What to Ask Your Massage Therapist Before Receiving Treatment

fitness

Massage therapy is a great way to help treat a variety of health issues, including anxiety, nerve pain, soft tissue injuries, and fitness injuries. However, to get the most out of your massage, you want to be sure you find a high-quality massage therapist.

Do you need help finding the best massage therapist for your needs? Keep reading this article for questions you should ask your massage therapist before receiving treatment.

What Can I Expect from Treatment?

An important question that you can ask your massage therapist to improve your massage education is what you can expect from your massage therapy treatment. This can help eliminate any potential stress or anxiety that you feel.

For example, some people do not know that it is normal to have occasional bruising after your treatment, as long as it is not excessive.

The increased circulation that you have after a massage may even lead to a headache. By asking your massage therapist about what you can expect, you will not worry about these small side effects.

How Should I Prepare for Treatment?

Ask your massage therapist what you can do to properly prepare for your treatment.

First, you want to make sure you are hydrated. By drinking a lot of water, your body will be able to eliminate toxins more easily during your treatment.

Take a hot shower before your massage. This can help relax your muscles to give you the best results possible. Some massage therapists also have a sauna or steam room that you can use before your massage that will provide the same benefits.

Finally, arrive at your appointment on time. This will allow you to get signed in, use the bathroom, and fill out any health records that your massage therapist needs from you.

There are also some things that you should avoid before getting a massage. These include sunbathing and drinking alcohol.

What Types of Massages Do You Specialize In?

Ask your massage therapist what types of massage they specialize in. Each type of massage will have different benefits, so you want to be sure you are getting the services that will benefit you most.

For example, you may just want a relaxation massage. Any massage therapist can provide this service, as it simply aims to help you relax your body.

However, if you need more specialized massages, like a sports massage or a deep tissue massage, you will want to be sure they have plenty of expertise offering these services.

Will a Massage Make My Injuries Worse?

If you are visiting a massage therapist to help with an injury, it can be helpful to ask if your massage will make your injuries worse. While many health issues can be treated with a massage, others may worsen.

Talk to your massage therapist about what kind of injury you have so they can help you find the best massage treatment options for you.

Even if you have an injury, your massage therapist may be able to work around this. You can still enjoy a relaxing massage without the worry that your injury will get worse.

However, it is important to realize that you should always stay home from a massage if you are sick. First, you will be in close quarters with your massage therapist and may pass your illness to them.

Additionally, getting a massage in the early stages of your sickness may make your symptoms worse.

How Can We Improve Communication?

Establishing good communication with your massage therapist is key to getting the most out of the treatment. Asking about ways that you can give feedback or ask for adjustments to your treatment is vital to maintaining a good relationship.

For example, if you feel like the massage pressure is too hard or too soft for you, you should be able to ask them to adjust the pressure to help make the massage more enjoyable.

When you learn to communicate your preferences and needs more effectively, you’ll have a greater experience.

Are You Properly Qualified and Licensed?

Finally, you want to be sure you are meeting with a massage therapist that has the proper education, licensing, and certifications. One way you can do this is by asking your massage therapist what massage program they completed.

It is vital that you only work with a licensed massage therapist. This shows that they have passed the requirements necessary to practice massage therapy in your state.

Understanding more about your massage therapist’s education and licensing can help you feel more comfortable while you are getting your massage.

How Long Have You Been Practicing?

You should find a massage therapist that has plenty of experience. To learn more about their experience, ask them how long they have been professionally practicing the different types of massage services they offer.

The more experience your massage therapist has, the better your experience with them will be.

Get the Healing Touch of a Top Massage Therapist!

Finding a massage therapist you can trust is a great way to improve your fitness and other aspects of your health.

However, it may seem intimidating to work with a new massage therapist or to get your first treatment. By asking your massage therapist each of these questions, you can better prepare for your treatment.

Are you looking for a reliable massage therapist that offers mobility help? VIM Fitness can help! We are a gym that offers everything from massage treatment to group classes to corporate wellness.

Check out our blog today to learn more about our massage therapy services or to get other fitness tips to improve your health.

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Group Classes vs. Personal Training: Which Is Right for You?

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Getting into great shape comes with a large number of benefits. Not only will you establish a healthier lifestyle, but there’s also psychological proof that looking good improves your mental state. When beginning your fitness journey, it can be difficult to choose between personal training and group classes. The good news, though, is that it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Personal Training

Working with a personal trainer is relatively commonplace. For some reason, however, can also be intimidating for many people.

Regardless, there are certain attributes that you should consider before deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

One of the primary pros of working with a personal trainer is the fact that you will be able to have all of the attention focused on you. As you might guess, this can help prevent mistakes, optimize your training progress, etc.

Those who have special training requirements (such as training around old injuries) will also have the benefit from working with a personal trainer.

Since your trainer will guide you through your journey, you can also decide how quickly you would like to scale your progress. Not everybody has the time or mental energy to give 100% in the gym during each session.

Some people simply want to slowly lose weight or build muscle over time. This allows for much greater flexibility in terms of how they manage the rest of their lifestyle.

Something else to consider is the fact that a trainer will help you target weaknesses that you may have.

Most people have certain muscle groups that grow faster than others. In context, this means that it might be relatively easy for you to build up your arms but your legs may take a bit more work.

Your trainer will immediately recognize problem areas and come up with a plan to help you fix them.

It’s also worth acknowledging that you will be able to develop an ongoing relationship with your trainer. As you get more comfortable, you might even find that your training sessions become therapeutic.

If you find that you need help with recovery, they could also help you implement mobility routines or recommend a massage therapist.

Cons

There aren’t too many drawbacks to working with a personal trainer. The primary one that most people are deterred by is the price.

Depending on who you work with and what gym you train at, personal training costs can quickly add up. The good news is that it’s possible to find high-quality personal trainers at a reasonable price.

Some people are also intimidated by the fact that all of the pressure is put on them. If they don’t perform as intended, or if they aren’t making progress quickly enough, they may begin to feel guilty.

For those who enjoy working out with their friends, personal training prevents you from doing so under most circumstances. So, there’s a chance that you may not find training as enjoyable as you could.

Group Classes

Group classes are fairly diverse and aren’t limited to a certain demographic. In fact, there are group classes available for virtually everyone.

Let’s explore what you need to know about them.

Pros

Most people are drawn to group classes due to the fun, energetic environment. It’s not hard to see why this form of training is often more enjoyable than working out by yourself.

It’s also very music-centric. You will likely be working out to high-energy, upbeat tracks that help keep you focused and motivated.

For those who have a love for music (especially while working out), you’re more likely to feel like you’re on a playground than in a gym.

Classes are also great ways to meet people.

For example, let’s assume that you just moved to a new city. Outside of work, it can be difficult to develop new contacts.

Since group classes are such a social environment, many people go there with the intent to make friends.

As you might guess, group classes are also ideal for corporate wellness sessions.

Above all else, group classes are a great way that you can help relieve stress. So, consider them as a way to unwind after a hard day/week at work

Cons

Since the progression of the group classes will depend on the group as a whole, you may find that you aren’t moving at the ideal speed. So, you may begin to feel as though you are falling short of your goals.

In contrast, you may even feel that the class is progressing too quickly.

Those who are less experienced with their training also run the risk of developing bad habits. This is simply due to the fact that the class instructor may not always be able to discern improper form.

Finally, participants who are not mentally primed to take a group class may not be able to keep up. This is especially true for advanced classes, which can be notably strenuous.

Which Fitness Path Is Right for You?

For those who would like to optimize their progress or are unfamiliar with fitness routines, personal training is the route you should take. For those who enjoy the company of others or would prefer to perform aerobics-based workouts, group training is best.

The above information will help ensure that you choose the ideal option for your situation. From here, you’ll be able to optimize the progress you make.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.

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What to Do When You’ve Lost the Motivation to Exercise

Thanks to Elle Woods, it has become well-known that “exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands…” This thought may have worked for a while, but 20 years later the motivation to exercise may be dwindling.

We all know that it’s good for us, we hear it all the time! But easier said than done. When you’d rather go back to bed or spend the day in front of the TV, how do you find the motivation to exercise?

Benefits of Exercising

Other than the obvious benefit of shedding those few extra pounds, exercise has numerous psychological benefits as well. Reduced anxiety and depression, stress management, and a sharper memory are all added advantages.

You don’t have to run a marathon to reap these mental and physical benefits. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is enough to get your blood pumping.

Probably the biggest perk of all is the feeling of accomplishment and well-being. It’s a great way to improve your mood naturally and give that little energy boost we could all use.

Tips for Motivation to Exercise

Life is busy and it can be easy to find an excuse not to work out. You’ve got to make up your mind that you want to do it and these ideas can help:

  • Personal Accountability
  • Find a work-out buddy
  • Get some new workout gear
  • Take a group fitness class
  • Personal training
  • Reward System

Personal Accountability

Setting aside a specific time each day for physical exercise is a great start. If it’s in your calendar, there is a greater chance that you will follow through.

Look at your workout as a goal for the day and write it down! Studies show that both men and women performed better and were more likely to achieve their goals when they were written down.

Don’t just squeeze it in your calendar either. Make it exciting! Circle it, highlight it, make it stand out from your other tasks. Remember, this is a great mental break for your day that can help you perform your other tasks better.

Two is Better Than One

Working out with a friend is a great way to ensure you get that sweat session in. Accountability can help create that needed motivation that you may not have otherwise.

Gym meet-ups are the new happy hour. Set aside a time to hit the gym with your bestie and tackle that workout together. Try out a group fitness class and learn something new!

Try New Fitness Gear

When you look good, you feel good…but it’s really more than that. Having the proper exercise attire can improve your overall performance and help you out in the long run.

Good-quality sneakers and proper-fitting, breathable clothing are a great start. Don’t go out and spend a fortune on name-brand items, but don’t settle for the cheapest articles either if they aren’t going to last. Consider this purchase an investment in your fitness journey.

Group Fitness Classes

Fitness classes are a great way to shake up the mundane. At Fitness CF we have several different class options to meet your fitness level and your schedule.

From Zumba and spinning to pilates and yoga, you are sure to find the perfect workout class! Our certified instructors will help give you the encouragement to get through the class and finish strong – even if you’ve never participated before.

CF Fitness Class Options

CF Fitness has several health clubs located in central Florida, each with its own class schedule to meet your needs. These include both high and low-impact fitness classes, as well as the Silver Sneakers program for seniors.

Classes include LesMills BodyAttack, BodyCombat, BodyFlow, BodyPump, BodyStep, Core, Sprint, Sh’Bam, BodyJam and RPM. Plus, Cycle, 20/20/20 Action, Yoga, Pilates Mat, Power Yoga, Strong, Zumba, Barre, Flex, Kickboxing, TRX Suspension Training, Step Aerobics, Creative Conditioning, Barre, XCO Latin Workout, Hot Yoga, HEAT, Yogalates and DAP.

Personal Training

If you don’t know where exactly to start, personal training might be the perfect place. This one-on-one approach is tailored to your body and your goals. Regardless of your age or stage of fitness, this option can get you headed in the right direction.

Small personal training classes of 6 people or less are also available. This option gives you the focused attention of a trainer, while still maintaining a down-sized feel of group fitness.

Reward Yourself

It may come across as childish, but providing incentives to complete tasks is scientifically proven to work! Believe it or not, there is an actual reward pathway to the brain. The mesolimbic dopamine system is the “key detector of a rewarding stimulus”.

Our body’s natural response to rewards will flag that pathway and say, “Hey, we liked that. Let’s do it again!”

The rewards don’t have to be anything major – something as simple as throwing in a five-dollar bill every time you complete a fitness class. Once you save up $100 you can treat yourself to something you really enjoy!

Join Us at VIM Fitness

VIM Fitness has all of the tools you need to bring back that motivation to exercise. Try out a fitness class, talk to a personal trainer and learn how we can help you out.

Our trainers and coaches can set help get you on the path to achieving your fitness goals. Contact us today with any questions or swing by one of our locations. We can’t wait to see you!

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Top 7 Big Benefits of Having Your Own Personal Trainer

personal trainer

During 2019, there was a total of over 300,000 personal trainers within the US alone. All of these PTs have been trained and educated in the personal fitness field.

Personal trainers are not just random fitness fanatics who have walked off the street. They have studied and completed exams to become accredited personals trainers. 

Due to this training, there is a vast range of benefits which they can offer you. We have gathered some of the top benefits why using a personal trainer can add to your workout regime.

1. Hire a Personal Trainer to Perfect Your Form

Choosing personal training will not only help you succeed but also lower the risks of injury. PTs have gone through special education to learn everything about the human body.

If you are working out on your own, you may not realize you are doing something wrong. When it comes to your form and posture, the slightest mistake could cause some serious harm. 

A PT will be able to tweak and adjust your form to ensure you are getting the most out of your workout. They will also help you remain as safe as you can during the workout. 

2. Hire Someone Who Can Cover All Aspects

One of the benefits of personal training is that PTs have been trained in all aspects of health and fitness. By working closely with a personal trainer, they will be able to teach you what is actually happening. 

The internet may have the most extensive range of information available on all subjects but a PT will know the difference between what information is helpful and what is harmful. 

The main problem with searching the internet for advice is that it makes it sound so easy for everyone to follow but due to the fact that everyone is different, this may not be the case.  

3. Every Body Is Different

Each of our bodies will be different from those we see around in the gym. The basics may be the same, but a personal trainer will understand the subtle differences.

People will have different abilities from others. This means that you could potentially hurt yourself trying to mimic someone else. Each body will have additional requirements to succeed. 

Some of us may have been injured previously, which requires a particular type of training. If you attempt something new with a previous injury, you could end up causing yourself harm. 

4. Focus On the Long and Short Term Goals

Another fantastic benefit of having a personal trainer is that they will stick with you. No matter your reason for joining a gym, your PT will help you hit all your goals.

Do you have a short-term goal, such as running a marathon or a long-term goal of hitting a certain weight? If so, personal trainers can help you achieve both. 

Once you tell them what your goals are, they will create a personalized workout regime to help you get there. These workouts might include training muscles you may not even know you had.

5. Gain the Challenge You Need to Succeed

When you are running solo through a workout routine, you may find yourself growing bored. This means you may have risen to a level where you don’t see the workout as a challenge anymore. 

This is another of the personal trainer benefits. They will progress you through different levels. They will consistently create a challenge to push your body through to success.

It may turn out that your current workout schedule only needs minor changes. Gaining a fresh pair of eyes could be all you need to create that challenge. They will also push you further past your limits than you would on your own. 

6. A Personal Trainer Will Keep You Motivated

Most of us will have had days when we wake up for the gym at stupid o’clock in the morning. How many have been guilty of turning the alarm off and going back to bed? I know I have.

This is one of the motivational personal training benefits. If you wake up for an early morning session and decide not to attend, your PT will not be happy with you. They will motivate you to participate in every session you book with them.

Finding the right personal trainer to help motivate you shouldn’t be a difficult task. Once you do find the right PT, you will start to reach new potentials with your workout.

7. A Personal Trainer Can Advise on Nutrition

Another of the best benefits of having a personal trainer is, they don’t simply focus on your workout. To become a qualified personal trainer, they will have completed a course on nutrition. 

Together, you will create a nutrition plan so you can work on your fitness outside the gym as well. The food you eat will have a drastic impact on the overall health of your body. 

If you stick to the nutrition plan the PT provides you, you will find both your body and even your mind improving. Personal trainers aren’t solely for gaining muscles. 

Get Help Getting the Body You Want

Taking the step towards hiring a personal trainer might be the best choice you have ever made. Deciding wether you want a healthier body could only be half the battle. 

If you aren’t finding your workouts to be challenging, you may be hindering your progression. Use a PT to help push you towards gaining your perfect body. 

If you live in and around the Boston area, why not drop us a message to see how our personal trainers can help you. We can help you mold your body into the one you have always wanted.

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What to Do About a Weight Loss Plateau

weight loss plateau

Whenever you’re on a weight-loss journey, there typically comes a point that you’re having trouble making noticeable progress. During the most difficult among them, known as the plateau stage, it might feel like you’re not making any progress at all, and won’t again any time soon. 

While this can be frustrating, it’s important to know that this stage will come and go when you figure out the cause of it. Losing weight is scientific, so there’s likely a good reason that you stopped seeing progress, and we’ll get to the bottom of the most common issues. 

These tips will serve you when you’re going through a weight loss plateau and will help you when you want to get to the other side of it. 

Re-Assess Your Goals and if You’re Exerting Yourself Enough

There are several weight loss plateau causes, so make sure first off that you cross the most fixable one — your effort. 

The thing about fitness is that the workout that used to be an all-out killer that left you exhausted and dripping with sweat will someday feel like a warmup. Your body is meant to get stronger and better, so you need to be making your workouts increasingly difficult to give you new challenges. 

Otherwise, you’ll more or less stay the same, rather than putting on more muscle and burning less fat. If you’re doing the same workouts that you’ve been doing for a while, your heart might be in the right place, but you simply aren’t exerting yourself enough. 

Figure Out if You’re Getting Enough Rest

If you’re struggling to figure out how to overcome a weight loss plateau, you also might not be getting enough rest. It’s the rest that allows your changes to set in after you have been working out consistently. 

Make sure that you get about 7 or 8 hours per night so that you can restore your energy, build muscle, burn fat, and more. People that aren’t seeing tangible results might be skimping on sleep and getting in the way of their own progress. 

Check Out Your Nutrition Intake and Document It

Taking care of your personal nutrition is impeccably important if you’re trying to improve your health and fitness. When you first have a lot of weight to lose, it’ll naturally melt away even if you aren’t eating as clean as you could. 

There always comes a point that eating a poor diet will catch up to you and make it difficult for you to get any substantial results. Make sure that you cut out processed foods and fried foods as much as possible. A lot of these foods have filler and additives that will cause you to deal with issues. 

Take the time to document every meal that you eat each day so that you aren’t overlooking problem areas that you can cut out. Instead, fill your diet with foods that are nutritious and that help you to get results out of your health and fitness. 

Get the Help of a Personal Trainer

When you have a personal trainer, you’ll be more likely to push through plateaus and hit your fitness goals. No matter how overweight you are, it happened because you overlooked the importance of nutrition, had bad information, dealt with emotional trauma, or otherwise found it difficult to put in the work. 

Trying to fix all of these issues by yourself can cause you to run into roadblocks. It’s difficult to see your own blind spots, but a personal trainer is a much-needed set of eyes that will help you push through to the finish line. They also give you the accountability to show up each day and work hard, especially since you are paying for their services. 

Above all, a trainer has the expertise and experience to get whatever goals you have. 

Add More Activity In-Between Your Workouts

Make sure that you think bigger than simply the time that you’re putting into your workouts. You burn calories in your regular life as well and should add an uptick of activity in these areas. 

Take the time to walk more in your everyday life. Consider walking for errands that aren’t far from your house, and take the time to walk a half-hour once or twice each day, no matter what you have going on. Park far away from the store so that you burn more calories coming in and out. 

When you’re out and about, make sure to use the stairs rather than the elevator. Become more mobile in your daily life and it’ll pay off across the board. 

Manage Your Macronutrients

Make certain that you’re also breaking down every food item based on the nutrients that you’re taking in. Keep track of your macronutrients, which are fats, carbohydrates, and protein. 

When you use a fitness app, it’ll log your meals and compare them to your goals, so that you know exactly how much of each macronutrient you will need to find success. It’ll also let you know which to cut out or reduce. Many people struggle with weight loss because they ingest too many carbs each day. 

Make Changes to Get Through a Weight Loss Plateau

The tips above are useful if you happen to be dealing with a weight loss plateau and need answers. No matter how much weight you need to lose, these factors will serve as pillars to assist you in your journey. 

Rely on us for your training and nutrition needs. Take time out to contact us and call us up at either (617) 577-1100 or (617) 945-2708.

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How to Find the Right Personal Trainer

personal trainer

Are you looking to hire a personal trainer to help you get in shape? If so, there are several things you should consider before committing. This is so you can get the most from each session and see progress.

Working out and becoming fitter is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Not only can it reduce your likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack, but it’s great for your mental health too.

People who regularly exercise are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Plus, working out can help you build the body you’ve always wanted. So, you will no longer be embarrassed about stripping off at the beach.

Hiring a personal trainer has many advantages. Not only will you be more motivated, but you’ll be put on a specialized plan tailored to your needs.

But, it’s important to take your time when choosing your personal trainer. All trainers are different, and you want to ensure they’re right for you.

In this article, we’ll share some tips and advice on what to look for when hiring a personal trainer.

Read on for more information.

Ask to See Credentials

You can’t just wake up one day and begin working as a personal trainer. Instead, you have to study and pass an exam through an accredited organization such as:

  • The American Council on Exercise
  • The National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • The National Strength and Conditioning Association

Passing an exam set by these organizations shows that they are knowledgeable and have the expertise to practice as a personal trainer.

All personal trainers should be able to show you their credentials without issue. The majority of the time, they’ll show you them before you have the chance to ask.

This is because they’re proud of what they have achieved.

How Experienced Are They?

All personal trainers will have some relevant experience. It’s just that some have far more experience than others.

It’s completely up to you whether you want to go for someone newly qualified or one that has been working for years. At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to both options.

A newly qualified trainer may still be finding their feet and a little nervous. But, on the other hand, they may be full of confidence and wanting to try new ideas.

Plus, you may even get a discount from them.

An experienced personal trainer will know which practices work and how best to guide you. But, they’re often the most expensive option.

Areas of Expertise

A lot of trainers usually specialize in a certain sport. This may be because they competed at a high level, or it’s their passion.

So, if you’re looking to improve at something, in particular, look for a specialist.

For example, you may want to improve your 10k time. In this case, you need to look for a trainer who specializes in running.

These types of trainers are fantastic and usually great value for money. Most of the time, you’ll be able to achieve your goals quickly and even exceed them.

Most personal trainers will advertise what they specialize in upfront. But, if not, you can ask.

Personality

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them over the course of your personal training sessions. So ideally, you want there to be a connection.

You don’t need to become best friends, but you need to ensure you feel comfortable in their company. You also want to make sure they understand what motivates you.

Everyone is different, and the best personal trainers can figure out how to motivate their clients quickly. For example, some people like to be shouted at, whereas others need a gentle approach.

To determine if they’ll be a good match for you, book an introduction session.

This gives you a chance to see how they work and if you want to commit. If you have any hesitation, we suggest searching for someone else.

Their Availability

We all have different schedules which determine when we can train.

Before you hand over money for some sessions, ensure that they’re available at a time that suits you. Most personal trainers are flexible and can work around you.

But, others are only available at certain times due to other commitments.

Cost

A lot of personal trainers either charge an hourly rate or offer package deals. Generally, package deals are more value for money and are better to see progress.

This is because you’re more likely to stick to the training plan because you have paid upfront. Whereas if you pay hourly, it’s easy to skip a week or two.

You should also be aware that a lot of personal trainers offer semi-private training or virtual sessions. These are usually cheaper and perfect to test the waters.

But before you commit to anything, sit down and work out what you can afford to spend. Remember, though, that this is an investment in your health, so it’s worth spending a little extra.

Reputation

This is one of the best ways for how to find the right personal trainer.

You always want a personal trainer with a great reputation. To ensure you get this, ask to see client testimonials and reviews. The best personal trainers won’t hesitate to show you how they’ve helped clients and what they can do for you.

But, if they struggle to show you anything impressive, you may want to look elsewhere.

What to Look For When Choosing a Personal Trainer

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when searching for a personal trainer.

Take note of everything we’ve mentioned, and you’ll end up with someone professional who can help you achieve your goals. In fact, you’ll probably achieve things you never thought possible.

Finally, if you need any information about our personal trainers, feel free to contact us.

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