3 answers
Bethann
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What are some of the best ways for a massage therapist stay physically fit and maintain the stamina to work fulltime?
career longevity, fitness, massage therapy
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3 answers
Paige Wilson, LMT, CMT
Massage Therapist
1
Answer
Oak Harbor, Washington
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Something to keep in mind is "full time" for a massage therapist isn't a 40 hour work week. It's more considered 20-25 massage hours with a minimum of 15 min turn time you're looking at 25-30 hours working a week without breaks.
Build up slowly to that 25 massages per week. Start first with 3-4 massages per day with breaks scheduled in as needed. As your body allows add more to your schedule.
To maintain your body during I recommend starting a regular workout routine. Adding joint support supplements (I personally love Osteobiflex and collagen peptides) Make sure to eat a sufficient amount of protein.
MOST IMPORTANTLY take breaks. I am blessed to have a very flexible schedule and I don't like breaks during my workday so often I'll take off early, show up late, or take an extra day off to reduce ware and tare. But find what works best for you!
Build up slowly to that 25 massages per week. Start first with 3-4 massages per day with breaks scheduled in as needed. As your body allows add more to your schedule.
To maintain your body during I recommend starting a regular workout routine. Adding joint support supplements (I personally love Osteobiflex and collagen peptides) Make sure to eat a sufficient amount of protein.
MOST IMPORTANTLY take breaks. I am blessed to have a very flexible schedule and I don't like breaks during my workday so often I'll take off early, show up late, or take an extra day off to reduce ware and tare. But find what works best for you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. I was not aware that "full-time" was considered less than 40 hours, but it makes complete sense! I'll be checking out those supplements.
Bethann
Angela Negoiu
6
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Begin with a good sleep schedule, eat nutritious foods, and maintain regular exercise to boost your energy levels. Occasionally, treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Balancing work and personal life is crucial. Staying healthy supports a rewarding and successful career.
Thank you so much, Angela!
Bethann
Shawn Zhang
Legal
1
Answer
Beijing, China
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
As a blind masseur, I have summarized the practical experiences of maintaining physical strength for myself and my colleagues. I would like to share a few simple and feasible methods here, hoping they can be helpful to you.
Finger exercise practice: Relax both hands and swing them like tossing noodles for 30 times. Then imagine playing the piano on the tabletop, tapping back and forth from the thumb to the little finger. This can not only keep the wrists flexible but also prevent tenosynovitis. Secondly, the "press palm" exercise: Put both hands together and rotate them in a circle to press. This can increase the strength and flexibility of the wrists.
Core strength training: Do the "arch bridge exercise" three times a week on your bed. Support your body with your occiput, elbows and heels, and hold the position like a stone arch bridge until you shake, then release. Do ten repetitions per set, and do three sets. This movement particularly exercises the strength of the lower back and abdomen. Secondly, pedal a stationary bike. It can exercise the hips. Lie down and pedal like riding a bike for five minutes every day.
Utilize the strength of the waist to exert force: Practice the horse stance, while slowly pushing forward with your palms. Feel that the strength is transmitted from the waist and hips. Persist for one month and you will change the part where the force is exerted.
Enhance nutrition: Keep some snacks such as walnuts, nuts, fruits, etc. at hand to replenish proteins and fats. Drink at least three cups of warm water every day. Huangqi and goji berry water can nourish tendons and bones. Eat more high-protein foods like pig's feet stewed with soybeans.
Maintain a good mood: During leisure time, when colleagues massage each other's backs, it is not only a technical exchange but also psychological counseling. After the massage, one feels completely relaxed throughout the body, which is conducive to continuing to work better.
Finger exercise practice: Relax both hands and swing them like tossing noodles for 30 times. Then imagine playing the piano on the tabletop, tapping back and forth from the thumb to the little finger. This can not only keep the wrists flexible but also prevent tenosynovitis. Secondly, the "press palm" exercise: Put both hands together and rotate them in a circle to press. This can increase the strength and flexibility of the wrists.
Core strength training: Do the "arch bridge exercise" three times a week on your bed. Support your body with your occiput, elbows and heels, and hold the position like a stone arch bridge until you shake, then release. Do ten repetitions per set, and do three sets. This movement particularly exercises the strength of the lower back and abdomen. Secondly, pedal a stationary bike. It can exercise the hips. Lie down and pedal like riding a bike for five minutes every day.
Utilize the strength of the waist to exert force: Practice the horse stance, while slowly pushing forward with your palms. Feel that the strength is transmitted from the waist and hips. Persist for one month and you will change the part where the force is exerted.
Enhance nutrition: Keep some snacks such as walnuts, nuts, fruits, etc. at hand to replenish proteins and fats. Drink at least three cups of warm water every day. Huangqi and goji berry water can nourish tendons and bones. Eat more high-protein foods like pig's feet stewed with soybeans.
Maintain a good mood: During leisure time, when colleagues massage each other's backs, it is not only a technical exchange but also psychological counseling. After the massage, one feels completely relaxed throughout the body, which is conducive to continuing to work better.