MASSAGE ETIQUETTE 101
Let’s be honest. For something that’s supposed to be relaxing, people have a lot of questions before their first massage. “Do I talk?” “Do I stay quiet?” “What if I snore?” “What if my stomach growls?” “What if I accidentally fall asleep?” First of all: take a deep breath. We’ve seen it all. To help calm those pre-massage nerves, here’s your guide to massage etiquette.
MORE THAN A MASSAGE
When most people think of getting a massage, they picture a quiet room, relaxing music, and maybe an hour away from the stresses of life. While we absolutely love helping you relax, massage at Pittsburgh Fitness Project is about so much more than that. It's about feeling heard, supported, and welcomed exactly as you are.
TRAINING AROUND AN INJURY
If you have ever done any sort of exercise, physical activity, or any sport in your life, you have probably dealt with injuries in one way or another. Injury is a pretty broad term, but this can be anything that causes significant trouble to your activity level for longer than a few days, typically. Injuries can also vary in type from chronic injuries like tendonitis or acute injuries like rolling an ankle or tearing a muscle. In any form, they can cause us to lose our consistency with our routine of physical activity. Instead of letting this derail your progress or stop activity overall, there are plenty of ways to work around an injury.
SUMMER ADVENTURE SEASON IS HERE
The second the weather gets nice, everyone suddenly becomes an outdoor athlete again. One weekend you’re casually “going for a hike,” and the next thing you know you’ve climbed 2,000 feet in elevation, your legs are cramping, and you’re questioning every life decision halfway up the mountain. So with adventure season officially here, remember recovery keeps you doing more!
PARENTS, BOOK A MASSAGE BEFORE SUMMER BREAK HITS!
Summer is fun… but let’s be honest, it’s also chaos. That’s why now is the perfect time to sneak in a massage before the cute little goblins are home full-time asking for rides, snacks, sunscreen, and “one more thing” every five minutes.
MASSAGE FOR RUNNERS
The weather gets nice, and suddenly everyone starts signing up for races again. Race season is here, and whether you’re training for a HYROX, running your first 5k, getting ready for a half marathon, or just adding more miles outside, your body definitely notices. Running has a way of making random muscles sore that you didn’t even know were involved. Tight calves, sore hips, heavy legs… and somehow your shoulders end up tense too. That’s where recovery work can really help.
ONE MORE ON MOBILITY
Independence as you age is about both freedom and capability. It’s the confidence you can have to move freely, carry your groceries, get up off the floor, play with your kids or grandkids, and live your life without limitations. Mobility and strength are the foundations for that independence.
HOW FASCIAL STRETCH THERAPY CAN HELP EVERYONE MOVE BETTER
Let’s be honest: most people do not think about mobility until something starts feeling tight, stiff, cranky, or just plain annoying. Maybe your hips complain when you stand up. Maybe your shoulders feel like they belong to someone twice your age after sitting at a desk all day. Maybe you stretch and somehow still feel tight five minutes later. That is where Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) comes in — and why so many people are paying attention to it.
MOVE BETTER, FEEL BETTER
Ever feel like your body just isn’t moving the way it used to—or the way you want it to? Maybe your hips feel tight, your shoulders are cranky, or your squat looks more like a “sit and hope for the best.” That’s where massage can quietly work some magic.
MASSAGE FOR RUNNERS, LIFTERS, & WEEKEND WARRIORS
No matter what kind of athlete you are—marathon runner, heavy lifter, or “I played pickup basketball once and now I can’t walk”—your body keeps receipts. And eventually, it collects. That’s where massage comes in. Not as a luxury, but as damage control… in the best way.
KEEP YOUR MUSCLES HAPPY BETWEEN MASSAGES
Here’s a Harsh Truth. Your massage therapist is incredible… but they are not following you home, magically kneading your shoulders while you binge Netflix. As great as that sounds, your muscles still expect some attention between sessions.
SHAKE OFF WINTER STIFFNESS
If winter turned you into a human burrito—wrapped in blankets, slightly hunched, and running on snacks and survival mode—you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to stay that way. A good massage might be exactly what your body’s been begging for since, oh… December.
RECOVERING FROM ST. PATRICK’S DAY SHENANIGANS
St. Patrick’s Day is a magical time of year. There’s laughter, green drinks, questionable dance moves, and that one friend who insists they’re “actually a little Irish.” Whether you spent the day at a parade, hopping between pubs, or attempting an Irish jig that your hamstrings definitely didn’t approve of, there’s a good chance your body is feeling it today. The good news? A massage might be exactly what your post-St. Patrick’s Day self needs.
WHAT RED WINE & MASSAGE HAVE IN COMMON
In 2017, Harvard Health Publishing—along with several other medical institutions—shared research suggesting that a single glass of red wine each day might benefit heart health. The theory was simple: compounds in red wine, like tannins and antioxidants, appear to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system. But as the conversation evolved, researchers acknowledged something important. The benefits weren’t just about the chemistry in the glass. They were also about the lifestyle.
HOW PLYOMETRICS & TEMPO TRAINING IMPROVE TENDON HEALTH
We’ve been talking about strength training and joint health recently. Another important aspect of that process involves our tendons. Tendons are tough structures made of cartilage that connect muscles to bones and help your body move. Tendon health is important because it literally helps us move properly and prevents other injuries or falls. So, how can we improve the health of our tendons? Two methods involve plyometrics and tempo training. Let’s look at how each strengthens our tendons.
JOINT-FRIENDLY STRENGTH TRAINING: 50+
Most of us will develop some joint aches and pains as we age. While it might seem contradictory, strength training helps preserve joint function and range of motion as you get older. As a follow-up to last week’s blog about strength and longevity, let’s look more specifically at joint-friendly strength training when you are over 50.
BEATING WINTER SLUMPS
We’re getting closer and closer to spring, but in Pittsburgh, our winters are long and overcast. For many people, that can affect how they feel. Less sunlight and a drop in your activity level during the winter both contribute to these changes, especially if your brain chemistry is predisposed to these conditions. So, what can you do to beat the winter slumps? Let’s look at options.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR MASSAGE AT PFP
Walking into a new space for the first time—especially for a massage—can bring up a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Our goal at Pittsburgh Fitness Project is to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported from the moment you walk through our front door. Here’s exactly what you can expect.
HEART HEALTH & MASSAGE
February is Heart Health Month. You can do a lot of things to improve your heart health, including regular exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco products. But did you also know that massage can actually help your heart? Let’s look at how massage can improve your cardiovascular health.
POSTURE RESET
How Massage Helps Undo Daily Tension: Our bodies are built to move on a daily basis. Yet over 50% of people spend most of their workday in a seated position. Sitting with poor posture can lead to neck and back pain, “tech neck,” rounded shoulders, and so much more! But how does massage play a role in keeping your spine aligned?