Our wacky weather has certainly shown us just what Mother Nature thinks of our plans! Whether you were home with the kids for far too long, navigating the icy streets or spending hours reading political news, we know it took its toll. Sounds like you need a massage! We continue to welcome Kelly to our team and will extend the "welcome Kelly" special price through February. A 60 minute massage with Kelly is just $55!

Qigong classes were postponed during the snowpocalypse, so you're in luck if you'd like to join! The new 6 week series starts Wednesday, January 25th from 6:30-8:00. Call Maria to RSVP! 503-863-9173

We're cooking up some Valentine's Day specials for the month of February, so stay tuned!

Many thanks -
Kristina

We've heard your cries! You need massage appointments after work and on the weekends and we're always striving give you exactly what you want. I've been looking for the right person for a few months now and finally found her. Kelly Smith, LMT will join the Body of Work Wellness Massage Therapy Team on January 4th, 2017. She is a graduate of East West College of the Healing Arts and has been honing her craft at an area foot spa and her small private practice. She combines her training in craniosacral, myofascial release, Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques in her unique signature style. You can read more about Kelly on our About Us page.

During the month of January, 60 minute massages with Kelly are just $55. Schedule yours today!
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Maria Solomon brought the practice of Qigong to Body of Work in the fall of 2016.
She is now offering an evening class! She will be introducing the series in a Free Introductory class on Wed., January 11th at 6:30 pm. Please rsvp.

 HEALING GONG 1 - GATHERING HEALING QI FROM THE UNIVERSE
 This is a self-healing form that is easy to learn and practice. It is done seated on a chair. It can easily be implemented in daily life and the rewards will be obvious.
 
- 6 week series offered Wednesday 6:30 – 8:00
- January 18th through February 22nd
 Cost: $80 for the full series or $15 per class.
 
RSVP to 503-863-9173
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In early January, there will be a little construction happening at Body of Work Wellness. If you've been in our classroom, you may have noticed the "windows to nowhere" that raise curiosity. Well, I'm happy to report they will be covered over and the wall repainted. We expect the project to last about 3 days and shouldn't interfere with any scheduled appointments. 

We're also adding a laundry room! No, we won't be doing your laundry while you have a massage. We will be using it to do our massage sheets and towels and save our LMTs from hauling it all home (can you hear them cheering???) It will be in a small adjacent space. There will be a bit of dust while they cut a new doorway for us, but should be completed mid-January. 
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We could have taken ourselves out to dinner or dancing to celebrate our First Anniversary. We could have spent the day at a spa. But what fun is that? You are the reason we are here and we're so honored that you choose us. So we're celebrating with a Client Appreciation Week and an Open House!

When you come in for a treatment between Oct. 17 and 22nd, you'll receive promotional gift cards to give to friends and family (you'll make their day!) and a special treat for yourself.

Welcome Maria Solomon! Welcome Qigong classes!
 
- Free Intro Class on Oct. 19th
 
SHENG ZHEN GONG consists of graceful moving and non-moving qigong forms. These forms strengthen and relax the body, dissolve negative emotions, clarify the mind, open the heart, and ultimately elevate the spirit. Sheng Zhen translates as "sacred truth" and also as "unconditional love". Sheng Zhen Gong is the qigong of unconditional love.
 
In this 6 week CLASS we will be learning:
 HEALING GONG 1 - GATHERING HEALING QI FROM THE UNIVERSE
 
This is a self-healing form that is easy to learn and practice. It is done seated on a chair. It can easily be implemented in daily life and the rewards will be obvious.
 
- 6 week series offered Wednesday 11:00 – 12:30
- Oct. 26th through Nov. 30th
 
Cost: $80 for the full series or $15 per class.
 
RSVP to 503-863-9173
 
Maria Solomon, an ardent practitioner of meditation and the healing arts for several decades, has been authorized to teach Sheng Zhen Gong by Master Li Junfeng, the founder of Sheng Zhen and head of the International Sheng Zhen Society. Maria enjoys sharing this wonderful Qigong with others.

Cupping therapy has received a lot of attention lately as a tool used by several Olympic athletes. Did you know the massage therapists at Body of Work Wellness offer cupping therapy?  Read on for more info!

What is cupping?
Cupping is the application of glass or silicone cups, with either the use of a heat source or plain suction. The traditional way has been using flame to quickly burn the oxygen out of the cup to create a vacuum. It is then quickly applied to the skin, creating a suction that pulls the tissue into the cup. Modern designs in silicone or using hand pumps can negate the use of flame, although the suction can be less. Either static or moving cups can be used. Static cups are when the cups are applied, and left in one location on the skin. Moving cups is when lubrication is applied, and the cups are then glided on the skin. In either case, the physical benefits include increased circulation, pulling apart stuck layers of connective and muscle tissue, and a relaxation of tight muscles.
Does it hurt?
The application of the cups does not hurt. Sometimes the sudden suction as the cup grabs onto the skin can be slightly startling. However, as long as you have experienced deep tissue massage, you will be ready for cupping. Areas holding more tension or that have a large adhesion will be more sensitive, just as you would experience in deep tissue massage.
The dark purple circles that are synonymous with cupping are called “sha.” Contrary to what you might think, they are not bruises, but rather stagnated toxins, blood, lymph, etc. pulled to the surface, where capillaries can then properly dissipate them. They do not hurt, and often leave in within a couple days. However, on some people with light complexions they can stay longer. The more tension an area is holding, the darker the Sha will be. It’s common that as you continue to get treatment, the sha each time will be lighter, and clear faster.
Who should get cupping?
Everyone! The benefits are numerous, and once someone has tried it, they are usually a convert. Especially if you have areas of tension or adhesion that regular massage modalities are not benefitting to your satisfaction. Cupping is also helpful with digestion issues and stress. Unlike massage, cupping is also helpful with colds and pneumonia, although always check with your LMT before coming to an appointment sick.
The same precautions apply to cupping as deep tissue massage, so if you have been told you can’t have deep tissue than cupping wouldn’t be for you. 

My 94 year-old grandfather recently took a fall and ended up in a nursing home. For the first month he was there, they were worried that he would fall if he was up and around, so they kept him in a chair that reclined or in bed 24-7. We became very worried when he began to sleep most of the day, and was confused when he was awake. Sure, he's 94, but this is the man who got rollerblades for his 70th birthday and used them! Then he got a kayak for his 80th, and a few years after that, he and my dad cycled the length of the Erie canal. It didn't seem right that a man as active and healthy as my grandfather should decline that quickly.

We decided that movement was what he needed. We asked the nursing home to get rid of the recliner and give him a wheelchair and a walker instead, and we hired a physical therapist. Guess what? After two weeks of physical therapy and daily walks, my grandfather is going back to independent living!

The health benefits of movement are well-documented. It doesn't have to be strenuous either. An exercise regimen that includes walking and gentle stretching can protect against memory loss, decrease the risk of osteoporosis, and prevent heart disease and type two diabetes. Keeping our bodies moving as we age prevents subtler signs of aging too, such as muscle atrophy and loss of balance and agility. His active lifestyle is what kept my grandfather healthy into his 90s, and restoring movement has brought him back to health after a setback.

I'm only 40-something, but already I can feel the difference in my body if I go without exercise for too long. My balance isn't what it used to be, and my lack of flexibility is more likely to lead to minor injuries than it used to. So while I hope that longevity runs in my family, I think that the real fountain of youth is movement. I want to be rollerblading in my 70s and kayaking in my 80s, and the best way to make sure I can is to keep myself moving now. Yes, life is busy, but the dog needs walks several times a day and the kids are always begging me to play with them. I like to make one daily dog walk a long one, and I say yes to football and tag as often as I can. Another key to my longevity plan is massage -- read more on how that keeps us feeling young next week.

We have a weekly walking group on Sunday mornings. If you need a boost to get you going, or just think it's more fun to exercise with friends, we hope you'll join us! We leave from Body of Work at 9:00am most Sundays, you're welcome any time!

Posted by Jennie, who is usually behind the scenes at Body of Work but occasionally sits at the front desk on Fridays. 

I've had an on again off again affair with exercise and nutrition for most of my life. I make the New Year's resolution to get more active. I've done the videos at home. I've logged miles on walking paths. I bought a used elliptical. I have cute workout clothes. 

But it never sticks. I'm really good at the beginning! My attempts have been thwarted before by bad knees and I get discouraged easily by the scale. And wine. And pizza. And Netflix.

A few weeks ago, I started working out with Amy Lucero here at Body of Work Wellness. Now I'm beginning to see just how valuable a personal trainer can be in a journey to fitness. She's working with me to correct muscle imbalances that are angering the arthritis in my knees and we're building core strength to enable me to go further, harder and faster. She doesn't yell at me. When I came in discouraged by the scale, she talked me through it and pointed out the inches lost. She doesn't baby me, but she has an amazing way of getting to the heart of the matter. "How are you doing with your nutrition? What grade would you give yourself?" 

She truly understands my goals and motivation and she brings that knowledge into every workout. I'm seeing results and I'm feeling better and stronger each day. I'm putting my trust in her and know that I will reach my goals with her help. 

If you've been wishing you had a knowledgeable coach by your side for your health and fitness journey, give Amy a call. 

Take care,
Kristina

PS - Walking group this Sunday morning at 9:00 am! Movement and physical activity is so important to your health and we want to help support you, so come walk with us.

Are you feeling cooped up with all this rainy weather?
Did you resolve to get more active in 2016?
Come walk with us!
Starting Sunday, January 24th, the team at Body of Work Wellness will host a walking group!
We'll meet at Body of Work Wellness and start with a light stretch, lead by our resident personal trainer, Amy Lucero. We'll head out from there for an easy pace walk around the Rock Creek area. There will be shorter options or longer options to suit your fitness and motivation level. We'll finish up with another stretch and send you off to the rest of your Sunday.
This is a no cost group. We just want to hang out with you and help you get moving!
This Sunday (Jan. 24th)  we'll meet at 9:00 am and plan for an hour and a half total (including stretch time). Watch our website and Facebook for future times. If there is interest, we'll do an afternoon time some weeks. Comment here to let us know you're coming or reply to the email that was just sent out!

See you Sunday!
​-Kristina