Fitness Trends for 2015

How can you get the most out of your new fitness routine?  Incorporate massage!

According to a recent Canadian survey, the top ten fitness trends of 2015 highlight the following:

1. High-intensity interval training
2. Functional fitness
3. Older adult training
4. Working out with certified/experienced fitness professionals
5. Personal training
6. Body weight training
7. Express workouts
8. Nutrition education programs
9. Boot camps
10. Circuit training

Perhaps the most popular form of fitness training has been and likely will continue to be Pilates, a complete mind-body "experience" of physical conditioning which helps to build strength and stamina and increase flexibility, along with reducing stress, relieving muscle tension and stiffness; improving posture and aiding in the reduction of chronic pain. Pilates focuses on the core of the body - the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks - and integrates deep-breathing techniques that help improve concentration and control.

Pilates not only contributes to one’s physical well-being; it also helps to connect the mind to the body.

Academy Massage recognizes the benefits of combining therapeutic massage with Pilates training to promote the strengthening of muscles and unwind tension, in effect helping clients to attain a stronger, relaxed and balanced body. In addition, both procedures promote healthier circulation that feed muscles, bones and internal organs with the oxygen and nutrients necessary to function properly.

Academy Massage also realizes the benefits of combining massage therapy and yoga as an effective way of achieving optimum health for mind, body and spirit. There are a variety of yoga formats, but in conjunction with massage, each can benefit through:

• Improving flexibility
• Increasing circulation
• Relieving stress

You might choose to have a massage prior to or following your yoga session. But keep aware that each performs a specific and effective function. Having a massage before a yoga session helps to warm and loosen muscles. As well, a pre-massage can make it easier to maintain the necessary concentration, sustaining focus by removing attention from the day’s worries, concerns and other distractions.  Enjoying a massage after yoga creates a feeling of deep relaxation, a tranquil experience which may even last throughout the rest of the day.

CrossFit is a popular fitness program that combines a variety of functional movements into a timed or scored workout. These systems may include pull-ups, squats, push-ups, weight lifting, gymnastics, running, rowing, and a number of other exercises. Each naturally puts a strain on one's body and so massage treatment will provide optimum benefits both before and after the strenuous workout.

Before deciding to explore these latest fitness trends be sure to call Academy Massage for an individual consultation. Not only will our trained and licensed massage specialists assist you in choosing the right recommendation for your preferred exercise program, but our own specialized sessions are designed to promote your flexibility to decrease your risk of injury, and will aid significantly in improving your overall endurance. Studies indicate that allowing for a post-workout massage reduces recovery time and offers the necessary balance to those who are training for a long-distance marathon or other physical activity requiring staying power.

You can rest assured that when it comes to aiding and supplementing today's fitness practices, Academy Massage will not steer you wrong.

Make Massage Part of Your New Year's Resolutions

For most people New Year's comes with a new set of resolutions. Generally these are a commitment to improving oneself and embracing a healthier lifestyle, which may include quitting smoking, a determination to lose weight (always a concern after feasting during the Holidays) - or to begin and maintain an exercise regime.

Whatever your resolutions for 2015, your friends at Academy Massage would like to remind you that incorporating regular massage into your health, fitness or personal care program can enhance the benefits and leave you relaxed and free of stress and anxiety, or invigorated, pumped with extra energy, primed for that upcoming workout.

Massage has been an effective healing tool in many cultures for thousands of years as ancient practitioners discovered the numerous body and mind benefits ranging from treating chronic illness to restoring physical peace and balance.

And so as a new and exciting year has come upon us, Academy Massage would like to remind our valued clients - old and new - that massage should not be considered a mere indulgence. It is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

We wish one and all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2015!

Therapeutic Massage for Breast Cancer Patients

Statistics Canada reported that in 2014 an estimated 24,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,000 will die from it. In addition, 1 in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer at some point during her lifetime (after age 20) and that 1 in 29 will die from it.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and while its cause is unknown, early detection is vital - followed by proper medical treatment.

Massage therapy has been shown to offer a number of benefits for breast cancer patients. The therapists at Academy Massage are both skilled and qualified to perform procedures that have proven helpful. Immediate benefits include the reduction of stress and anxiety and in the long-term decrease depression and restore a sense of well-being. Therapeutic massage can also alleviate cancer pain and help boost the immune system. 

A proper breast massage has also proven effective in preventing the buildup of toxins in the lymphatic system and aids in relieving other potential post-surgery symptoms.  Contact us today if you, or someone you care for, could benefit from this specialized form of massage. 

The Healthy, Stress-Free Christmas Alternative

Academy Massage Gift Cards

While we all look forward to enjoying the warmth of family and friends and the special magic of the Holiday Season, made traditional by the merriment of favorite Christmas carols sung around the open hearth and highlighted by sparkling decorative assortments which trim the tree, the flip side can be a little less festive. And that is the hustle and bustle and clutter and clamor of shopping in busy malls and department stores to find just that right present, navigating the congestion of consumers and standing in long checkout lines - and still not knowing whether you got it right. Add to this an often last-minute effort that can leave us stressed and overwhelmed and feeling plain exhausted, and by day's end might even succeed in taking away the joy of the season.

Bah Humbug . . .

In short, there has to be a better solution.

And the good news is - there is!

Why not simplify your gift buying and purchase a Yuletide alternative that not only guarantees to alleviate stress for the frustrated shopper but also for that special someone - or that person who is just hard to buy for. Academy Massage gift cards are a way of showing that you truly care. Family and friends are sure to appreciate the gesture, as they can benefit from the pain relief, stress reduction, or just plain relaxation that massage therapy can provide. Be it as a gift or even a stocking stuffer, gift cards from Academy Massage are the perfect choice.

Our gift cards are available for a variety of our unique services and products. Besides being redeemable for therapeutic massage or reflexology treatments performed by our trained and licensed staff, Academy Massage gift cards can also be used to purchase a wide array of products intended to help you just to unwind or to relieve the pain and discomfort of strained or sore muscles and/or joints. These carefully selected products include oils, lotions and our premium grade Min Makura buckwheat pillow. As well, we offer specialty products such as our roller massage, hot/cold pads, vapor water bottles, Aromatherapy scent inhaler, Neti Pots, TENS machines, among other quality items intended to enhance health and benefit your overall physical and emotional well-being. These are items that are listed and can be checked out on our website.

Academy Massage gift cards are affordable and can be purchased in either in $50 or $100 amounts to fit your budget. For your convenience gift cards can also be ordered and sent by mail. We accept all major credit cards.

But Academy Massage reminds you that gift cards are not just reserved for Christmas. They are available all year round: for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and other special occasions.

So when trying to ease the stress and expense of holiday shopping, remember that gift cards from Academy Massage won't put a damper on your holiday hamper.

A Very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year from the staff at Academy Massage.

Unused Benefits Coverage

Aches and stiffness become common for many people as the colder days of autumn soon to be followed by the winter season envelopes Winnipeg. Many people rush to get their yard work done before the snow hits and this, too, can cause strain on your joints and muscles. Once the snow comes we're out there with our shovels, cleaning sidewalks and driveways - and often with strenuous impact on our bodies.

As 2014 rapidly draws to a close, Academy Massage would like to remind our valued clients that you may still have unused private insurance coverage and that now might be the perfect time to take advantage of these benefits. Whether for therapy for an existing physical condition or to get your muscles ready and in shape for the long winter ahead - or maybe just to treat yourself to the relaxation professional massage can provide, we encourage you to fill out the year with a visit to our office.