Posts

How Often Should You Be Doing Pilates During the Week?

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  How often someone should do Pilates depends on their  goals, fitness level, and schedule , but here’s a general guideline:   General Recommendation 2 to 4 times per week  is ideal for most people.  Breakdown by Goal Goal Recommended Frequency Notes General fitness & well-being 2–3 times/week Great for posture, flexibility, and core strength. Injury recovery or rehab 1–2 times/week Under guidance of a physio or trained instructor. Improving strength or flexibility 3–4 times/week Consistency matters more than intensity. Weight loss or toning 4–5 times/week (combined with cardio) Pilates supports toning; combine with cardio for fat loss. Advanced practice or athletes 4–6 times/week Often used for cross-training and injury prevention.  Tips for Best Results Mix it up : Alternate between  mat and reformer  Pilates if possible. Rest days : Include at least 1–2 rest or low-impact days per week. Consistency : Even just  2x/week  done consi...

How Often Should I Get Massage Therapy?

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  It really depends on your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some general guidelines: 1. For relaxation & stress relief: Every 3–4 weeks  is enough for most people to keep tension from building up. Even a  monthly massage  can help manage stress and improve sleep. 2. For chronic pain, injuries, or rehabilitation: Weekly or every 2 weeks  may be recommended at first. As your body improves, you can taper down to maintenance sessions. 3. For athletes or people with high physical demands: Weekly or bi-weekly  helps with muscle recovery, performance, and injury prevention. 4. For general wellness & maintenance: Every 2–4 weeks  is a common sweet spot. Think of it like exercise—you’ll get the best results with consistency. The key is to listen to your body. If you notice tension, soreness, or stress building back up before your next session, that’s your sign you may need massage more often. Here at JMP, our licensed massage therapists are here ...

How Many Minutes of Movement Count?

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  How many minutes of movement do we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Health experts generally recommend  at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity movement per week  to support a healthy lifestyle. That breaks down to: 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week  of activities like brisk walking, cycling, Pilates, or swimming. Alternatively: 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week  (like running, HIIT, or fast cycling). On top of that, for best health, it’s also recommended to include: Strength training  at least  2 days per week  (Pilates, weightlifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises). Flexibility and balance exercises  (like stretching, yoga, or Pilates) a few times per week to reduce injury risk and improve mobility. 💡 Even light activity (like standing, walking around the house, or taking the stairs) adds up and is much healthier than long periods of sitting. Join us here at Jupiter Massage and Pilates any day of the week to get ...

Peppermint Scalp Massage

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  A  peppermint scalp massage  is a therapeutic and refreshing treatment that combines the relaxation of massage with the invigorating benefits of peppermint essential oil. Here’s an overview for you:  What It Is A massage focused on the scalp, neck, and sometimes shoulders. Uses peppermint essential oil, often diluted with a carrier oil (like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil). Can be done as a standalone treatment or added to a full massage session.  Benefits Stimulates Circulation  – Peppermint oil creates a cooling sensation and encourages blood flow to the scalp, which may support hair and follicle health. Relieves Tension & Headaches  – The massage relaxes tight scalp and neck muscles, while peppermint’s menthol can ease headache discomfort. Reduces Stress  – The cooling aroma calms the nervous system and provides a refreshing mental reset. Supports Scalp Health  – Peppermint has antimicrobial properties that can help with dryness, itc...

Fundamentals of Classical Pilates

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  Classical Pilates refers to the original method developed by  Joseph Pilates  in the early 20th century, which he called  Contrology . It emphasizes precision, flow, and a structured system of exercises performed in a specific order. Here are the key fundamentals: Fundamentals of Classical Pilates 1.  The Six Principles Joseph Pilates outlined guiding principles that define the method: Concentration  – Full mental focus on each movement. Control  – Movements should be deliberate, not sloppy or rushed. Centering  – Power comes from the "powerhouse" (core: abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes). Flow  – Exercises transition smoothly, creating continuous movement. Precision  – Correct alignment and exact movement patterns matter more than repetition. Breath  – Coordinated, full breathing enhances efficiency and oxygen flow. 2.  The Powerhouse Core strength is the foundation of every exercise. The powerhouse includes the ...

Deep Tissue Massage Vs. Swedish Massage

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  Here’s a clear comparison between  Deep Tissue Massage  and  Swedish Massage  to help you understand the differences and benefits of each: 1. Pressure Swedish Massage: Light to medium pressure; very relaxing and soothing. Deep Tissue Massage: Firm to very deep pressure; targets deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. 2. Purpose Swedish Massage: Promotes overall relaxation, improves circulation, and reduces general muscle tension and stress. Deep Tissue Massage: Addresses chronic muscle pain, tightness, injuries, and deep knots (adhesions). 3. Techniques Used Swedish Massage: Long, gliding strokes (effleurage), kneading, circular movements, tapping, and gentle stretching. Deep Tissue Massage: Slow strokes, deep finger pressure, friction, and stripping techniques along the muscle fibers. 4. Best For Swedish Massage: First-time massage clients, people looking to relax or reduce general stress and tension. Deep Tissue Massage: Individuals with chronic pain, mu...

Cupping! What Is It? How Does It Work?

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  Cupping  is an ancient form of alternative therapy that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This practice has been used for thousands of years, with roots in traditional Chinese medicine, Middle Eastern cultures, and ancient Egyptian medicine. What Is Cupping? Cupping therapy uses  glass, bamboo, silicone, or plastic cups  to create a vacuum effect on the skin. The suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues upward, which can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing. Types of Cupping Dry Cupping  – Suction is created using heat or a pump, and the cups remain on the skin for 5–15 minutes. Wet Cupping (Hijama)  – After suction, small incisions are made to draw out a small amount of blood. Moving Cupping  – Cups are glided over the skin with oil to provide a massage-like effect. How Does It Work? Suction Effect : The vacuum pulls blood to the surface, increasing circulation in that area. Fascia Release ...