Massage and Pilates: What
Better Way To Spend Lunch Break?

By Jaimie Bell I January 31, 2005

It's easy to understand why academics across the nation would be envious of the benefits we have on campus. And why not? Consider our proximity to the beach, plenty of quiet, shaded areas, world-renowned faculty, a library that looks like it's upside down... And now we have added two more benefits to the list: private massage and Pilates sessions.

Thanks to the new Pilates and Massage Center, located in the Main Gym, massage and Pilates sessions are now available to faculty, staff and students. The center held its official open house last Wednesday (and gave free massages to lucky attendees).

The center was a collaboration between the Wellness Program and the RecClass Program. The vision for the center's future includes having a dedicated facility for the UCSD Wellness Program, a program that includes personalizing weight training, nutrition counseling and stress reduction exercises for faculty, staff and students. It will also have space for mind-body classes, including yoga, massage and meditation.

"Massage therapy is one of the best therapeutic ways to combat stress and help release tension in the muscles," said Terri Dowie, personal wellness director. "It has been recently documented that massage helps lower blood pressure as well. We offer massage at a very reduced price with highly experienced staff - most of them being Holistic Health Practitioners, which requires over 900 hours of classroom and hands-on experience."

Relax and Detoxify with a Massage

A variety of private massages are offered, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Heated Stone, Shiatsu, and a soothing peel and herbal body wrap. (For descriptions and prices, see the latest details in the UCSD Recreation Guide or call 858-822-4552.)

All massages take place in a private room. Various package deals are available, including the On-Site Massage Therapy package, in which six or more people can sign up as a group for 10 minute mini-massages, with each participant paying $10.

Appointments are available seven days a week, depending on the schedule of the masseuse.

To register for a massage:

 1. Call the massage therapy office to make an appointment, (858) 822-4552.

2. Register at the RIMAC sales desk and receive a receipt.

3. Bring the receipt to the massage therapist at the time of the appointment.

Improve Flexibility and Strength with Pilates

Developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder Joseph H. Pilates, The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body, but without building bulk. The center's private Pilates studio includes a Reformer apparatus, a machine that improves the workout through resistance. During private sessions, an instructor will take the participant through a series of controlled movements, engaging the body and mind, while addressing the participants' personal needs. Lessons are $40 for an hour. Email rclasses@ucsd.edu with your name and information to make an appointment.