JUNE IS HERE!

Okay...it's officially summer. I got a suntan this weekend, the humidity is here, and I think it just hit 100 this past weekend. So with the summer comes specials, and e squared massage has some great offers for all those Crossfitters out there.

So take a look...spread the word...and come on in because just like summer, these deals are hot and won't be here forever!

FIRST TIME CLIENTS
$45 for an hour for your first session

CURRENT CLIENTS*
When you buy an “As Good As It Gets” package,
you will get an ADDITIONAL session for free.
(5 sessions for $200)


Don’t forget that Father’s Day is around the corner!!
Gift Certificates are available.

• current clients consist of any CFDC athlete who has had a session with Erin prior to June 1st.
• A regular “As Good As It Gets” package is 4 sessions in 30 days for $200. Additional session must be used with in 14 days of 4th session of package.

Dragging a bit...but I hear the energy burst is around the corner

Okay gang. Here is the most recent reaction to the Paleo thing...what the hell am I doing? I have been sluggish, tired, and just not myself lately. I mean, I don't really know how to explain it except I feel like I need a caffeine IV drip. I started feeling like this a few days ago and just thought that it was because I had been staying up to late or something. But even this weekend, I was tired by 10 and totally out like a light by 12! SOOO not like me at all. But I got to the gym on Monday and talked to Sam about it. Apparently, I need to be eating MORE. Seriously?! A diet where I get to eat more food than normal. But it's not just more of whatever I want. I need to be adding more healthy fats...nuts, seeds, good oils I guess. Possibly more lean meats if that doesn't help.

Also, I am reading "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" (like I can consider myself an athlete like the folks Loren Cordain is talking about). But anyways, he talks about how several of the men he "recommended" Paleo to also felt this way. So much so that they started mocking Cordain and telling him that there was no way the diet would work...and then, it did. Apparently, it takes the muscles some time to transition the type of energy that is being used in the body. When you fuel yourself with carbs, starch and sugar, the body has to "use up" these sources of energy before it can "transition" itself over to using the new fuel you are putting in. Holy crap, this transition is hard.

BUT I'm determined to stick with this the best I can...I have to admit (since I'm attempting to be honest here) that I was craving ice cream...chocolate chip cookie dough...so i had a tiny bowl last night. Yes, I know. Definitely not Paleo. But this is a learning process! So you live, you learn, occasionally you slip and eat some ice cream. At least it was YUMMY!

Four Days Strong...

Well...only four days in (NO CHEATS) and I can actually tell a difference already. I feel lighter, less puffy, and actually a bit more energetic...although today was a bit draining on me but maybe that had NOTHING to do with my food. I've been four days on the caveman diet and actually enjoying the challenge. I think Crossfit has put the fire back under my ass and given me back the determination and willpower I needed to power through...even (or especially) when I have no desire to do it. (this statement has nothing to do with my current challenge...not yet at least.)

I've had a couple days to get an idea of what the Paleo life will look like for me this month. In the beginning, it's not easy. But it's doable. And everyone I talk to says that it become second nature. We will see about that part of the statements made. It's a challenge but not impossible, that's for sure. I mean, once you get some good ideas going (with the amazing support of great people from the gym and in my daily life) it's really not super difficult...not easy, but not the end of the world for sure!

The biggest "challenge" in this Paleo challenge is WHAT this blog will look like. A lot of people in the Crossfit world have found that blogging about the WODs (workout of the day) or their food intake helps them...and let's other people help them be accountable or give encouragement. I think that is such a great idea...I will definitely agree that it would work for some folks. For me, I wanted this experience to be different than others. I wanted people to be able to take some more experiential information from the blog. I don't just wanna write down my food intake (at least the first 30 days) and what I did for my workout. I wanna create a dialogue with people inside the gym and out of it and write about that. I want to share my (and my fellow Paleo "dieters") struggles and triumphs.

The biggest dialogue I've been having lately is with my parents. They are doing this challenge with me as well. That has been wonderful. They have always been healthy eaters, organic junkies, and the first par tents to shop at Whole Foods that I ever knew. But their desire to support me while helping themselves was so cool. So the three of us are on the challenge together...I have a good feeling I'll get a post or two from them about what they are experiencing as well.

Well, tonight seems to be a bit of a ramble/tangent...which I'm really really good at. I hope that for anyone following this, it was a somewhat decent post. I'm still new to this and sharing what I'm thinking at the moment with the entire world is always a bit intimidating. Oh well. Stepping outside the box is always good!

My Adventures on the Caveman Diet

So I haven't posted on this blog in quite some time. The point of the blog is for health and wellness information...but lately I've been slacking...seriously! But that's about to change. I've never been a blogger or internet junkie by any means. It's never been my thing so I decided to take up a challenge on several levels.

For those of you that don't know, I am a massage therapist at Crossfit Dallas Central and a member of the gym as well. I've been "crossfitting" for about 6 months now, but only in the last few months have I gotten serious about it. Through the workout, I've seen a change in my body, mind, and energy. It's been such a great accomplishment for me, and it's given me a community with which I can share my health lifestyle. I love it there. But Crossfit Dallas Central isn't just a place to get strong and lean. It's the whole package. Fitness, health, nutrition, knowledge, community. I've embraced almost all of these aspects wholeheartedly...all except NUTRITION.

I've always felt that since I worked out hard at crossfit, on top of regular yoga, that my diet wasn't that big of a deal. I use the rationalization that I work out the way I do so that I can enjoy all the foods I want! I worked for a long time in the restaurant industry here in Dallas and would most definitely call myself a foodie. I love to eat out, enjoy the ambiance of a good venue, and relish in someone ELSE cooking for me. There's nothing wrong with thinking like this, but I've gotten to the point where my workout has plateaued. I'm not getting stronger, faster, leaner. I'm not gaining more endurance and stamina. I definitely don't have more energy. The only thing I can think about that would have caused this to happen...poor nutrition.

So the time has come to join the rest of the "crazy" Crossfitters and check out what this Paleo thing is all about. Most of you that read this probably won't know what the Paleo diet is all about. I sure didn't until like my third month at Crossfit. There is tons of good information out there and I'll be learning more and more as this month goes on. I'm going to do the best I can in educating anyone that's reading this as I learn more myself. My goal through this month long blog is to educate, receive feedback (and hopefully encouragement), be accountable, and maybe even inspire a reader or two to get healthy! I have no idea what will happen while I'm on this "diet", but I am going to do the best I can to keep constant updates and detailed accounts of what I'm doing through out each day. Feel free to share this with people you know...and definitely feel free to post anything and everything on here. Questions, comments, concerns? All are welcome and I'll do the best I can to address them all!

So today starts DAY ONE of my adventures on the Caveman Diet...wish me luck!

happy eating everyone!

E

Get an intro to the Paleo Diet!
http://www.nerdheaven.dk/~jevk/paleo_intro.php

Look how cheap massage can really be!

Check out the rates. If you want to meet for a free consultation, just email me at e.squared.massage@gmail.com. I have a great space ready for you off of Greenville Ave. between Mockingbird and Lovers Lane. Let's meet and get you feeling great!

**UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER, ALL CROSSFIT DALLAS CENTRAL ATHLETES WILL GET AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF ALL PACKAGES!

(THIS EXCLUDES ONE TIME MASSAGE RATES)

One Time Massage
60 minutes: $60
90 minutes: $90

Twice a month
(4 massages expiring in 60 days)
60 minutes: $210
90 minutes: $340

Once a week
(4 massages expiring in 30 days)
60 minutes: $200 ($50 a session)
90 minutes: $320 ($80 a session)

5 massages valid for 6 months: 10% off
10 massages valid for 6 months: 15% off

**SPECIAL ON GIFT CERTIFICATES**
BUY a gift certificate for the holidays, get 50% off of a massage for you.
(both must be purchased at the same time)
**THIS SPECIAL WILL BE OVER BY DECEMBER 21, 2008.

Send one full priced referral to e squared massage therapy and get 25% off your next massage!

If you have any questions regarding these rates, please feel free to contact me at e.squared.massage@gmail.com. I'll be happy to find the right fit for your needs!

Stay healthy!
Erin

Wanna be WOW-ed by massage therapy?!

So I know that times are tough these days...the economy sucks, people are losing their jobs, everything is expensive...except for gas right now...and the last thing ya wanna spend your money on are those "luxury" items. Pinching pennies is smart, especially right now, but how smart is it to NOT take care of yourself. How beneficial will it be for you (and your family if you have one) if you are out sick or injured? How smart is it if you are stressed beyond belief and can't get a grasp on what the next step is to fix whatever is seemingly wrong? All of these things can be prevented with massage...and for less than you ever imagined!

Right now the rates at e squared massage are GREAT! But what's even better are the benefits you get from giving yourself and hour (or hour and a half) a week just for you! ME time is lost on so many! Get it back! Take a look at some of the amazing benefits...and preventional meausres massage...of massage!

-Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
-Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
-Ease medication dependence.
-Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
-Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
-Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
-Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
-Increase joint flexibility.
-Lessen depression and anxiety.
-Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
-Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
-Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
-Reduce spasms and cramping.
-Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
-Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
-Relieve migraine pain.
-Fosters peace of mind
-Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
-Helps relieve mental stress
-Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
-Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
-Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
-Fosters a feeling of well-being
-Reduces levels of anxiety
-Creates body awareness
-Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Consistent massage can actually help you stay healthy by boosting the immune system...bet ya never knew that! The point is the fact below are just a FEW of the MANY reasons why massage is so beneficial for you right now. Everyone can benefit from it, and almost anyone can afford it right now.

e squared massage therapy rates and specials are posted in the next blog!

Stay healthy!
Erin

e.squared massage therapy is getting started

to all those who have been patiently waiting...here it is...and thanks for the support.

My name is Erin and I am a licensed massage therapist in Dallas starting my own business. For those of you who know what it's like to be a small business owner or self-employed, you know the struggles I am going through right now. From "can I do this" to "where's the next bill gonna come from" to " I can't believe I am going to work for myself and do what I've always dreamed of doing?" The last one is my favorite.

I have never written a blog. I have never posted anything this open, personal, and revealing as this blog will probably be. But I'm putting everything here so that who I am is known to my clients, current and perspective. I plan on have guest writers on this blog...sharing information about health, nutrition, fitness, general well being, and what it takes to be a balanced, healthy, radiant human being these days. I hope these blogs will spark conversations, debates, and that eventually there will be a great interactive community on here.

I love taking care of people. I love health, fitness, and over all wellness. I want everyone that I come in contact with to be able to feel the power for healing hands. Whether you are looking for correction from an injury, deep tissue work for better athleticism, or just want to feel better and more energetic, this is the place to come.

It's nothing fancy. It's not a spa. It's not only for the rich. It's not just a luxury. Massage is something for everyone. The benefits are endless and after a while, you can being to truly feel that it's more than just fixing the physical things...the mental, emotion, or even spiritual (if you believe that) aspect of massage can be overwhelming. But more on that later. Don't think of this a just a "treat"...think of this as a betterment for your overall well being...your health...your life. This is all for now...but i hope that you will keep coming back for more.

My rates will be posted here...and you can always contact me at e.squared.massage@gmail.com with questions or to schedule an appointment. The website will be coming soon too.

-the evolution of energy is here.- whatever that means for you!

Namaste.

erin hannah, l.m.t.
e.squared massage therapy
e.squared.massage@gmail.com