Fitness, Altitude and Massage in Chamonix

Fitness, Altitude and Massage in Chamonix

After the intensity of three different massage training courses (sports massage, pregnancy massage and thai massage), it’s now time to write up my case studies, progress my project about the effects of massage in pregnancy and enjoy the practising of our Thai Massage training with other like-minded massage therapists in Chamonix. BUT I also need to focus on something less task-oriented.

It’s so easy to get swept up with work duties and deadlines and hence jeopardize the personal promises to reach marathon fitness, to use my Chamonix lift pass more often and to enjoy the sports that enticed me to live here. So this month is all about the great outdoors… and being disciplined enough to cap my working hours so that I can fulfill that work-life balance that so often sways towards my desk. While I’m at my desk, I’m taking care with my posture, keeping my head from tilting forward into the screen, occasionally doing some “glute clenches” and taking a regular few moments to gaze down the valley from Argentiere to the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc Massif. Our Thai Massage course with Dani from Yoga Groove really reinforced all that we’ve been taught about good posture for giving a massage. In Thai Massage philosophy, the practitioner should also be benefiting from the massage by adopting energy giving poses and a calm mind. And my Chamonix massage clients are feeling the difference from the subtle changes I’ve been making…focusing on better, deeper massage techniques that rely less on strength but more on body weight and perfect posture. The more comfortable the masseuse feels, the more in tune with the client she is.

I’ve been aware of this from the start, but it’s lovely to relearn the experience through a different massage technique and philosophy. “Physician – Heal Thyself!” is an ancient wisdom. So less nagging my massage clients in Chamonix to drink more water and do more yoga… I’m now refocusing my own energies on better postures while I massage, a slightly longer daily yoga routine (EVEN if I have an urgent email, etc), keeping hydrated, taking time to enjoy healthy meals, and using my Chamonix lift pass for high altitude runs and bike rides.

First stop, a wee cafe up the Aiguille du Midi to write up those wonderful pregnancy massage case studies at altitude.

As a vote of good karma to fellow mountain runners who are embarking on the Chamonix 10Km, Chamonix Cross du Mont Blanc (23Km) or the Chamonix Marathon Du Mont Blanc (42km) on the weekend of 26/27th June, you’ll get free 20mins with any ChamoFix massage of 30mins or more if you show me your race bib or medal!