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Advice Needed for Working Outdoors in Summer Conditions
I know I need to stretch well before, between as possible, and after and stay even more hydrated than with indoor work. Other than that what other tips does the community have for someone doing chair massage outdoors, on pavement and in direct sunlight during the heat of the summer? I won't be doing constant massages, or at least I don't believe so at this point, since the crowds at our Farmers Market wax and wane throughout the 3 hour run time, and the new Tuesday evening markets coincide with the parks departments free music nights which are always a decent draw but this is the first year for the market to be there so how that will work is still a huge unknown.
Any tips, ideas, experiences?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lara Rininger on
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I just wanted to say, that you can buy that foam interlocking flooring and take it with you so you have some cushioning and support while you are doing massage. I think even having a nutritious high protein snack for in between times would help. Maybe even a nice straw hat to protect you from the sun. When we've done outdoor events for school I position my chair under an awning or in a shady area if possible. One of the issues I have when I do chair massage is that I can do them for hours and I have to force myself to take little breaks. I don't feel it at all as long as I'm actively working but when I am done for the day I do feel it. I learned the hard way that it is important to take stretching breaks in between the massages. Both venues sound like fun opportunities to expose people to massage and maybe draw up some new business for you.
Good luck,
Lara
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Permalink Reply by Judith Smith on
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Thanks :) I'm planning to take a small cooler with my water bottles and fiber one oat and chocolate bars in it, and of course I'll be within steps of fresh fruits and veggies as well as grilled chicken and veggies.
I am waiting to see how popular my booth is before committing to the $$ outlay of one of those fair/festival type tents with the removable sides.
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Permalink Reply by Laurie on
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Great idea Judith. Everybody loves a chair massage!
If you are hot, your massage clients will be hot, too They may want to avoid the sun, so If you can't get the tent, maybe a patio or clip-on umbrella will work. Your clients may have a some of perspiration on their skin and clothing, a dry towel would help dry them off before the massage or use it to work on bare skin.
If it is really hot or humid, be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion for both you and your clients. Sometimes a damp towel (paper or cloth) placed on the back of the neck helps cool a body down - good for you and your clients. Also know if a medic is available on-site.
Drink plenty of water, electrolytes and have a snack available, it is so easy to forget when working. A portable stool might be nice for you, too.
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Permalink Reply by Danielle Frey on
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Judith, I am also doing chair massage at a farmers market. So far (2 weeks in) it has been a great way to market and bring in extra income at the same time. I bought an "instant canopy" 10x10 from walmart for only $56. It has SPF protection and you can purchase sides additionally ( I haven't felt the need for this) The canopy makes a HUGE difference in comfort level. I also have a couple of those folding camp chairs in a bag, I sit in any downtime and have them available for people waiting for their turn in the massage chair. Goodluck and enjoy. I am having a great time at the market
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I checked our store and the wm.com and both show their cheapest canopy right now as this http://www.walmart.com/ip/Atlantic-Outdoor-8-x-8-Canopy/14139095 one for $34.99 but according to the hunting & camping area manager it doesn't work with swissgear panels and their cheapest swissgear setup is $139. The manager did say they carried one in the $60 range last fall that had the add ons but at least in our region they no longer carry it.
Danielle Frey said:Judith, I am also doing chair massage at a farmers market. So far (2 weeks in) it has been a great way to market and bring in extra income at the same time. I bought an "instant canopy" 10x10 from walmart for only $56. It has SPF protection and you can purchase sides additionally ( I haven't felt the need for this) The canopy makes a HUGE difference in comfort level. I also have a couple of those folding camp chairs in a bag, I sit in any downtime and have them available for people waiting for their turn in the massage chair. Goodluck and enjoy. I am having a great time at the market
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The one I got is called first-up. It comes in a canvas bag with wheels for easy transporting. Maybe that will help track it down. I looked at one at target close in price too, but it didn't have the spf protection.
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Permalink Reply by Donna Martin on
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As Laurie said, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion for both you and your clients, because it can sneak up on you. Sometimes you will not feel the symptoms until you actually start to cool down, so make sure that you stay hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible.
This sounds like it could be a fun gig! Good luck and enjoy!
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Thanks for all the advice. Going over my equipment now and a bit nervous so I'm posting my 'packing list' in case I'm missing something:
Chair :)
omni roller
bounty select-a-size pre set into cradle covers
cotton blend cradle cover for working on husband inbetween clients {marketing, always marketing}
hand sanitzer
small cooler with bottled water and fiber one bars, 'stay cool' bag with bananas
antibacterial wipes
spray bottle of winter green alcohol for sanitizing chair
small box of fresh wash cloths for wiping down chair
3 or 4 headbands to swap out if I get a bit damp
extra antiperspirant
binder with my info sheets and handouts
sign in sheet
release of liability & intake forms
and obviously my magnetic jewelery and other pieces for the handcraft portion of my booth.
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Breath mints? ;) Seriously your packing list looks great! Do you have a little pouch for your customers to put their eyeglasses, jewelry, belongings in while you are doing the chair massage?
Have a great time it sounds like such a fun venue! I will have to look into our city's downtown First Fridays and Farmer's Market type events once I get my license...
Judith Smith said:Thanks for all the advice. Going over my equipment now and a bit nervous so I'm posting my 'packing list' in case I'm missing something:
Chair :)
omni roller
bounty select-a-size pre set into cradle covers
cotton blend cradle cover for working on husband inbetween clients {marketing, always marketing}
hand sanitzer
small cooler with bottled water and fiber one bars, 'stay cool' bag with bananas
antibacterial wipes
spray bottle of winter green alcohol for sanitizing chair
small box of fresh wash cloths for wiping down chair
3 or 4 headbands to swap out if I get a bit damp
extra antiperspirant
binder with my info sheets and handouts
sign in sheet
release of liability & intake forms
and obviously my magnetic jewelery and other pieces for the handcraft portion of my booth.
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Lara- My massage chair has one built into it {well it's detachable but ykwim} It's one of the reasons I love my chair :)
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What chair do you have? I'm getting ready to buy a massage chair soon since I'm graduating and won't be able to borrow the school's chairs anymore. lol :)
Judith Smith said:Lara- My massage chair has one built into it {well it's detachable but ykwim} It's one of the reasons I love my chair :)
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some things you may want to add...
Maybe a small bag to put trash in (I bring a reusable grocery bag and empty into the trash can at slower moments)
And business cards
Your appointment book. I have gotten a few people wanting to schedule their hour massage while they are there.
I also bring my ipod with portable speakers for when there is not live music at the market.
Receipt book in case a receipt is needed
a money bag ( I use a small purse that the strap can attach to my belt loop for easy access and knowing where the cash is at all times)
pens (many)
clipboards
ENJOY!!!
Judith Smith said:Thanks for all the advice. Going over my equipment now and a bit nervous so I'm posting my 'packing list' in case I'm missing something:
Chair :)
omni roller
bounty select-a-size pre set into cradle covers
cotton blend cradle cover for working on husband inbetween clients {marketing, always marketing}
hand sanitzer
small cooler with bottled water and fiber one bars, 'stay cool' bag with bananas
antibacterial wipes
spray bottle of winter green alcohol for sanitizing chair
small box of fresh wash cloths for wiping down chair
3 or 4 headbands to swap out if I get a bit damp
extra antiperspirant
binder with my info sheets and handouts
sign in sheet
release of liability & intake forms
and obviously my magnetic jewelery and other pieces for the handcraft portion of my booth.
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