Many people may believe that receiving regular massages is a luxury reserved only for the wealthy. But here are some things to remember:

1. Massages are affordable
2. Massages are an investment
3. You are WORTH it!

I have to let you in on a secret- most of my clients are middle-class hard workers just like you who need to watch where their money is spent. So how do they afford to receive regular massages? The first step is to know that massage is affordable and can be fit into most people's budgets by simply budgeting for it. For example, to save up for a 1 hour massage ($65), someone may skip getting that expensive fancy $4 coffee everyday, or bring lunch to work, or make dinner at home instead of going out a couple times less a month. Or, instead of cutting expenses out, someone may simply do piggy bank style saving. Just put $2 and your spare change in a jar every day and by the end of the month you will have your massage. $65 a month may seem like a lot in the beginning to put aside but how about working up to that? You can receive a 30 minute massage which will at least focus on those spots giving you discomfort for only $35. So schedule that 30 minute massage instead of going out to dinner once a month.

Secondly, it is better to think of massages as an investment in your health instead of a luxury. The health benefits are numerous and include:

* Alleviation of joint and muscle pain
* Improved circulation
* Improved immune response
* Increased joint flexibility
* Release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer
* Reduced frequency and strength of headaches
* Reduced scarring and shortened healing time from injury
* Reduced mental and physical fatigue

Massage has also been shown to have positive effects on many conditions such as:

* Back pain
* Headaches
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Sleep disorders
* High blood pressure
* Muscle injury
* Chronic pain
* Arthritis

With the benefits of massage, you may need to see your doctor or other medical specialists less, reducing the cost medical treatments and expensive co-pays.

Studies have shown that people who receive regular massages also use less sick days from work. This may either mean more money in your pocket or the ability to use those paid days off for things that you really want to be doing.

So, can you put a price on your health and well-being? Hopefully, many people will say no. But unfortunately, many of us put a lot more effort taking care of others than we do taking care of ourselves. Remember you will be a better spouse, partner, parent, worker, or caregiver if you put yourself and your needs first. By doing this everyone around you will benefit from having you at your best. Massage is a simple and affordable way to take care of yourself to keep your body, mind, and spirit working at their optimal level.

Spend your time wisely, invest in yourself! So schedule that massage, you're worth it!

Introduction to Pilates

Massage therapy at its best addresses the entire body to achieve optimal functioning, health,and well-being. However, even the best massage therapists cannot achieve these goals alone, it takes active involvement of the client too. One great way that a client can help keep his/her body in balance and achieve optimal strength and function is active participation in Pilates. Here is a brief description of Pilates as written by Maggie Downie, owner of Personal Euphoria Pilates, an expert in the field and a trusted colleague in health. Please visit her website www.PilatesCT.com for more information.



The Pilates Method was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Joseph was born in Germany and believed that poor posture and improper breathing techniques were the cause of many illnesses, from chronic back pain to asthma.

Therefore, he created the Pilates Method which focused on strengthening the core muscles of the body (the stomach, back, and butt) in order to support the spine. By increasing flexibility of the body's extremities (the arms and legs), the Pilates Method creates long, loose, limber limbs. The best analogy of the Pilates Method is to imagine the body is a tree. Both require a strong supportive trunk with limbs that can be tossed around by the wind and remain strong, flexible, balanced, and stable.

The focused breath pattern enables practitioners to enhance all their exercises and develop better breathing skills.

Joseph originally developed the method for WWI soldiers (and called it Contrology) but continued to alter the exercises to help increase the strength and flexibility of boxers and NYC dancers. His work with the soldiers makes Pilates a potentially great exercise option for anyone recuperating from a physical injury. However, doctors should always play a role in an individual's decision to begin a new exercise regime.

One of the many things I love about Pilates is that anyone can do it. The fittest athlete can do Pilates and be extremely challenged and individuals recovering from various surgeries can also do Pilates—the exercises are that varied and can be modified to fit nearly everyone’s needs.


Maggie Downie
Personal Euphoria Pilates
personaleuphoria@cox.net
www.PilatesCT.com