1 Do your homework

Know what you’re having. Don’t wait until your masseuse is cracking vertebrae to whisper that you thought you’d booked something more relaxing. If it doesn’t sound like something you’d like, ask for something different. That applies during your massage too – don’t endure something you’re not enjoying. Most masseuses will be happy to adapt to your needs.

2 Don’t go hungry, or stuffed

Since you’re having a massage, it must be a ‘treat yo’self’ day but try to steer clear of Shake Shack before your massage. That said, it’s a good idea to eat something to stave off a grumbly stomach. For maximum comfort – and to cover all massage-related digestion eventualities – it’s best to factor in two food-free hours before your appointment.

3 Think head to toe

Sounds obvious, but if you’re having a full body massage that means – you got it! – arms, legs, back and feet. Your masseuse will deal with knots in places you didn’t even know you had them. Top tip for the full body treatment is, and we’ll admit it sounds obvious, but…take a shower and remove any unwanted hair. Why? The less friction the better.

Get the most out of your massage by doing these three things

23/11/2017 / Editor's picks

If you’re outlaying on a massage to soothe maxed out muscles and send you to your happy (floaty) place, you’ll want to make the most of it. The more relaxed you are before your appointment, the better. There are super easy ways of making that a reality. Here’s how.

By Liz Hambleton

Editor's picks

Here's how to make the effects of your massage last 23/11/2017

Think your massage is a fleeting indulgence for your body? Well, it’s not. The effects last long after you’ve left the parlour. To keep that super relaxed, oh-so floaty feeling, try the following. (We can’t guarantee that they’ll keep you zen when back in the real world, but they will keep your body feeling tip top.) By Liz Hambleton

Don't try this at home

The extreme sports massage 24/01/2016

Calling all fitness freaks. It’s time to give your body a break from all that January bootcamping and get those squat knots ironed out. Say hello to the extreme sports massage… Aching calves? Clicking knees? Sore shoulders? If you’ve got any (or all) of the above then your body could be reacting to an overzealous workout regime. 'Workouts are getting tougher than ever,' says therapist Michael Earlington from Bliss Spa London who specialises in extreme sports massage. 'People are training like athletes but without the proper nutrition or wind down period, leaving them with aching post-workout muscles and stiff, tired…

Don't try this at home

How to get the most out of your massage 25/04/2016

Ever uttered the words, “I really need a massage”? Well the truth is, you may very well need one right now. Hovering over your laptop, scanning instagram on your commute on the train, devouring the latest Scandi Noir novel on your kindle, means you are carrying a multitude of stresses in your shoulders, upper back and lower back too. “I see so many people coming in with tension in their upper back, namely from long haul flights, driving for long distances and spending lengthy amounts of time sitting at a desk.” Says Lowenna Humphries, Spa Manager at the Baglioni Hotel…