Massage and other spa treatments- ADViCE NEEDED! THANKS!

[grace0418]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I will be traveling to Santa Fe in a couple of weeks. We've both been working really hard at getting healthy and going to the gym 6x a week for a couple of months now. He's lost 30 pounds and I've lost 22 pounds.

He suggested, since we'll be in a place so full of interest in natural healing, that we go to a spa and get massages as a way to reward ourselves for all the hard work.

I'm alternating thrilled about and dreading the idea. I've never gotten any kind of spa treatment or massage. I feel uncomfortable enough lumbering into my salon to get my hair cut every 8 weeks when all the stylists and most of the other customers look like models.

I've heard tales of larger people having bad experiences at spas and I really don't want that to happen. I'm nervous about everything from not being able to fit into the spa robe to having to get naked to having the massage therapist react negatively.

Do any of you have any advice? Anyone over 250 lbs. have spa treatments (I'm currently 263 and hope to be under 260 by the time we go)? What was your experience?

[PassingFair]

1. Hi Grace!

I've never been to a spa, but your questions intrigued me, because I
feel the same way. I suggest you look for a weight loss spa or retreat
where there will be lots of people in various stages of weight loss.
Massages and wraps and such will be common place! I bet there are day services there that
you can take advantage of.

Maybe they have low-cal gourmet lunches!

I wish you and your husband the best and I hope your visit will be memorable
and fun. You seem like such a nice person, you deserve a day of R & R!

[chelsea0011]

2. I'm a guy around 250 and go to a spa. I know males might not be

as intimidated in the spa environment being somewhat overweight, but you shouldn't let that bother you or keep you away. Being in Santa Fe will give you many differing choices. I have never been there. Will you be using an independent spa or going to one of the large spas at a resort hotel? I have only used spas at hotels and I can tell you there are all body types there. And no one is paying any attention to anyone else. There usually is some kind of meditation/quiet room you may spend time in before your treatment. Most people just lie around relaxing to the piped in new age music. Some of these quiet rooms can be fairly large and some quiet intimate and small. Some have the lights toned down in an enclosed environment and others may have skylights to the outside. Some have small pools in the middle just to sit and relax your feet in shallow warm water. Some have larger pools more like the swimming pool environment but with pools only ankle deep. The large resort spas usually have separate work out rooms and classes. And the spa treatment people will all make you feel comfortable. They are pros! They are only interested in one thing. Doing a great job and getting a tip. Yes, tipping is expected. Although you are naked you never quite feel like you are all there for the masseuse to see. They use towels to make you feel like your privacy is in tack. I cannot speak for any private spas. I have used the Center for Well Being at the resort I stayed in. Some resort hotels use chains for their spas. They were great. Remember. Your money (these treatments aren't cheap) is the same as the next persons and you belong there as much as everyone else there. I suggest you go all out the first time. Get a wrap and a massage. 100 minutes of bliss and pampering. You will come out of it rejuvenated and in a state of total relaxation. Check the online websites for any spa that you may think of using. They usually have their brochure online which usually offers couples massages for the both of you. I prefer to go it alone. Enjoy. You'll find yourself back for more.

[jannyk]

3. Hi Grace. If being at a spa

is what makes you uncomfortable, you can always have a masseuse come to your hotel room. My husband and I did this when we went to Santa Fe. The masseuse brings the table, oils - the works and it is wonderful - give it (or the spa) a try just once.

[Beaverhausen]

4. As someone who does massage therapy from time to time, don't sweat it

Believe me- they have seen and "worked on" everything.

I actually prefered working on bodies with some flesh on them - it gave me something to manipulate.

Relax and enjoy it. It is very good for you!!!