How to Better Enjoy a Massage
What could there possibly be to explain about enjoying time at the spa? After 7 years as a member at Massage Envy - I have so many pearls of wisdom for you. There’s a lot you can do to get the most from an hour or two away from your busy schedule.
-A big thanks to Massage Envy Webster/Rock Hill for treating me to an afternoon of relaxation in partnership with creating these helpful tips.
If you make an appt., be sure to tell them I sent you!-
I’ve had dozens of massages during my time as a member at Massage Envy Webster/Rock Hill, and although it might seem tricky to tack on $60/month to your bills, I consider it non-negotiable because of how much I benefit from it. Body work and quiet time is ever more important in a digital, distracting world.
My favorite parts about the monthly membership that have kept me coming back are:
-The ability to freeze the membership when needed, up to 6 months out of the year
-The option to get a facial instead of a massage without an upcharge (duh!)
-During the month, an extra service is only $40!
-A super super good deal if you ask about paying upfront for 3 months (only at the Rock Hill, Clayton and Maplewood locations!)
Arrive early to start unwinding and put your phone in airplane mode. Check in and head to the relaxation room. It’s a dimly lit, quiet space to start coming down from everything you just did. Don’t stare at your phone - just enjoy the space. If you run straight to the massage table in a rush, by the time you calm down and start to relax, your 60 minutes will be over.
Speak up. Before the appointment begins, the therapist will always meet with you. Now is your time! Don’t be afraid to ask for certain areas of focus, to be honest with what kind of pressure you prefer - or even just to say “I don’t feel like being talkative today.”
It might take time. Keep trying. Relaxing is hard, actually. Don’t be surprised if you have trouble sitting still for your first few visits. It isn’t every day you’re in a dark room with a stranger but this is their job and all of the therapists at Massage Envy are extremely professional. Try different therapists, varying times of the day, and different types of services to find what works best for you.
Don’t save spa time for vacation. First of all, the prices are WAY higher than what you’d pay at Envy (like 2-3 times!), and that therapist doesn’t know you. Your favorite therapist at home will learn your problem areas and can get straight to them. Plus, you’ll miss out on other unique experiences and you’ll need the muscle relief more after the fight home. The money you save by pampering close to home can be spent on…
Add skincare treatment. Let me tell you how nice it is when your massage is over to be able to stay right where you are and double up with a facial treatment. I just turned 30, so skincare is top of mind these days. Massage Envy uses top notch, medical grade skincare lines during their services and they never give me the hard sell at the end to buy it all - we all know how that goes. They do, however, always recommend little changes I can make to my routine or what kind of tweaks I need to make for a better glow. Facials aren’t just about getting a diva treatment - they help keep your skin clean and circulating, they slow the onset of wrinkles, help reduce puffiness and sagging and promote skin cell renewal to show the world a more vibrant, healthier-looking you. AKA: you look like the best, most awake version of yourself without a full face of makeup! I like getting one each quarter as the seasons change.
Stay accountable. Book your next appointment on the way out. I know that whenever I say I’ll call later, I don’t remember until I have a major knot in my neck. Don’t negotiate with yourself on self-care - make it a monthly commitment so that you have something to look forward to, especially if it’s a busy time of the year. Consider it a meeting. Your body will thank you, too, when you refuse to let its favorite tense areas flare back up.
