Hitting the Trails! XC Ski trails that is!

Moving back north has been a bit challenging with the record snowfall we've had in the Twin Cities this December. Pulling out into intersections is a bit scary as you can't see around/above the tall snowbanks! I'm not sure where snow is going to be put if/when we get more snow here! My husband and I have contributed to the MN economy with our recent purchases of down coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, snow brushes and snow tires...and it has all been worth every penny spent. We even bought passes to Three Rivers Park District for a season worth of cross country skiing. It wasn't pretty, but we've dusted off our cross country skis and hit the trails twice so far.

Our first attempt didn't last too long...my fingers were frozen after I fell down a steep hill with a 90 degree curve, and my typically really warm fleece mittens got wet. Good thing I didn't slide into the 2 women that were at the bottom of the hill! According to an experienced xc skier we met that day, the snow was fast that day. Temperatures were in the single digits that day...the wind chill was below zero. It took about a day for my fingers to regain full sensation. Not what I needed after 6 winters seasons in Atlanta where anything under 40 degrees is considered really cold!

The next 2 days my hip flexors were so tight...it was difficult to lift my legs to take normal steps. The workouts and stretching I did on those days helped loosen me up to attempt another round on the trails.

Our second attempt was so much more pleasant. We tried a less hilly course (still had trouble climbing some of those hills!) with a lot less curves. We were passed by many on the skate skiing trails, but we plodded along on the classic trail. After one pass around the trail, we took a short break to see if our bodies could manage a 2nd round. We decided to go for it and made the next round in about half the time as our first pass on the trail. We're very excited to continue our xc skiing this season and get our snowshoes out for our next adventure!

Being an avid runner, I'm always amazed at how my body responds to new exercises/workouts. Cross training is so important to build strength and mitigate injuries, but as in any sport, it's always a smart idea to listen to your body. Repetitive injuries are so common in endurance activities. And endurance sports are typically performed by people who love to push their own limits...through pain. I know from personal experience on that topic! If you're participating in sports, especially endurance sports where repetition is common, do your body a favor...get routine bodywork so that you can continue participating in the activities you love. Otherwise, you might be injured and miss the rest of the season.

See what Livestrong.com has to say about massage for athletes:
Benefits of Sports Massage

Incredible Last Minute Gift Ideas

With only a few shopping days left, Bodywork Ultra in St Louis Park is offering a few last minute specials that will not be seen after Xmas Eve! Part of this special is because I'm new to the Twin Cities, and also because I want to share the gift of massage!

The main modalities I use include neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral therapy and sports massage with the short-term goal being pain relief. By relieving pain and restructuring the body to a balanced state, wellness improves and overall performance is enhanced.

Now through Xmas Eve, purchase a 1 hr massage for only $50, or 2 for $80, or 3 for $90!

Call today (404-403-6865) to order your gift certificates. With massage prices this low, you can afford to give these last minute specials to everyone on your list...your hairdresser, your neighbor, your in-laws, even yourself!

Relocation from Atlanta to the Twin Cities

Hello Twin Cities, MN!

2011 will be a transition year for Bodywork Ultra...new state, new city, new clients and a new climate! After 6 1/2 yrs and a really hot summer in Atlanta, the Twin Cities is testing my resolve! Originally from WI, I thought I knew what to expect moving back to the North. My husband, who had lived in the Twin Cities years ago, told me that the Twin Cities was a lot colder and snowier than Milwaukee/Madison, WI. Boy...he wasn't kidding! I'm learning just how adaptable the body can be! 3 major snowstorms (11", 6" and 17") and another on the way today...can't wait until Winter actually starts! I've been keeping the local outerwear stores busy with my down coat, long underwear, boots, hats and scarf purchases.

I've learned a lot in trying to set up my practice in the Twin Cities. The massage industry is not regulated by the state of MN like it is in GA (and most states). Because of that, each city adopts their own regulations. I would consider some of the city regulations prohibitive...$10,000 investment and $1500 background check for starters in one city. They are setting a clear message that they do not want massage therapists in their city. It's really too bad because people in those communities have to travel further for therapeutic massage.

After researching many locations in the Twin Cities, I have decided to open up Bodywork Ultra in St Louis Park, MN. The office will be in the Miracle Mile Mall at Hwy 100 and Excelsior Blvd. I'm really excited about this location and the people I'll be working with. The location is convenient for those in downtown, uptown and those who work/live in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities. Surrounding highways (aside from Hwy 100) include 169 , 62 (Crosstown), I-35W, I-394 and 1-494 isn't too far away either. Bike trails link St. Louis Park to downtown Minneapolis, the Uptown area, Hopkins and Chaska.

I'm enjoying my time so far in the Twin Cities...really love biking and running on the many miles of paved paths the community has to offer. I haven't tried biking since the snow fell...but many still do that! It's so nice that they're plowed in the winter! I also got out for some cross country skiing this past weekend until I realized I was not wearing warm enough gloves. It might be time to get some warmer gloves!

I look forward to working with people in the Twin Cities to help relieve pain, restructure the body to a balanced state, improve wellness and enhance overall performance.

Happy Holidays everyone!