I googled Salt Lake City spas and scrolled through the various websites, and realized I was uncomfortable with more than nakedness and strange hands on me. I was uncomfortable with the invitations to "pamper yourself."
I was raised by Dutch Calvinists who would consider pampering yourself a sin. At least, that's what they whisper in my ear.
All the reviews I read of SL spas were written by young women, mostly brides to be, and I wondered if spas even saw old carcasses like mine. I don't want to make anyone throw up.
I have to think on this some more. Meanwhile, I' m returning to the Chinese man in the mall: "Ree-lax!"
I'm going to quote Rainer Maria Rilke from your sidebar. I think it applies.
ReplyDelete"You are not too old and it is not too late to dive into [a full body massage] where life calmly gives out it's own secret."
Also, everyone deserves a good pamper. Even Dutch Calvinists.
It's hard to push down that you're-so-over-indulgent feeling. I had a facial done at the spa at Camel Back Inn. It was 100 bucks and I loved every minute of it. But after it was all over, I told Bryce that I'd rather spend that money on a new outfit or save for a pair of Louboutin flats, something more practical and tactile.
ReplyDeleteFor the love... Try it once. Also you can wear a swimsuit if you want. They don't care.
ReplyDeleteRachel is so right. I think this isn't so much you are a self-sacrificing person, more like you are afraid of new things. Or insert whatever is the adult equivalent of Don't Be A Fraidy Cat, I Double-Dog-Dare-You 5th grade peer pressure.
ReplyDeleteI vote skip the spas - they are over priced and not therapeutic massage anyway. Ask your favorite occupational therapist/physical therapist/sports medicine doc./nurse who the best massage therapist is. They will know the real deal and it will be half the cost of the spas.
At the South Town mall, there is Sanctuary Spa. There is a guy there named Javier, I think. If I lived in Utah, he would be my spiritual advisor.
ReplyDeleteI consider my purpose more medical than pampering since I'm trying to keep pain at bay. If Mr. Ree-lax! makes your life (or moment) better, go for it. My masseur isn't at a spa, but owns a fitness center. I think the average age of his massage clients must be 65. I don't think I've seen one who appeared less than 45. I think he makes his real money as a securities broker in the mornings and has the fitness center for fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful. I really like the idea of the sports therapist. That suits me perfectly. The next time I have ankle therapy, I will ask for names. I'm
ReplyDeletecomfortable to have the massage without the luxury.
Thank you, thank you.
At the West Jordan Massage Envy there's a girl named Sammie who brought my back much joy. And FWIW, I always leave on my underwear bottoms. Feels less sketchy that way. But I'm a HUGE fan of having strangers rub my naked body. The awesomeness of it overcomes the creepiness of it. And it's not about pampering, really, more just having less pain. I always roll my eyes at the receptionists with their silly "indulgence" voices they use when you check in. Nevertheless, I go at least once a month. xo
ReplyDeleteLouise, We expect you to return and report. Inquiring minds want to know how this turns out for you.(Boy, after all that nagging I sure hope it pays off big time.)
ReplyDeleteAnd this is where you can wear that leopard bra that you got for Christmas that you didn't want.
ReplyDelete