Hot stone massage has been used in therapeutics for thousands of years. History shows the Chinese using hot stones for treatment over 2,000 years ago. It wasn’t just the Chinese who used hot stone massage, many ancient societies all over the world used and still use hot stones to heal and treat ailments. So, what exactly is hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage is just what it sounds like, heated stones used in the massage process. These are smooth, flat stones made from basalt, which is a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. Imagine the wonderful feeling of massage and then add in the relaxing feeling of heat concentrated on the areas that are being massaged. Seems like it would feel pretty good right? People from the last 2,000 years would agree with you.
Hot stone massage allows for increased blood circulation. Don’t worry about the stones being too hot, your therapist can ensure that they are at a comfortable temperature for you. There are many benefits to hot stone massage which include but are not limited to: alleviation of muscle tension and pain, reduction of stress and anxiety, relieving symptoms of autoimmune diseases, promoting relaxation and sleep for insomniacs, decreasing pains associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain, and many more health conditions. All of these benefits are great for today’s fast-paced type of society.
Still not convinced? Then, try it out for yourself and schedule an appointment today to feel your tensions melt away!
-Thomas Pearce, Pinky Uttayaya-Andrews
Mobility and flexibility are common words tossed around these days. So, what exactly do these words mean? Here’s a simple definition of both: mobility refers to how freely a joint can move through its full range of motion versus flexibility refers to the length of a muscle, thus flexibility is a component of mobility. Other factors that can inhibit mobility are muscle tension, lack of strength, soft tissue damage, and compensations in the body from other ailments.
So, which is more important…mobility or flexibility? Well, the answer to this question will differ from person to person but generally, mobility will most likely be of greater importance. But keep in mind that mobility and flexibility have a direct relationship to each other. Let’s take the knee for example. The group of muscles called the quadriceps function to extend your knee. When these muscles are tight, then the length of the muscle is decreased. So, if this muscle group continues to get tighter and not able to stretch then it directly leads to the inability to extend that knee, which overall decreases your range of motion in the joint (decreased mobility). See how it all ties together and why warming up before and stretching after your workout should always be a part of your routine?!
You’re probably thinking, yes stretching is important but you just want to get your workout in and be done. Well, think of the many benefits you gain from improving your flexibility and mobility. It increases the blood flow to your muscles so that there’s improved circulation. It also lubricates the joints, improves posture, increases the elasticity of the muscles, prevents injuries, decreases recovery time, and just allows your body to perform more efficiently!
The benefits are undeniable and can take your workout to the next level! If you’re still not convinced, then come by the gym and ask for our Dynamic Mobility Improvement program and see how we can help you…
MOVE BETTER, FEEL BETTER, AND LOOK BETTER!!!
Pinky Uttayaya-Andrews & Thomas Pearce
We keep hearing and reading that we should obtain 10,000 steps per day. Even most fitness trackers are automatically set to 10,000 steps daily. So where did this number come from? Well, it all started back in 1964 when Japan was preparing to host the Summer Olympics in Toyko. Fitness, health and wellness were gaining more awareness in the Japanese population especially the benefits that came from regular exercise, such as fighting obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc. During this time, the development of the modern pedometer was introduced and sales took off! The number 10,000 was derived from the Japanese term, Manpo-kei, which translates to 10,000 steps meter. From that point 10,000 steps became the minimum number of steps to walk on a daily basis.
So, now you’re probably thinking, how far is 10,000 steps? Well, that number will have some variance to it based on each individual but roughly it’ll equate to 4-5 miles (1 mile roughly yields 2,000-2,500 steps).
Now, let’s take into account our daily lifestyle. It tends to be more on the sedentary side. Let’s think about this for a minute…driving, meetings, desk jobs for 8 hours a day, watching TV, etc. All these different daily activities add to our poor posture, aches, and pains.
Getting 10,000 steps can seem intimidating and almost impossible to achieve to some but in reality it’s not. First off, start tracking your steps as soon as you wake up. Keep your pedometer or fitness tracker on in order to track your steps throughout the day. Here are some simple tips to reach that goal:
- Break up your time at the desk by getting up to get a drink a water or even get a simple stretch in
- Take the stairs vs. the elevator
- Park a little further in the parking lot
- Go for a walk after dinner with a friend/dog/spouse/kids
- Go window shopping
- Go for a walk on the beach
- Talk on the phone while going for a walk
If you’re not close to 10,000 steps yet, then find your starting point and try to increase your step count by at least 500 steps each week! A little improvement each day is better than none.
Now, here’s the fun part…jump into our 10,000 Steps Challenge for the next four weeks. The goal is to get:
10,000 steps per day = 70,000 steps per week = 280,000 steps for four weeks
Those who reach the minimum of 280,000 steps by the end of the challenge will get FREE access into our Mobility Class! The person that gets the most steps overall will be able to enjoy a FREE 30 minute foot massage!!
So get those walking/running shoes on and your pedometer or fitness tracker ready and get moving!!!
Pinky Uttayaya-Andrews
