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Any thoughts, fond or not so fond memories regarding your first table?
I'm looking for some first table wisdom from those who have been there. If you could do it over again.....what table would you purchase as your first table? Meaning, would you purchase a plush over a firmer table, electric over a portable, best economically or best of the best top of the line and fill with all the options that you could possibly purchase? What is most versitile and recommended by those who have the wisdom of living through it.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Thank you for your thoughts!
Views: 268
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on
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I still have my first table. I won it as a door prize at the 2nd Annual World Massage Festival in Pensacola, FL in 2007. It was donated by Massage Warehouse. I was a student back then, and just cried when I pulled the ticket for the table. It is very nice. Deep purple, my favorite color. It is holding up very well. This table was broken in at the Pensacola Massage Center where it was used for about 16 months before they closed. The only problem I have been having is, I am having to replace the velcor on the face rest for the second time. Otherwise it has been great. The World Massage Festival gives away great door prizes. Check them out, worldmassagefestival.com.
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Permalink Reply by Marissa on
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I'm going to answer your question with a question. What area of massage are you planning on being involved with? What type of business are you passionate about?
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Permalink Reply by Pamela Murgo on
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Congrats on your win! Thank you for the excellent tip Darcy. I will be sure to check-out this site.
Darcy Neibaur BS LMT NCTMB said:I still have my first table. I won it as a door prize at the 2nd Annual World Massage Festival in Pensacola, FL in 2007. It was donated by Massage Warehouse. I was a student back then, and just cried when I pulled the ticket for the table. It is very nice. Deep purple, my favorite color. It is holding up very well. This table was broken in at the Pensacola Massage Center where it was used for about 16 months before they closed. The only problem I have been having is, I am having to replace the velcor on the face rest for the second time. Otherwise it has been great. The World Massage Festival gives away great door prizes. Check them out, worldmassagefestival.com.
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Great question... I know the opportunities are endless, but I do know I will be starting out traveling to build a clientele without the overhead costs - I have no idea how long this will last. I'm interested in offering an overall relaxing and healing experience but plan to be as versitile as possible. I'm interested in futhering my education by learning infant and pedi massage - hoping to help those that have been neglected/abused or even hospitalized. Offering to adults or the elderly in the same situation also.
Marissa Macias said:I'm going to answer your question with a question. What area of massage are you planning on being involved with? What type of business are you passionate about?
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Thanks for your feedback Samantha. I will keep this in mind while shopping.
Samantha J. Bennett said:lol- I guess replying to this is going to show my experience in this profession. Went to school 3 years ago and still going strong with the one that was offered in part of tutition for school. It's an Earthlite- one of the more basic, but i still love it. And haven't had any problems so far (knock on wood).
It depends alot on what type of work you do and where you do it. I prefer the firmer table (you can always add cushioning/fleece under your sheets for those who like the softer tables), and do like my portable one with it's carrier (since i do a lot of traveling with it). I don't ness.ly think the most expensive table means the best for you. Good Luck. tc
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Well, then I would suggest a portable table (usually offered with 2.5" to 3" foam). Make sure you get the table "package" that includes a carrier case as well as a table cart. These will be invaluable in protecting your table and your back if you are walking a longer distance. As Samantha said, you can always add a table pad. You can usually find these in the bedding department of your local big box store at very reasonable prices. If you decide at a later date to have a permanent location, purchase an electric. They are a "luxury" for yourself! You will still have your portable to be able to travel to the "homes" of the elderly and infirm. Good luck with your purchase!
Pamela said:Great question... I know the opportunities are endless, but I do know I will be starting out traveling to build a clientele without the overhead costs - I have no idea how long this will last. I'm interested in offering an overall relaxing and healing experience but plan to be as versitile as possible. I'm interested in futhering my education by learning infant and pedi massage - hoping to help those that have been neglected/abused or even hospitalized. Offering to adults or the elderly in the same situation also.
Marissa Macias said:I'm going to answer your question with a question. What area of massage are you planning on being involved with? What type of business are you passionate about?
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Permalink Reply by Monica A. Roberson on
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you have to be comfortable..but soo does the person on the table!
Monica A. Roberson said:lightweight for sure! if you plan on traveling with it...and also the height modifications...deep tissue..larger folks to accomodate?..i have invested in a table warmer and a fleece pad for the table..just to add to the comfort for my clients. I purchased a Oakworks Nova Table just before graduating from school..i love the table ! it all depends on you..I had a massage chair before the table...how often are you going to be using it...where are you going to be....while I was still in school I had found a massage table for sale posted at the school for $150..at that time it worked for me..things changed..I sold it for $250...upgraded... I hope this helps..please let me know how you make out
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Permalink Reply by Bill Cahalan on
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I have a 3inch padded table and recommend it because I have been on less padded tables and as the hour comes to an end the table is too hard and uncomfortable. I also have a round table which I will not get again because it won't work with sheets, being round and all. I got it from Bestmassage.com at a good price.
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Permalink Reply by Robin Wiggs on
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My first (and still) table is from Custom Craftworks. And it's been wonderful. It's comfortable, sturdy and I feel confident when using it. I would not have done anything else different being my first table. I got the regular table...no extra stuffing...no fancy cover....no special holes...30" width, and it's been fabulous. However, now that I am expanding my practice to other modalities, I would Looooovvveee a hydrolic(sp?) table. I think it would go a long way to preserving my health (longterm), and it would save me alot of time and crawling around on the floor when I need to adjust for different modalities.
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Great, thanks so much for the info! I really appreciate it. I was torn between the Oakworks Nova and Wellspring tables because they are the lightest weight along with best quality and reviews that I could find. The lightest weight being the Wellspring although I like the look of real wood legs like on the Nova. As for the foam, I'm leaning towards the breast comfort option. I believe that offers the 2.5" foam with more forgiving areas at either end and planned to soften as necessary with fleece/padding etc. as necessary. I had an hour massage while visit friends in Canada this summer and they used this same type of padding along with bean bag type supports to raise the chest area and ankles while prone. It was surprisingly comfortable considering the bean bags were no larger than the size of ones palm.
Marissa Macias said:Well, then I would suggest a portable table (usually offered with 2.5" to 3" foam). Make sure you get the table "package" that includes a carrier case as well as a table cart. These will be invaluable in protecting your table and your back if you are walking a longer distance. As Samantha said, you can always add a table pad. You can usually find these in the bedding department of your local big box store at very reasonable prices. If you decide at a later date to have a permanent location, purchase an electric. They are a "luxury" for yourself! You will still have your portable to be able to travel to the "homes" of the elderly and infirm. Good luck with your purchase!
Pamela said:Great question... I know the opportunities are endless, but I do know I will be starting out traveling to build a clientele without the overhead costs - I have no idea how long this will last. I'm interested in offering an overall relaxing and healing experience but plan to be as versitile as possible. I'm interested in futhering my education by learning infant and pedi massage - hoping to help those that have been neglected/abused or even hospitalized. Offering to adults or the elderly in the same situation also.
Marissa Macias said:I'm going to answer your question with a question. What area of massage are you planning on being involved with? What type of business are you passionate about?
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Thanks for the feedback on height adjustments Monica. I'll keep that in mind while shopping. I need the table while enrolled in school for my practice hours outside of class. I will be traveling for probably the next 1.5 to 2 yrs. or possibly longer depending on clientle. I also thought about purchasing used and have even entertained the idea of a few opportunities; however, if I am going to make a purchase I would like it to be a long-term purchase from the start - save myself the hassle of trying to sell later.
Monica A. Roberson said:you have to be comfortable..but soo does the person on the table!
Monica A. Roberson said:lightweight for sure! if you plan on traveling with it...and also the height modifications...deep tissue..larger folks to accomodate?..i have invested in a table warmer and a fleece pad for the table..just to add to the comfort for my clients. I purchased a Oakworks Nova Table just before graduating from school..i love the table ! it all depends on you..I had a massage chair before the table...how often are you going to be using it...where are you going to be....while I was still in school I had found a massage table for sale posted at the school for $150..at that time it worked for me..things changed..I sold it for $250...upgraded... I hope this helps..please let me know how you make out
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Ya know Bill I was wondering about the rounded corners as an option. Thanks for the heads-up regarding the sheets. I would think it's probably not worth the extra cash for something that is not going to benefit me in the end. I understand what you're saying about firmer tables after an hour but please correct me if I'm wrong (it's likely with my lack of experience) but isn't easier to soften or provide extra cushion to a firmer table than it is to firm up a softer table? I was thinking deep tissue would be better for both the client and practitioner when performed on a firmer surface. Thank you so much for your advice!
Bill Cahalan said:I have a 3inch padded table and recommend it because I have been on less padded tables and as the hour comes to an end the table is too hard and uncomfortable. I also have a round table which I will not get again because it won't work with sheets, being round and all. I got it from Bestmassage.com at a good price.
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