Healthy happy you.
I have had deep-tissue massages that have left serious bruises, but barely made a dent in my tight muscles. I have also had Swedish massages that felt like I was being tickled for 60 minutes no matter how many times I told the massage therapist to increase the pressure. Recently, I went to see a massage therapist who has studied the Hendrickson Method (formerly called orthopedic massage, but so Read more
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is important to make sure you fit in a little "you time" every now and again. I was given the opportunity for some serious "me time" during a recent Aston Patterning Massage (APM) session compliments of Tre Balm Beauty Boutique and Skin Care Studio here in San Francisco and let me tell you, it was much needed. For anyone that has never had this Read more
The latest in relaxation involves a little more work than just laying on a massage table and getting rubbed down. Thai Yoga Massage (some people call it "Thai Massage" only) is a massage where the practitioner guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures while massaging along the body's pressure points. Ultimately it is a full body massage performed on a floor mat with a practitioner Read more
A tense, stiff neck can interfere with your daily life, and even worse, your fitness training! Watch this video to learn the pin and stretch massage method to lengthen overworked muscles in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Try this quick and easy technique after a hard workout, a long day at the office, or to simply unwind. You can even use the massage method on yourself! Press play and learn Read more
Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road. First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) Read more
Location and machine availability may be the biggest reasons why you chose your gym, but there's more to be had with your membership. Get the most out of the hundreds of dollars you're spending with this list of extras you may be overlooking at the gym. Workout props: Maybe you only use the machines, but don't ignore the props lying all over the gym floor. Things like battle ropes (those thick Read more
It's natural for work to leave you a little stressed, but if you're a frazzled mess from nine to five, it's important to step back and relax. Not sure how to loosen up? From doodling to redecorating, here are 13 easy ways to de-stress during the workday: Finish the tough stuff first. Try to get your most complicated tasks out of the way early in the day so that they're not looming over you for Read more
Having a standing spa appointment may sound indulgent, but in reality it can be just as important as any other healthy habit in your wellness routine. Why should you invest your time in a massage? Not only are massages good for your muscles, especially after a long week of arduous workouts, but getting a massage also helps the rest of your body and your mind. Getting a massage helps you relax, Read more
Shin splints are the bane of many new runners. The tight calves that accompany mileage increases can spell pain for the lower leg. If running causes any discomfort, take time off to allow your shin splints to heal. But you need not sit idle on the sidelines while you recuperate: ice massages help, too. A serious runner, my Equinox trainer reminded me of the healing combo of ice and massage to Read more
Back in the day I worked in a salon, and I noticed a few techniques, services, and scents the guys seemed to gravitate toward. Stacey Parks, the spa director of Spa Claremont in Berkeley, CA, confirmed what I believed to be true. Generally speaking, when it comes to spa treatments, whether it be at home or at the spa, guys tend to like everything with a little extra spice. So to add some Read more
