show price. Just make sure if you are seeing too good of a deal, then dig a little deeper to avoid some of the pitfalls we point out for you.