ENABLING YOUR PASSION FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Massage Envy Review + Giveaway

Many of you may be starting your training for a fall marathon this month if you haven’t already. As the mileage increases, you may notice aches and pains that didn’t once exist. While training for my first marathon last summer, I never saw a massage therapist and I should have. I tried to work out tight calf muscles and hips with a foam roller and yoga. It wasn’t enough. My 18 and 20 milers were uncomfortable. I finished with a positive experience but it could have been a lot less painful.

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The week before my second marathon in April, I finally went to not one but two sports massage therapists. The first worked exclusivey on my right leg for 30 minutes and solved 80% of my problems.  They said they could feel bunch of scar tissue that had built up from a previous injury and was causing the tightness and pain. I do not remember getting any injury! To break something down like that, you need to go to a massage therapist regularly. I don’t really like the idea of spending $120+ every month on what I’d call a luxury so this presents a dilemma many athletes encounter – how much are you willing or have to pay to be injury free or are you willing to put up with the pain? 

After Boston and Chicago, I enjoyed the free massage post race. I can’t imagine how sore I would have been without them! I couldn’t sit for days. Two days later I had a real sports massage for an hour that cured my soreness within 48 hours. 

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I was invited to check out Massage Envy which is a spa that offers affordable massages. I am always reluctant to visit places like this. I automatically assume if it sounds too go to be true, it probably is. A 1-hour massage is $49.99 for your first time, $74.99 for 90 minutes. To give you a comparison, most 60 minute massages in Boston run $120 and up. 

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If you join the monthly membership at the Back Bay location in Boston, you get an hour massage or facial every month for just $59.99. It’s a ridiculous deal in the world of Boston massages – with the exception of the $30 deal from the South End massage school which I tried and was really underwhelmed. I was impressed to see that the facials use Murad products. I chose however to go with a one hour deep tissue massage with Heather to hopefully reduce my soreness for my European vacation. 

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When I arrived, the staff were very friendly and didn’t care that I took their picture! I took a seat and was promptly taken into the back on time. I was surprised at how many rooms there were. Afterwards they were also kind and didn’t try to sell me any extra products or memberships although I wish they had because I loved my massage. 

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Heather did a fantastic job. Her pressure was on point and just what I needed after running the marathon. The room was calming and table comfortable. I really had no complaints. At this point, I had had 3 other massages near by in Back Bay. Heather’s was one of my favorites, and I’m not saying that because it was the only one that was complementary. She listened to my concerns and worked on the areas that I requested longer than other parts. She dug deep when necessary but didn’t try to torture me. I left wanting to buy a membership but was off to Europe for the next 10 days so decided to wait until I got back.

Deep tissue massage is so helpful for athletes to break down scar tissue that occurs naturally when we push our bodies to get stronger and faster to maintain flexibility, reduce stress and inflammation and chances of injury. 

Now that I am going to start training for a half marathon later this month, I am totally planning to sign up myself and yes I will be paying. I would highly recommend having regular massages if you are training for a marathon. Massage Envy makes it a little more affordable. I do know that the popular therapists book up so make sure to make your appointment a couple weeks in advance. 

Win an Hour Long Massage of Facial at Massage Envy

I am giving away a one hour massage or facial to one of you guys for just leaving a comment so let me know below what you do to stay injury free while training! Massage Envy has locations all over the US so check to find one near you. This giveaway is restricted to Massachusetts residents only but can be used at any location closest to you. 

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