I'm really bad at massages, and I don't mean giving them. I envy those who are able to fully unwind and let themselves relax while getting a massage since I typically use the 50 minutes of what should be a calming experience to create to-do lists and allow my mind to wander (this is probably why I also find it difficult to meditate or practice yoga). That being said, I'm well aware of the benefits of getting a massage and what it can do for one's overall mood, health, and wellbeing. So when I discovered Squeeze, a massage business founded by the people behind Drybar, I decided to challenge myself and see if I was able to fully lean into the massage experience by the end of four weeks. As someone who leads a busy lifestyle with an unpredictable schedule and backaches galore at the hands of my laptop, the idea of weekly massages sounds dreamy. On the flip side, it also seems like it could become more of a chore than a pampering session if done every week.
With several locations across the country, Squeeze is a no-frills massage studio that allows you to book, modify, pay, and review your treatment all in one app. I like that there are no phone calls needed to make an appointment, no awkward checkout processes, and that the entire experience from start to finish is completely customizable. Upon booking, I'm prompted to select a massage therapist based on a short bio that describes their expertise — this is great for those preferring someone with specific specialties like deep tissue or Swedish. Within the app, I was also able to choose my desired pressure, areas I'd like to avoid, and areas I'd like to focus on which allowed me to tailor my preferences to how my body was feeling that week. Finally, before each treatment began, I was able to select from four complementary aromatherapy oils like grapefruit, bergamot, rosemary, and lavender, as well as six musical options ranging from white noise to instrumental.
Experts Featured in This Article
Clinton Kyles, CMT, is a certified massage therapist.
Benefits of Weekly Massages
Unsurprisingly, there are a whole host of benefits to getting a weekly massage. "Regular massage therapy increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which helps to regulate mood and reduce stress, significantly lowering anxiety and depression over time," says Clinton Kyles, CMT, certified massage therapist. "Weekly massages improve circulation, support cardiovascular health, boost immune response by increasing white blood cells, and lower blood pressure and heart rates." For those who suffer from chronic pain conditions, a weekly massage can also help reduce discomfort. Workout enthusiasts may also find themselves feeling less sore with a quicker recovery period as a result of weekly massages.
My Experience With Weekly Massages
Massages are something I indulge in occasionally, but making them a part of my weekly routine came with a few unexpected side effects. Since July turned out to be my busiest work month I've had in a while my stress levels at the beginning of the month were at an all-time high. Thankfully, my first time at Squeeze automatically put me at ease. The muted cyan shade throughout the facility was a thoughtful choice to ensure my visits felt peaceful, calm, and serene. I also appreciated the subtle reminders to slow down and relax, like the entire wall of stress balls in the waiting room.
For my first week, I decided to go the traditional route of a relaxing massage in anticipation of the demanding weeks ahead. I chose light to medium pressure with soothing music, and made a concerted effort to practice breathwork throughout the session to encourage my brain to not overthink. The 50 minutes flew by, and although I had a late night the evening before, I felt surprisingly energized and ready to tackle the day after the treatment.
My second week, which involved spending hours a day hunched over my laptop, the massage focused on my upper back. My therapist let me know that I held a lot of tension on my right side, and she spent some time massaging knots in this area. My third week saw a pretty heavy workout routine (Pilates three times and a bootcamp-type class twice), so my muscles were in need of a little more love. I opted for firm pressure with a focus on my shoulders, arms, and glutes. This massage was slightly uncomfortable compared to my first two, but my body definitely felt more relaxed when I walked out. By the time my fourth massage rolled around, I was so used to my new routine that I dozed off midway through the session, something I've never been able to do during a massage.
While I noticed a change in my stress levels, digestion, and sleep quality over the course of the four weeks, I was most surprised by how the experience affected my time management skills. While I previously always felt strapped for time, this month I was better equipped to manage my schedule. Specifically, my mind felt clearer, which meant that I was able to be more efficient while tackling work, personal, and daily tasks. I even noticed a change in my makeup routine. Whereas my typical makeup routine would be rushed and thrown together, I actually craved more "me time" and a lengthier getting-ready process. I also felt inspired to experiment with new products and techniques rather than reach for the same formulas and tools. Finally, because my stress levels leave me in a perpetual state of fight-or-flight, I typically engage in shallow breathing. This month, however, I found that I started to take long, deep breaths a few times each day, which consequently calmed my nervous system.
All in all, I began to look forward to the weekly massages as they quite literally forced me to take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of my daily life. Just like staying committed to healthy eating and a consistent workout regimen, I found myself feeling more connected to my body and mind over the course of the month. Massages may not be something I'll be shelling out the money for on a weekly basis but I certainly plan on trying to make them a more consistent part of my self-care routine.
Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty and wellness contributor with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is a writer and editor on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle.
