Relaxation Seminar ideas

[Tyrone C]

Hi Gang!I recently aligned myself with the owner of a women's gym in order to promote my practice and on Dec. 14th I will be offering a short relaxation seminar for the gym's members.  This is my first foray into public speaking as a massage professional and I want to create a relaxing and informative session for these women so that it is worth their time.   I plan to open the session by briefly introducing myself and giving some background on my practice.  Then I'd like to gather the women in a circle for a quick ice breaker activity where they give give each other a brief shoulder/neck massage.  A chunk of the seminar (probably the end of it) will be devoted to a guided visualization exercise for relaxation but that portion will only take about 15-20 mins.  I have a few ideas for filling the rest of the time but I was hoping to get some input from some of the creative souls who wander this board.In no particular order, these are some of my other ideas for activities/discussion topics....- discussion of natural, inexpensive and effective items you can add to your bath (ginger for detox, epsom salt/baking soda combo for sore muscles, oatmeal/powdered milk combo for smooth skin, etc.)-demonstration of self massage techniques (including use of rolling pin, tennis ball, cork, etc.)-simple stretching & breathing techniques for relaxationPlease chime in if you have any other ideas for how I can relax & educate these ladies!Many thanks,JD

 

[shivaa]

Relaxation Seminar ideas

I cannot stress enough the affect aromatherapy has for relaxation purposes. Give a brief synopsis on the different essential oils and their purposes, letting them know where they can purchase some for their own personal use. Be well,Jen

 

[rescue member]

Sounds like you have some really great ideas in place already.  I would talk to them about stretching.  People really think they know how to stretch but most are doing it ineffectively.  Before you do the ice-breaker activity I would have them do a 1-2 minute relaxing/breathing technique.  I like the one where you stand with your eyes closed and visualize yourself as a flower....as you breath and start to relax, you slowing start to bloom...bringing your breathe up from the ground and all the way through your entire body...etc.Be sure not to have a "cheesy" ice-breaker.  People hate that.  Give them a specific question to answer to get them to start sharing...maybe why the joined the gym...or what "health" means to them.Good Luck and have fun!

 

[sidekickhero]

I've done something similar.  My goal was to educate them on the effects of stress in their lives.  I don't think people really understand what's happening in their bodies when they are under stress.  They don't know WHY they get that headache or WHY it eventually leads to heart disease.  I think many of them don't know that even though they don't have a headache or feel their shoulders creeping up to their ears, the physiological effects of stress are still happening in their bodies.  So.......I was hoping to have them understand all of this so they would truly know WHY it is SO IMPORTANT to manage the stress in their lives.  Unfortunately......I don't know that I was able to do this effectively without making it a snooze-fest.  Maybe it was more interesting than I give myself credit for....but the looks on their faces certainly wasn't giving me that impression.  I also incorporated ideas in there of ways to manage the stress......some very obvious things, as well as some things they might not give that much value to.......like turning on an easy listening station on the radio for the drive home.  I tried to be humorous and encourage audience participation.I tried to limit the whole thing to 30-45 minutes and it was very hard.  I would not spend more than that amount of time though, because people just don't have the time......especially by Dec. 14.I think you have some great ideas if you are not going to do what I did and do the entire educational thing.........but rather, just give hints and suggestions as to how to relax.  You seem to be on a great track.I would suggest arrive there ready to sell gift certificates.  If you can, offer the owner of the gym a free massage prior to the seminar so she can brag about you.  I would also try to give the attendees some special offer JUST FOR THEM if they book an appointment or buy a gift certificate that night.  Try to advertise this ahead of time so they know their schedule or bring their checkbook.What gym is this at Curves?  Ladies Workout Express?  I just did a chair massage event at one of those places yesterday and I sold 5 gift certificates, made 2 appointments and booked a massage party!Oh......I'd consider having a drawing for a free 30 minute massage as well.  That encourages attendance and it's also a way to gather a mailing list.  I try only to donate 30 minute massages these days, with the hopes that I can upgrade them to an hour when they make the appointment.  The last one I donated, the woman didn't upgrade, but brought her husband in for 30 minutes as well......I love that.......got my hands on TWO new people!Good luck!

 

[Katie Sunshine]

Relaxation Seminar ideas

For me, it's very important to get people into their bodies. I'm sure as a massage therapist we've all heard, "Wow, I didn't know that hurt." My personal preference is to have them "check in" to see how their bodies are doing. It can be a quick mental note that takes 15 seconds or a longer meditation. I like giving people a chance to notice where it hurts or is tight. Let people share what they notice. Then I'd talk about the effects of stress. Give the left-brainers some stats. After that a piece about movement and exercise. Have them do a few stretches. Once that is done have them check in with their bodies again. Do a meditation/visualization for relaxation. Check in with bodies again. Then, because you typically remember the first and last part best, I'd use touch as the last piece. Show them self care techniques. Get them to check back in with their bodies and notice how much better they feel. Ask for feedback so everyone hears how great they're doing. They'll be able to remember it because they felt a change in their bodies. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Some very useful pointers so far...thank you!In answer to SadieDawn's question, the gym is called Contours Express.  They are a franchise operation similar to Curves but they use stacked weights instead of hydraulic machines.  This means the members can actually adjust the intensity of their workout as their fitness level increases.  I've tried the circuit a couple of times and was impressed with the quality of the workout and the knowledge of the owner.  She's very safety oriented and keeps a close eye on her members to make sure they are doing the exercises properly.I definitely plan on bringing GC-s to sell and on doing a free GC drawing as an attendance incentive.  The owner will be actively marketing the workshop for me....  I'm sending over the description to her this afternoon.   Tried to give her a free massage a few weeks ago but her schedule has been too packed.  Am hopeful to get her on the table after the holiday madness  Thanks again for all the good advice!