Recovery Is Part of the Work: A Little More Love for the Body That Does So Much
Taking care of your body doesn't stop when your Pilates class ends!
Let's talk about recovery.
We spend a lot of time talking about movement, strength, mobility, balance, and all the wonderful things our bodies are capable of doing. At Kelp Pilates, we are incredibly passionate about helping people move well, feel strong, and continue doing the things they love for a really, really, really long time. And the other part of that equation that deserves a little more attention is recovery. We associate that word with what happens after something like surgery or a tragedy, but honestly we are constantly recovering from the work we are constantly doing!
Our bodies are constantly working. Whether you're taking Pilates three times a week, running your horses, gardening, running after kids, sitting at a desk all day, training for a race, dancing, traveling, lifting weights, or simply navigating a full and busy life, your body is responding to demands all day long. We all could use a little help slowing down, restoring, and resetting. Wellness includes the parts in between the exercises and good food and joyful experiences. That's why we've been thoughtfully adding recovery services to our studio. These aren't just fancy extras or little luxuries (although they certainly feel lovely!). They're opportunities to give your body some intentional attention, support circulation, encourage relaxation, and make time for yourself.
The best part is that you don't have to be an athlete, have an injury, or be particularly sore to enjoy them! Just be a human, with a body who appreciates relaxation of a re-set.
So, what exactly is recovery therapy, and why should I care?
Think about the last time you felt heavy-legged, tight through your shoulders or back, puffy faced, tired, or just a little worn down. Maybe your feet were aching at the end of the day. Maybe you had a particularly challenging workout. Maybe you simply hadn't taken a moment to sit still in a very long time.
Recovery services offer different ways to support your body and give yourself a little reprieve without needing an entire day at the spa.
Some services focus on gentle compression and circulation. Others use light energy, warmth, or targeted pressure to encourage relaxation and comfort. Truly it is what appeals most to you! These are not replacements for movement, good nutrition, hydration, sleep, or appropriate medical care. They are complements to good care and good living
That's really what I love about having them at Kelp Pilates- we can support the body in more ways than one.
Let's take a look at what's available:
1. Compression Therapy: Give Those Hardworking Limbs a Little Love
If you've ever wished someone would give your tired legs a really good squeezy massage, you're going to love this one.
Our compression therapy system uses specialized sleeves that wrap around the legs, hips, or arms. The sleeves gently inflate and deflate in a sequence, creating rhythmic, wave-like compressions and stretchings.
The sequential pressure is designed to encourage fluid movement through the treated areas and support circulation. It's particularly appealing after exercise, long periods of sitting or standing, travel, or simply a day when your body feels a little heavy and tired.
Why would I want to try it?
- Tired, heavy legs: A wonderful option when your legs feel like they've done a lot of work (because they probably have!).
- Post-workout recovery: Compression may help reduce the perception of muscle soreness following exercise.
- Long days on your feet: Give your lower body a chance to rest while enjoying rhythmic compression.
- Arm and hip recovery: We can target more than just the legs. Our system includes attachments for the arms and hips, allowing us to focus on different areas depending on what you'd like to bring circulation and address.
What does it feel like?
Imagine a series of gentle squeezes that travel through the sleeves in a rhythmic pattern. The pressure is adjustable, and the experience should feel comfortable rather than painful. It is therapeutic and relaxing- to both your body and mind.
Sometimes it's just nice to sit back, put your feet up, and let someone else do the work.
2. Red Light Therapy: A Little Light Goes a Long Way
This is one of those services that has people curious- for good reason!
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red light (and, depending on the device, near-infrared light) to interact with cells in the body.
Unlike a tanning bed or traditional heat treatment, red light therapy isn't designed to tan or heat the skin. It uses light energy to stimulate biological responses within the tissues.
The areas getting attention in research is skin health including healing of scars, tissues, bones and inflammation.
Why would I want to try it?
For facial treatments, red light therapy is being studied for its potential to support:
- Smoother-looking skin and improvements in the appearance of fine lines.
- Skin texture and elasticity.
- A more even-looking complexion.
- The appearance of redness and other visible signs of skin aging.
Even better is that the face isn't the only place we can use it!
Red light can also be directed toward specific areas of the body. Depending on the device and its wavelength, photobiomodulation is being researched for its effects on tissue repair, inflammation, and certain types of pain like arthritis, scar and tissue repair.
It's an interesting area of science, and one that continues to evolve.
What does a session look like?
You can choose to focus on your face or a specific area of the body. It's a simple, non-invasive experience that gives you an opportunity to relax while the light does its thing. You will recline in our comfy lounger and place this on your face -or- specific area of your body (like your knee, wrist, foot) for 20-30 minutes.
My favorite part is that it's an easy way to incorporate a little intentional self-care into your routine without having to carve out an entire afternoon.
Think of this as a little investment in your skin and your overall wellness routine, with the understanding that results vary and consistency matters.
3. A Little Love for Your Hands & Feet: The Therapy Massage Experience
Can we talk about our hands and feet for a minute?
We spend so much time thinking about our backs, hips, shoulders, and legs that we sometimes forget about the two areas of our bodies that are working almost constantly.
Our feet carry us through the day. Our hands do just about everything else!
At Kelp Pilates, we've added hand and foot massagers to give these hardworking parts of our bodies a little attention of their own.
And these aren't just little vibrating gadgets. We have worked with an acupuncturist and a naturopath to bring you the best and well-researched devices. The ones we have chosen combine several massage techniques to create a wonderfully relaxing experience.
What makes them special?
The foot massager combines Shiatsu-style kneading, rhythmic air compression, and soothing heat. The kneading action works through the soles of the feet, while the air compression gently squeezes and releases around the feet. You can adjust the intensity, the heat, and massage program to find what feels best.
The hand massager offers a similar opportunity for relaxation, using adjustable compression, heat, and different massage modes to work from the wrist through the fingers.
Why would I want to try them?
- For tired, achy feet: If you're on your feet all day, teaching, working, exercising, or chasing little people, a little focused foot massage can feel wonderful.
- For hardworking hands: Whether you're typing, gardening, lifting weights, working with your hands, or simply doing all the things life requires, your hands deserve some attention, too.
- For relaxation: The combination of gentle pressure, kneading, and warmth can help ease the feeling of tension and encourage you to slow down.
- For a little sensory reset: There's something lovely about sitting down, letting the devices do their thing, and having absolutely nothing else to accomplish for a few minutes.
The research on massage and acupressure continues to explore their potential effects on pain, tension, stress, and relaxation. While these devices aren't medical treatments, they offer a lovely way to incorporate massage into your wellness routine, and are the closest thing to scheduling a longer appointment.
It is important to take care of your body and you don't need to have sore feet or tired hands to enjoy them- sometimes the best reason to schedule a little recovery is simply because it feels good to take care of yourself!
Consider this your invitation to put your feet up.
4. Infrared Sauna: Warm Up, Slow Down, and Make Time for Yourself
If there's one thing I hope you'll take away from this entire conversation, it's that rest is not something you have to earn.
You don't have to exhaust yourself first. You don't have to wait until you're sore. And you certainly don't have to wait until you're completely depleted to give yourself permission to slow down.
Our infrared sauna is an invitation to do just that.
Unlike a traditional sauna, which primarily heats the air around you with steam, an infrared sauna uses infrared energy to warm the body more directly. This allows for a warming experience at temperatures that are generally lower than those of traditional saunas.
And yes, you'll sweat!
Why would I want to try it?
There are several reasons people enjoy infrared sauna sessions:
- Relaxation: Warmth can help you unwind and create a welcome transition out of a busy day.
- Muscle comfort: Heat can ease feelings of stiffness and tension and our sauna is large enough to stretch in too!
- Circulation: Sauna use increases heart rate and blood flow as your body responds to heat, increasing metabolism and flushing toxins.
- A moment for yourself: Sometimes the greatest benefit is simply having uninterrupted time to slow down, breathe, and be still.
Research into sauna use has explored cardiovascular health, pain, and other potential benefits.
What does a session look like?
Our sauna experience is designed around a 30-minute session, with 40 minutes reserved for the full appointment so you have time to get settled and transition afterward.
You will be in a private room so you’ll come in, get comfortable, let the warmth surround you, and enjoy a little time that belongs entirely to you.
Bring your water bottle, and remember to hydrate before and after your session.
And no, you don't have to run marathons or spend hours at the gym to benefit from a little recovery time.
Consider this your invitation to put your feet up.
