Have you ever wanted to do massage at home with your partner but didn't know where to start? Do you try doing massage but get tired quickly? Are you wondering how to please your partner, who keeps asking for "harder," without hurting yourself? If so, you need to take one of the Massage for Couples classes I'll be teaching at Forest Park Community College on Saturday, June 11, or Saturday, July 16, 2011.
This class is ideal for couples who would like to massage each other at home, athletes, dancers, musicians, and anyone else who would like to learn simple massage techniques they can use at home.
This one day, 5 1/2 hour class is meant to give nonprofessionals the basic skills to do massage for relaxation on a partner. While we can't teach you to be a massage therapist in one day, you should leave the class feeling confident that you and your partner can begin to enjoy sharing massage with each other at home. "Couples" can be any two individuals, not just spouses, but you must register for the class with a partner. Friends, roommates, teammates, and family members are welcome to participate.
The class begins with some introductory information on massage theory so that participants can understand the "why" behind what they are doing. Precautions are covered so that it is clearly understood how to work in a manner that does no harm to either the giver or the recipient. Most of the class is "hands-on." Particular attention is paid to making sure the "giver" works in a way that will not hurt them. A variety of strokes are taught that allow for maximum flexibility. Participants learn strokes that are light but still effective and also more vigorous strokes that can affect deeper tissues.
Class size is limited so that participants get plenty of individual attention and many personal concerns and interests can be addressed. The class is relaxed and friendly. Participants have ranged in age from their early 20s to their 70s and come from many walks of life. It's a lot of fun.
Cost of the class is very modest - only $34 per person for a 5 1/2 hour class! Registration will open on May 2. For more information or to register, call the Continuing Education department at 314-984-7777 or go to the St. Louis Community College website: http://www.stlcc.edu. Find the class schedule for Continuing Education, Summer 2011, and look for the Massage for Couples class at Forest Park under the Health section. Classes are held on the second floor of the Hospitality building.
Participants should bring a bag lunch since we only have a half hour lunch break and there is no fast food easily available. Participants also need to bring a set of sheets and a pillow or bolster. Oil will be provided. Sometimes the room is cool so a blanket is recommended. Also highly recommended is a yoga mat or heavy bath towel. Since we have to use regular classroom tables, something to make the surface a little more comfortable is desirable. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. You should wear a bathing suit or other clothing that allows maximum access to your skin under your street clothes.
If you're interested but can't make it this time, don't despair. The class is offered once or twice each semester, including the summer session.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Hope to see you there! And tell your friends!
Class is Full!
As of this writing (6/13/11) the July 16, 2011, class is full with a waiting list. That may change; sometimes people drop out. Contact the community college (information above) to be put on the waiting list.
The next class will be Saturday, October 1, 2011. I'm not sure when registration will open. If you'd like to stay informed of future classes or when registration opens, sign up on my FaceBook page. I usually post it there.
Thanks to everyone who has supported this class. It's a fun class and the participants are always wonderful!
Future semesters?
Do you expect this class will be offered Spring session 2012? Is it only offered once per semester?
The class is usually offered
The class is usually offered once or twice a semester, including the summer session. It will be repeated on October 1, 2011. We usually have a class in February around Valentine's Day but that date has not yet been set. If you'd like to stay informed of upcoming classes, "like" my FaceBook page. When registration opens, I post it there and you'll be notified.