New to Massage?

All of these questions are normal and many people wonder what happens and they are worried about being embarassed and looking like they don't know what they're doing. I hope this little explanation of what you can expect when you come to Be Fit Massage will help you feel more comfortable so you can make your first appointment, will want to come back for another and so that you will think of the entire experience as safe and relaxing.

When you come to Be Fit Massage you will be at my house. Nothing clinical about it! I have an entire large room dedicated to my massage practice.

Behind a folding screen and curtain lies the massage studio. I have a table set up where we will sit and discuss your health and your massage needs.

When it is time for you to prepare for your massage feel free to ask me what article of clothing you should remove, if any. There are many different types of massage and not all require the same level of undress. If you are a first-timer, you might even want to try chair massage, where you sit in a special massage chair, fully dressed, and can have your neck and back massaged. In some cases we might want to use a gown that is open in the back if we are just working on your back. That way you can sit up on the massage table, and have just your back uncovered for massage.

In any case, I will leave the room and you can take your time getting ready. If you are receiving a full body massage or simply prefer to remove your clothing for comfort, you can take off your clothes (you can always leave your underwear on) and slide under the covers on the massage table, on your back. There will be a tublar pillow under the covers, and you can put your legs over the pillow so that it is under your knees. I will adjust the pillow for you when you are ready for me to come in. Pull the covers up to your chin so everything is covered except your head.

In the photo above you can see a face rest sticking out of the end of the table. In many cases we will start with you on your back, so the face rest won't be attached to the table. You will just put your head on the table.

When you are ready you can ring a small bell I will leave with you, or you can just give me a shout. I'll ask if you are ready before I enter the room. At this time I might start some soothing music, or, if you wish, we can do the massage in silence.

With a first massage there may be a bit more talking than we would have in subsequent sessions. It's ok to talk during massage! You can ask questions and at times I will need to ask you to move around a little. Some people prefer to have as much quiet as possible. Please let me know if you would like to have a quiet session.

You can look around or you can close your eyes, whatever makes you comfortable.

During massage your body will always be covered by a sheet, except for the part that I am massaging. This is called "draping," and it is something I learned about in massage school. When I massage your arm or leg I will reach under the sheet, without looking, and move your arm or leg out from under the sheet. I will tuck the sheet all around your arm or leg so that only your arm or leg is sticking out.

If at any time you feel that the sheet is not where you want it please make an adjustment or let me know. Your privacy is of utmost concern to me. I want you to be able to fully relax and not worry about being exposed, or even if you're not worried about it, I don't want you to feel cold either! In cooler weather I do have a portable heater in the room, so feel free to ask me to make the room warmer if need be.

At some point I will install the face rest and ask you to turn over. I will stand to one side of the massage table and lift the sheet from the side away from me, blocking any view I might have of your body. I will then ask you to roll over. You can then roll over, scoot towards the face rest and set your face in it. Your eyes, nose, and mouth will be free in the U-shaped rest. The sheet will come to rest over your entire body, completely covering you. I will then use draping as needed to massage your arms, legs, and back.

At the end of the massage I will quietly let you know we're done and I will leave the room. Please take your time to relax and slowly get up and get dressed. When you are all set please come on out of the room and let me know you're dressed.

Congratulations! You just finished your first massage!
I can't wait to have you back again.

Regards,

Marianne