Massages?! - Columbus,OH

Updated on January 12, 2010
J.C. asks from Columbus, OH
18 answers

Hi Moms! I almost feel stupid even posting this, but I need some sort of idea of what to expect. For Christmas my husband purchased me a gift certificate for a local spa/salon. I am hoping to go get a much needed massage soon, but I have never had one professionally so therefore I am clueless as to what to expect, what I need to wear, etc. Also I'm currently not exactly comfortable in my own skin. I feel that I am about 40 to 50 lbs overweight and am working on it. I almost feel as if they are gonna look down upon me as one of those people they absolutely dread giving a massage.... :( Basically I guess I just need advice on what to expect, etc. Thanks for taking your time to read this.

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C.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

If they make you feel that way report them. You should take a bath robe to wear and relax. It's suppose to be fun and make you feel good. My son is well over 300 pounds and gets a message all the time at his dr's office. The cutest little thing is the one doing it and she has never treated him like he's fat or someone unworthy.

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B.R.

answers from Evansville on

I'm about a 100lbs over weight, after 4 babies and diabetes. (working on it, not fun) and I got a massage as a gift for mother's day. The guy didn't treat me in any bad way nor did he make me feel upset with myself.
It was great and I was able to just lay there and relax and let someone take care of me for once!
Enjoy it!

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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

You should be able to keep on your underwear, if you want. Normally, they'll tell you to strip down as far as you are comfortable. I prefer to leave on panties, but that's all. Usually, they'll start you FACE DOWN and they give you privacy to undress, etc. and will knock or make sure you are ready for them to come in. They will hold the sheet so that you can turn over and they don't see you or your parts as you turn over. They tuck the sheet underneath you so that they can expose what they are massaging, yet respect your sense of privacy.

Many will ASK if they can massage your glutes, abs, etc. Just let them know what you do or don't want. You'll love it! Try to focus on relaxing and NOT what you think they're thinking. They see all KINDS of bodies and I'm sure you aren't the first overweight person they've given a massage to.

RELAX! They are PHENOM!!

K.O.

answers from Rochester on

Relax enjoy it, normally I just wear my underware and she covers you with a warm blanket, Do not visit or talk thru the entire massage, focus on relaxing, they are very professional and do not care about body type of sizes, they just care for your welness, drink plenty of water after and if a certian area you do not like being touched tell her, like I do not care for my toes to be pulled. YOu will soon LOVE them!

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M.H.

answers from Dayton on

Massages are really, really great! I try to get at least 3 or 4 a year. Typically, they will have you fill out a questionaire so they are aware of any medical issues or sensitive parts of your body. You can specify if there's an area you would like them to focus on or areas you want them to avoid. They will leave the room so you can undress to your comfort level and climb on the table under the sheet. They'll tell you whether to lie face up or face down. There's usually dim lighting and soft music. I reccommend not wearing jewelry too. Around midway through the massage they will hold the sheet up so you can turn over. Once they're done, they tell you to take your time in getting up and getting dressed. They will also encourage you to drink lots of water to help flush the toxins they've released from your muscles out of your body. I've overweight too but I've never had any issues with judgements during a massage. Just do your best to relax, let them do their job and feel the healing effects of having tension rubbed out of your body. And give thanks for having a husband who gave you such a pampering gift! They really can be wonderful!

J.C.

answers from Columbus on

J.,

Just tell the masseuse what you want and what you don't want. If having your upper legs massaged makes you uncomfortable, let them know. Spend that hour on parts that are going to relax you and make you feel totally comfortable. Feet, shoulders, arms, hands, temples, neck, back, etc.
And I like the idea of letting them know this is your first time and that you're a little nervous. I just bet if they have any chops, they are going to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
Have a great time!

J.

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T.C.

answers from Steubenville on

hi J....i was in your shoes 2 yrs ago. Gift from hubby, professional massage. Never had one, wut to wear? not comfortable just walking into the place, very emmbarrassed. One thing that helps,if you can, find a friend to go with you. I took my sister. i felt less retarded going in then. when i made the appt. i asked a what to wear and the process. They are professionals ( ya know wut i mean) and are used to working with nervous people :). i only got a back/shoulder massage. You are able to keep yer bra on if you are more comfortable that way. the ladies me and my sister were with were very nice, and treated us like anyone else. we were in seperate rooms. they give you a few minutes to get ready, a warm room, candles, quiet/relaxing music. it was all very relaxing . So don't worry too much. Its all good. GL

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S.E.

answers from Cleveland on

First time massage can be very nerve wracking! But a good salon will make you feel at ease. Where comfy clothes, and just try to relax and enjoy! As far as feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, many of us can empathize! But honestly, if you treat the massage therapist kindly and with respect, that will factor in much more then your appearance!! You'd be surprised at the poor treatment these proffessionals receive from snobby clients who think they are better then these people because they are providing a service! I have heard it from them first hand! So just relax and enjoy! Obviously your husband feels you deserve it! So don't take away from your experience by worrying what they are thinking, it's about YOU!!

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S.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

Massages are awesome!! Don't worry about what they think. These people massage probably hundreds of people so I am sure they see all different body types. They usually will tell you to take off everything but your underwear and then get under the sheet on the massage table. Of course they leave the room so you can do this!! The sheets are usually warm because they put them in a warmer too so they are nice and cozy!! Then they only expose the parts they are going to massage so they really don't see anything private. At least, that is what they do where I have been to get a massage. Every place may be a little different. Just enjoy it and don't worry!!

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K.P.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Hello J. My hubby and I get a professional massage every two weeks. This is a time when you can relax and feel so much better when you leave. THIS IS 'YOUR TIME GIRL'. We only strip to our shorts/underwear and the therapist doesn't make you feel uncomfortable at all. She has a sheet that covers you and if you need a pillow under your knees for comfort she has one waiting for you. I cannot use the head rest that she has so I just put my head on the table and that is fine with her. My husband does use the head rest. You can see they are they to make you comfortable and enjoy the massage. YOU WILL SIMPLY LOVE IT.

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M.B.

answers from Dayton on

I've worked as a nurse and seen all kinds of people in various states of undress. Trust me - they probably aren't even thinking about it. They most likely are thinking about what is coming up next and how many more people they have until lunch (just like you would do at work). Only get as undressed as is comfortable, and enjoy it!

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M.B.

answers from Lafayette on

You sweet thing. Don't you worry about what you think they'll think. If you do, you won't be able to enjoy your massage. They see all kinds & sizes of people. Just relax, close your eyes, and enjoy the message. You'll get A LOT more out of it that way! =)

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R.W.

answers from Cleveland on

I am a massage therapist and the first thing that we learned in school is that every body is beautiful and to treat everyone with respect! So you really should not be too uncomfortable about that. When you go to get one it is kinda like going to the doctor. They will give you a min to undress and most places (at least I would let a person dress down to their comfort level you can wear a t piece bathing suit or even a bra and shorts or underwear.) They will give you instructions on what to do once you are undressed and you will be covered or at least should be until they are ready to work that area. The reason I said to wear a bra is so they can unhook in the back to access your entire back. You will be fine and I hope you enjoy your massage.

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

J.-

I hope you are able to enjoy it.

Unfortunately, I am a stress case, so most massages do little for me. But, I've had a few professionally.

Think of your masseur like your doctor, they see people of all shapes/sizes all the time and should not be making any judgments. Any reputable place will have very professional people.

Wear clothes that you can easily take off. They'll have you strip down to nothing but your underwear and ask you to be covered on a table with sheets/blankets. They'll very professionally work on certain areas without compromising your modesty.

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C.

answers from Cleveland on

You can bare as much as you would like. They will leave you alone in the room where massage will take place. They will ask you to remove your clothes while they are gone and then get under the sheets/blankets (on the massage table) when you are ready. They will knock before they come back in. It is common to take off everything but your panties. Some people take those off too. They really prefer you to take off your bra so they can give you a full back massage but if that makes you uncomfortable, leave it on and just slide the straps off of your shoulders. But believe me, you will be missing out if you do that. Don't worry about what you look like. They do so many people that it probably doesn't even register and actually it is harder to do someone with with a lot of muscle (my sister is a massage therapist). They may not be in perfect shape either. The last one I had massaged my stomache and crawled on top of the table to really get my back (she asked me if it was ok before hand and it really felt wonderful!! Please, relax and enjoy the experience!! And yes, I am overweight too.

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S.B.

answers from Elkhart on

J.,
My husband got me a g/c for a very high class spa massage. I was SO nervous. I have had massages before but it was by a lady who does them in her home. So I did not know what to expect.
When I got there everyone was so friendly.
I had to fill out some paper work
Then they took me to a locker room and gave me a big robe (or you could bring your own) and they give you a pair of flip flops to wear.
You get completely undressed and put the robe on so what you wear isn't so important.
I like you am over weight and that is part of what made me nervous about it too, but I never once was made to feel uncomfortable or nothing.
Nobody will see you naked, you are always covered with your robe or sheets.
Just keep telling yourself, I deserve this! Who cares what others opinion is of me, i'm paying them for this service!
And if you can avoid it, don't try to make conversation with the massage person because it takes away from the relaxation part of it.
Enjoy yourself and feel free to message me with any questions.
S.

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B.S.

answers from Columbus on

I guarantee that people of all sizes and ages go there to get massages. I am also overweight. You didn't mention where but my sister bought me a gift certificate to Brown Bag Massage and I've gone a couple more times. I wish I could go every month! They will have you undress and probably get on the table. Cover up with a sheet. I think with first timers they always try to talk to you about what you want, where you may have tight muscles. Relax and enjoy!

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E.W.

answers from Kokomo on

Massages are 100% wonderful. I had then done for a medical reason but it still felt wonderful. As what to wear....Just about anything you are comfortable in. The place I was at gave me a robe to wear that covers the front but not the back.

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