Valentine’s Day can seem a little over the top – all of the red and pink hearts sprinkled everywhere, TV advertisements for diamond rings and what you may see as extremely high expectations that you are forced to meet.

Valentine’s Day should be about placing a little time and effort into your relationship and enjoying each other. Everyone is different, therefore everyone has different thoughts on how to celebrate. If the love of your life appreciates quality time, then snuggle together all night. If they’re a foodie, take them to a new restaurant. If they love getting gifts, then these three gift ideas may just help you out.

3 Great Gifts for Your Valentine

A Voucher Book - A special gift doesn’t have to cost you your life savings. Why not create a voucher book for your love? You can include things like a massage, washing the dishes, a night out on the town, or a movie night (where they get to pick the movie). Consider all the things your other half loves doing and give them redeemable “coupons” to enjoy these things whenever the mood strikes them. You can make these books yourself or search on sites like Etsy.

A Basket of Favorites - Whether you’ve just started dating or you’ve been together for years, you probably have a good idea of the types of foods your partner likes to eat. Why not gather all of these things in a basket. Whether you choose 10 different kinds of chocolate, or you add caviar and champagne, this is one gift that you can customize to your partners tastes.

A Massage at the DAC - A massage is high on many people’s wishlists. Why not surprise the love in your life with a massage at the Downtown Athletic Club. The DAC has some of the best massage therapists in town and they offer a wide range of massage types, including hot stone massage therapy. You can choose between a 30-, 60- or 90-minute massage. And as our Valentine's Day Special, when you book a 60-minute massage, get 25% off at the Pro Shop.

If you are looking for a way to show appreciation to your employees this holiday season, a chair massage is a great way to do just that. Not only will your employees feel appreciated, but chair massages also offer many benefits to your whole business.

Benefits Chair Massages Can Offer Your Employees

Focusing on the upper part of the body, a chair massage is not as expensive as a full body massage, yet still offers a significant amount of benefits. Here are some benefits to consider when it comes to chair massages:

Stress Reducer - Stress tends to be at its highest around holidays, a chair massage can significantly reduce your employees stress levels.


Increase Productivity - Lower stress levels can increase productivity across your office. As stress can lower your staffs immunity, concentration and tolerance levels, reducing stress levels can help keep productivity high.


Increase Energy And Concentration - Companies who have incorporated chair massages regularly into their office environment have noticed staff are more alert and have more energy after receiving massages.


Health Benefits - Massage has been known to increase health by reducing blood pressure and relieving arthritis, joint and muscle pain.


Therapist Can Come To You - With chair massage, there’s no need for staff to leave the office. Therapists can come into the office and perform chair massages for a set amount of time.


If you would like to schedule chair massages in Amarillo, contact Downtown Athletic Club Spa Director Robert Mitchell at 806-324-5568. Our therapists can help you to make your employees feel appreciated this holiday season.

It is officially gift-giving season. As you’re doing the mad dash to find the perfect gifts for friends, family and coworkers, you may be wondering what to get for the workout junkie or someone just beginning their fitness journey.

What’s A Good Gift For Someone Who Works Out?

There are a number of great gifts out there for the fitness fanatic at all ends of the price spectrum. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

For the "techie" fitness buff, a Fitbit bracelet is an ideal gift. There are other similar products as well, such as Up, by Jawbone and GPS bracelets by companies like Garmin. These bracelets, often accompanied by fitness apps, track statistics such as steps taken, reps and heart rate to help you meet your fitness goals.

Other fun, smaller gifts include filtered water bottles, gloves that allow the wearer to still operate a touchscreen and personalized fitness accessories.

If you know someone who is just beginning their fitness journey or who is interested in losing weight and getting in shape, a gym membership or personal training session is a thoughtful and useful gift.

Having a gym membership can make a huge difference for someone who is new to fitness. It is a great way to not only get in shape and achieve fitness goals, but it can also help with motivation and accountability. While you’re at it, get one for yourself and become an accountability partner.

The Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo features state of the art fitness equipment in a clean, modern facility staffed with people who are passionate about fitness and love helping people. In addition to gym and exercise equipment, the DAC offers a wide variety of classes throughout the week including yoga, Zumba, total body conditioning, bikini bootcamp and more.

For the person who is unsure how to proceed with getting into shape, or needs more motivation and direction, a personal trainer may be helpful. A personal trainer can create a custom fitness and nutrition plan based on your current level of fitness, personal preference, lifestyle and goals. You can find a great personal trainer at the DAC.

There is also a staff of certified massage therapists who offer Swedish massage, Thai massage, pregnancy massage, sports massage and more. This might be the perfect gift for right after a hard workout. You don’t have to be a member to book a massage. Now through end of business on Dec. 24 get 10% off massage gift certificates. Plus, any massage purchased in December and January is qualified for a free aromatherapy upgrade.

No matter what state of physical and mental health you’re in, there are benefits to various types of massage that can improve your quality of life and improve your general well-being. One of the lesser known, but still highly effective, forms of therapy is Thai massage. If you’ve never undergone this type of treatment before, there are a few things you’ll want to know to prepare yourself for the experience.

Thai Massage 101

This style of massage known as “Thai” dates back to India over two millennia ago, having been spread to the U.S. and Western cultures as Buddhism came overseas. Similar to other forms of massage, the Thai version finds its foundation in the principle that all human life centers around an essential life force, known as “Prana.” The human body derives Prana from our living environment, including air, water and our diet. The Prana we take in is then radiated throughout our bodies and around our personal space, forming a network of life energy that nourishes and invigorates us. This energy network is the central concept behind Thai massage.

The Benefits Of Thai Massage

There is a wide range ofadvantages to the Thai version of massage, as it can positively affect many conditions within the human body. It’s certainly useful in treating musculoskeletal issues, including achiness in the upper and lower back. If you experience neck, shoulder or sciatica symptoms, you might find Thai treatments to be effective in treating them. Hip disorders and tension within your arms and legs can also be alleviated.

However, you don’t need to be in pain to realize the benefits of Thai massage. Using these treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to your health and well-being canimprove flexibility, thereby strengthening muscles and making you less prone to injury. Akin to yoga, the movements during a typical session actually lengthen muscles, increase joint flexibility and improve blood flow.

How To Prepare For A Thai Massage

Unlike other forms of massage, the Thai version does not use devices or lotions that make disrobing necessary. Loose clothing is recommended so your body is not restricted during the yoga-like session. Instructors usually suggest that you don’t experience Thai massage if you’re hungry or have just eaten, so it’s wise to have a small snack about an hour beforehand. Thai massage takes place on a padded mat on the floor, similar to yoga. Other similarities to yoga include the breathing techniques, stretches and positions.

If you would like to know more about Thai massage and its physical and mental health benefits, please call or visit the Downtown Athletic Club. Our friendly staff can answer your questions and provide more details about scheduling a session.

There is more to health and wellness than just eating right and exercise. Taking good care of yourself also means treating yourself and doing your best to lead a stress-free life. One way to do this is massage therapy. Massage is not only pleasant and relaxing, it also delivers many health benefits such as reduced stress, improved circulation and digestion, better sleep and greater flexibility and energy. While there aren't necessarily any drawbacks to massage, if you have any concerns, you should not hesitate to contact your doctor to find out if there are any health reasons you should not get a massage.

Is Pain After Massage Normal?

While you will not always experience pain after a massage, it is perfectly normal. A lot depends on the type of massage you get. Swedish massage, which is one of the most common types, is a fairly gentle massage so you will be less likely to find yourself sore afterwards.

Other types of massage such as deep tissue, sports or Thai massage, especially if you are new to it, may leave you slightly sore the following day. It depends on your individual body, the amount of stress and tension you are carrying and other factors. It is much like trying a new exercise – your body will respond with soreness at the new activity.

What Can I Do About Massage Soreness?

If you are just mildly sore following a massage session, you don't really need to do anything. If it is your first massage, or you haven't had one in a long time, most likely it won't occur with the next one. If you had a particularly vigorous session, you may want to communicate this with your massage therapist, especially if you are very sore, or the soreness persists beyond one day. This may be a sign that your therapist needs to adjust the amount of pressure.

Remember to follow any instructions that your massage therapist may give you. It is often suggested to drink plenty of water following a massage.

Massage is a perfect addition to your current fitness routine. It can help condition your muscles, increase your flexibility and decrease your risk of injury from working out.

Where Can I Find A Massage Therapist In Amarillo?

The Downtown Athletic Club is a state of the art fitness facility that has certified massage therapists on staff. You can book appointments for Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue, Thai massage, prenatal massage and hot stone therapy. In addition to getting in a great workout, you can also unwind with a soothing massage. Contact the Downtown Athletic Club today for an appointment.

There are times when even the most seasoned athlete needs to improve their flexibility and enhance their stamina and endurance. Thai massage is unique in that it uses both compression and stretching to increase range of motion and improve flexibility. The Downtown Athletic Club encourages patrons to explore the benefits of Thai massage.

What Happens During A Thai Massage?

During a Thai massage, the therapist uses their entire body to manipulate the client’s body. They move the body into various positions and help stretch, pull and compress muscles and soft tissue.

Unlike a Swedish massage, Thai massage is extremely intense and should not be used as part of a workout session. Clients are encouraged to schedule a Thai massage a day before or a day after a workout, or major athletic event.

Most therapists recommend receiving a Thai massage on days when there is no workout scheduled. When a person chooses to receive a Thai massage, they should set aside enough time to rest and allow the body to heal and recover from the massage. While the massage does not injure the recipient, it does stretch and expand the tissues, allowing fresh, oxygenated blood to flood the area.

Who Benefits From Thai Massage?

Both men and women athletes can benefit from the intensity of a Thai massage. Athletes require a more aggressive approach to massage than individuals who receive them for relaxation and detoxification. The Thai therapist stretches and pulls a recipient's' body into positions that push normal boundaries. The longer the positions are held, the more flexible the body becomes, allowing the person to move more freely and have a much larger range of motion than prior to the massage.

Athletes at the Downtown Athletic Club use Thai massage to prepare their bodies for the next level. Workouts are used to strengthen and tone the body. Thai massage compliments the process by increasing the body's ability to move freely and function over and above normal limits.

Individuals who want to explore how far they can push their bodies will often include Thai massage as a way of enhancing the work they accomplish with exercise, bodybuilding activities and weightlifting techniques. Exercise builds the platform, while Thai massage is the catalyst to spur it into motion. This intense massage provides long lasting benefits. Once improved levels of flexibility are achieved, they can be continually used to further a person's progress.

If you are interested in exploring Thai massage, contact the DAC’s trained and certified massage therapists.

Thai massage is a healing art that goes back 2000 years. It has been used as not only a means of relaxation and rejuvenation, but also as a means of calming the mind while promoting energy flow, flexibility and overall health.

There is no question that massage in general has many benefits. Whether you choose Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy massage or Thai massage, you can trust that you will leave the table feeling amazing. Many people who make massage a regular part of their health and wellness have developed a preference for one type over the other. Some of the benefits of massage include:

• Improved circulation
  
• Detoxification
  
• Relief from muscle aches and pains
  
• Increased flexibility
  
• Better sleep
  
• Improved mood
  
  

What Type Of Massage Should I Choose?

If you are new to massage, or you have been sticking with only one type of massage, it is worth it to try others. Thai massage is a very "physical" type of massage. Where Swedish massage focuses solely on loosening and stimulating muscles through touch, Thai massage uses a more interactive approach. During the massage, the practitioner will stretch your body in yoga-like movements in addition to working on your body through massage. These movements gently stretch your body, improving flexibility.

In addition to the actual massage and the stretching, massage therapists also use acupressure. One of the ideas behind Thai massage is that the technique helps remove "energy blocks." The result is that many clients report feeling relaxed, but also energized at the same time.

Where Can I Get A Thai Massage In Amarillo?

If you are interested in experiencing Thai massage,  Christy Howington at the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo is a certified, experienced massage therapist. Thai massage is among her specialties. 


The DAC has a staff of certified massage therapists who are experienced in several styles of massage. At the Downtown Athletic Club, you can make an appointment for:

• Swedish massage
  
• Thai massage
  
• Hot stone therapy massage
  
• Prenatal/postnatal massage
  
• Deep tissue massage
  
• Sports massage
  
  

Massage is a valuable aspect of anyone's health and fitness plan. Pre- or post-workout massages can help speed recovery times and reduce injury. The stretching aspect of Thai massage is great for people who are seeking to improve their flexibility. Improved circulation encourages activity, because you will have more energy, and feel refreshed.

In addition to treating yourself to a massage, you can also give it as a gift for someone special. If you have not yet discovered the benefits of Thai massage, book your appointment now.

A good workout does amazing things for the body. But it is also hard on the body. An intense workout can cause sore muscles and wear you out. Workouts without proper warming up can cause injury, or at the very least, increased soreness and recovery time.

One way to help the body prepare and recover from exercise is through pre- and post-workout massage. If you haven't experienced the benefits of sports massage yet, you’re missing out.

How Can Pre-Workout Massage Help Me?

A pre-workout massage stimulates your muscles and blood flow. It also helps lubricate the muscles and joints, and can help stretch out your muscles. The stimulation and increase in blood flow can give you an energy boost. While massage does help you get geared up for your workout, it is not a substitute for your normal warm up routine. For a pre-workout massage, you may want to consider sports massage, Thai Massage or Swedish Massage. If you are tense from a hard day, or long week at the office, a pre-workout massage can loosen up that tension, lessening the possibility of injury and increasing your energy levels, which can lead to a more productive workout.

Should I Get A Post-Workout Massage?

A post-workout massage is not only a great way to reward yourself for all your hard work, it is also a great way to recover from the stresses of a rigorous exercise routine. Post-workout massage speeds up recovery time by twice as much -- and feels wonderful! Your muscles will get massaged and pampered, potentially reducing the soreness you may otherwise experience.

If you are interested in either a pre- or a post-workout massage, the Downtown Athletic Club has several on-site certified massage therapists available. In addition to practicing sports massage, the massage therapists at the Downtown Athletic Club are also certified and experienced in

• Swedish Massage
  
• Thai Massage
  
• Deep Tissue Massage
  
• Reflexology
  
• Hot Stone Massage
  
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage
  
  

No matter what your level of fitness is, massage can enhance your health and wellness. Massage has been proven to boost circulation, aid digestion, increase energy levels, improve mood and sleep, and help heal soreness and stiffness. Whether before a workout, after a workout, or at any other time, you can enjoy the benefits of massage right here at our fitness club. In addition to treating yourself, you can also give a massage as a gift. This is perfect for a birthday gift, new Mom or Mom-to-be gift, or just to show someone that you appreciate them.

If you’re not familiar with massage, you may be surprised at how many types there are. Most people are familiar with Swedish massage, but that’s just one of many. Thai massage has also become more well-known and popular over the last 10 or so years, as it has spread from Asia to western countries. Although you may have heard and even benefited from this massage, you may not know much about it.

What Are The Origins Of Thai Massage?

What is known now as Thai Massage, also known as Nuad Boran (ancient massage), began evolving over two thousand years ago as a healing art in Thailand. The practice's founding father was an Ayurvedic doctor named Jivaka Kumar Bhacca. Jivaka was from India, and was a widely respected healer, and considered to be the founding father of medicine in Thailand. He is even reported to have worked with the Buddha.

Thai massage is more than just massage, it is also a healing art combining assisted yoga postures, acupressure, energy balancing and Indian Ayurvedic principles. In history, this practice was used to treat royalty. Numerous records were kept regarding these practices, however, most of them were lost during the Burmese invasion. A few hundred years ago, many were restored or replicated, and are on display today at the Wat Po temple complex in Bangkok.

What Makes Thai Massage So Effective?

Thai massage not only feels amazing, but is incredibly rejuvenating as well. The basis for the practice centers around the belief that we all have an energy force (called Lom) running through our bodies along passageways (called Sen) and that when those passageways are blocked, we will experience illness and discomfort. Thai massage seeks to unblock those passageways, restoring health and vitality to the receiver.

If you have not experienced massage therapy, or you have been thinking about trying a new massage therapy, Thai massage is worth looking into. It has gained much popularity over the last few years. In addition to Thai massage, there are other styles as well, such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage and prenatal massage.

What Are The Benefits Of Massage?

The benefits of massage are numerous. Aside from the fact that it feels wonderful and can relax those tired, sore muscles, it also improves circulation, digestion and can relieve many types of chronic pain. Improved immune function, sleep and mood are also benefits of massage. It has also been shown to help reduce depression and anxiety in many people.

If you would like to experience massage for yourself, Christy Howington at the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo is a certified, experienced massage therapist. Thai massage is among her specialties.

Pregnancy and childbirth are both exciting and stressful times. You’re looking forward to meeting your new child, enjoying things like preparing the nursery, feeling your baby kick and finding out whether you’re having a boy or a girl. You may also be experiencing anxiety, depression, back and leg pain and fatigue. You may also be nervous about labor and delivery.

Pregnancy massage consists of prenatal and postnatal massage and may reduce the less pleasant symptoms of pregnancy and recovery after labor.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Just as it sounds, prenatal massage is simply gentle massage performed during a pregnancy. It is fairly common for women to receive some sort of massage during pregnancy. Massage works to lessen anxiety and relax the mother, which can go a long way towards making pregnancy enjoyable and less painful.

Prenatal massage has been shown to reduce many of the negative symptoms that occur during pregnancy, both physical and emotional. Women who get regular prenatal massages experience lowered instances of anxiety and depression, as well as a reduced risk of premature labor. They also experience relief from many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

Postnatal massage is performed after delivery to aid in the mother’s recovery, decreasing pain associated with labor.

Should I Get Pregnancy Massage?

If you are interested in either prenatal or postnatal massage (or both), speak with your doctor and find out what he or she has to say about it. There may be reasons why your doctor would advise against it, for example if you have a high-risk pregnancy, an injury or other medical condition. If your doctor has given the OK, be sure to choose a massage therapist that is certified for prenatal and postnatal massage.

In the Amarillo area, both Amber Davis and Brenda Rincon at the Downtown Athletic Club are certified prenatal and postnatal massage therapists, and perform other types of massage, as well. Contact them now to discuss pregnancy massage.