What exercises would you guys recomend?

[donyang1971]

Seeing it was brought up in another topic, what kind of exercises/ should a potential student begin before the start of classes to better prepare for the rigors of massage?

Thanks for any help as alway's.

 

[JANE W]

It's been suggested to me time and time again (and I've been "dabbling" in it lol) that yoga does wonders for the massage therapist. From what I gather, it especially stengthens your core, so that would help your back a lot.

I haven't tried it, but I think Tai Chi would be helpful too. It seems that some of the postions MTs get into are very Tai Chish lol

I suffer from a bad back and am overweight, so I am doing ab work, because it is weak, and if it were stronger, I think my back wouldn't hurt so much (My back doesn't hurt anymore while massaging since I found proper body mechanics).

Also, I was suprised what a workout giving a massage can be. Maybe not for everyone, but if you are out of shape, it can be. And one shouldn't be huffing and puffing during a session! I think doing some cardio would build up endurance, so when you find yourself constantly moving for an hour during a session, you aren't worn out. Hope that helps

(note: IMO, ideally one should be flexible, have good balance, a strong core, and strong legs and...know how to relax and breathe properly.)

 

[artmeistro]

I use to be a flute player(6 yeard,) had strong hands for a long time, currently am an STNA, but my main concern is if i'm strong/flexible enough in the correct muscle groups.

I've known football players who could seeminly bench press 200 pounds all day, put could not draw my 60lb bow back more than once or twice. I know it's not enought to be strong or flexible, you have to be in the right ones.Thanks for your reply Karminstan, I have alway's thought about yoga, not very familar with tai chi tho.

 

[monument]

Well, now that you mention it (hands), your hands need exercise too! Here is a simple one. Wrap a rubber band around your fingers and thumb. Now just open and close. That's it! The thicker the rubber band, the more of a workout. But don't overdo it. There are various hand stretches you'll probably learn in school too.

I don't know too much about Tai Chi, only what I see in movies lol It seems to be slow controlled movements, where balance is key. The reason I brought it up is...sometimes, when I am stroking down the back, ever-so-slowly, the stance I'm in seems so Tai Chi to me. *shrugs* But maybe I'm just crazy and don't know what I'm talking about!

 

[AUSSIE GIRL]

Yoga, Pilates and Martial Arts are my answers. Choose accordingly- flexibility, mindfulness, core strength & body awareness and finally a hard workout that fosters awareness, control & discipline. Tai Chi is a Martial Art. Qi-Gong exercises (often taught in conjunction with Tai Chi) are exceptional - you will learn many useful exercises that can both help you and your future clients.
Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Bogey]

Self massage and stretching for the hands and arms is very important to me. Many clients are surprised by the strength my hands have!

 

[celtish]

I haven't seen a bad suggestion here, Klauss! I'm trying to get back to Tai Chi on a more consistent basis. Yes, some of the stances are very similar to those you'll use working. I usually do 5-6 hours of cardio a week and lift weights three times a week, or did before I started decembering :roll: Also keep in mind, it's not likely you'll be doing 20 hours of massage a week in school and you'll have an opportunity to work up to it and grow into it. You are right though, it really is imperative that you're in good physical condition as it's simply much easier on your body if it's strong and working well. Mine starts hurting if I don't work out... and I get cranky... and my kids ask me if it's time to exercise. lol

Maire

 

[Aaronx12]

I would say Body Awareness exercises. When you start paying attention to your own movement habits you'll find yourself making adjustments because of what you are feeling in your body. Some of your habitual postures will eventually cause you pain down the road (eg forward head posture) so if you start making changes to your posture or if you start noticing your own strength or flexibility deficiencies and take baby steps to correct them you'll not only serve yourself well but will serve your clients well as well. Good luck.

 

[Pocket Protecktor]

What exercises would you guys recomend?

Seeing it was brought up in another topic, what kind of exercises/ should a potential student begin before the start of classes to better prepare for the rigors of massage?

Thanks for any help as alway's.

It is advisable not to recommend exercises and stretches :roll: But "It has proven very helpful" :wink: :idea:
: contrasting hydrotherapy for the forearms with the use of the double bedded kitchen sinks - to tolerance fill one with coldest and other with hottest tolerable water and submerge forearms alternately for a few seconds at a time in the course of 1-2 minutes. Great circulation induced and feeling relief right off the bet (after long hours manual therapies.)
Thank You :!:

 

[frankiegrease d]

Just a couple of suggestions with the following stipulations: know your body and don't push it, as you practice, the more your body will accommodate.

We learned a number of self-care excercises (and the contrast therapy is an excellent one). One of the most effective is called neutral position.

Situate a chair so that you're able to place your lower legs on the chair, careful to maintain as close to 90 degrees as if possible. Place a three-ring binder under your head in order to keep your spine as aligned as possibe. The reason I use a three-ring binder is that it's the easiest thing to move upward and downward as is necessary. Concentrate on breathing properly. That's it.

Another is Brueger's Position (spelling).

...also, any Shiatsu positions. But remember to pay attention to your limitations.

Also. The more you incorporate daily routines, the more your body will right itself (pathological discrepanies notwithstangin).

 

[smiley]

Another good one I remembered - I liked it from the results I get with post-isometric relaxation assisted stretches with client prone I perform a pec stretch and not only does it relieve upper back (overstretched Rhomboids) but it does help with Shoulder ROM. As there is noone to assist me with that stretch I use the doorframe. I place my forearms in line with both sides of the doorframe and push against with half of my strength and then take a deep breath hold it for 10-20 seconds an das I exhale I relax my palm and elbow against the frame and "walk ahead" through the door. Repeated until my scapulae touch (hard end feel) or I feel there is a soft end feel. Try it and lmk what you think.