a community of practitioners

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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Permalink Reply by Judith Smith on June 3, 2010 at 6:08pm

I have the Stronglite Ergo Pro. I LOVE it! I had one of the under $300 chairs when I first got out of school and it was a total case of you get what you pay for.

I also highly advise Mead Steadmans Complete Guide to Chair Massage. You can preview it on YouTube or asthetic video source's website. I have learned alot of new techniques and new strategies wrt body mechanics from it in just the 2 months I've owned it. He's kind of cute too, which doesn't hurt any :)

Lara Nabours said:

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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Permalink Reply by Judith Smith on June 3, 2010 at 6:11pm

Thanks! I can not believe I totally forgot about bringing a printed copy of my schedule. I always have a dozen reusable grocery bags in my van so I'm set there, and there are musicians performing as a part of the market as well so I am good there. I have my gift certificate book packed already but I need to get a new receipt book.

Would it be better to keep my massage related cash separate from the general booth income? I've been debating this with myself for a couple of days now. I have a small cash box for the booth itself and my husband will have it in hand when I'm working so I know the $$ will be safe there. And it all gets reported on the same end of the month report.

Danielle Frey said:

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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Permalink Reply by Marilyn St.John on June 3, 2010 at 9:13pm

I have done a lot of outdoor work in the summer...Hope this helps! You seem to have most things covered, and here are some more ideas:

What I found to be most important, if you have access to an electrical source, is a fan if it's a hot day(and also a nice, long extension cord & duck tape to prevent tripping!) ... for your comfort as well as your client's.

One of those white pop-up tents is good for shade ~ and a real good client-draw on a sunny day! (Entirely optional are the white sheers I hang on the sides for at least the illusion of seclusion, even tho I am just doing chair work inside...but then, I'm in a festival environment, too.) I purchased a tent (www.ezupdirect.com) that's about 10' x 10' for under $200 because I use it every year (and took it as a tax deduction.) Your husband will come in handy here, an extra pair of hands is needed for the "pop up" part!

Disposable face cradle covers ~ I use the paper kind plus a flannel cover on the face cradle itself to prevent slipping. Bring a trash bag for when you toss 'em.

Goes without saying: water-water-water...and peppermint gum... and business cards!!!