Improving Your Client’s Athletic Performance as a Bodyworker, LMT, Trainer, Esthetician, Cosmetologist or Medical Provider

Did you know that the design on the exterior of this bathtub was used to exfoliate an athlete’s skin in ancient times?  Or that caring for and improving an athlete’s skin could likely increase their performance? Pictured below is a fine example of a bathtub from the 3rd century with scales on the outside that can be used to exfoliate an athlete's skin.

The tautness of work class athlete skin could make the difference between speed and stretch. 

Exfoliating dead skin cells which are automatically shed at around 1,000,000+ dead skin cells per hour can also provide micro reductions in a client’s body weight as well. Shedding dead skin can also help us feel fresh and anew, especially when an athlete may feel tired, fatigued and worn out.  Any competitive advantage you can legally provide your client is always a blessing, and exfoliating a client’s skin is one of those simple yet effective practices.

Body scrubs feel better and are more effected when they are executed properly. Adding a facial steamer to a body scrub service can also stimulate circulation which can also assist in an athlete’s healing and recovery.  To perform a steamed body scrub:

1. Add steam to the area that’s being scrubbed with a facial steamer (those are the spa machines that stand about 3 to 5 feet high on wheels).
2. Keep the steamer arm about 14 to 18 inches from skin/scrub area. 
3. Watch for skin redness and adjust accordingly.
4. If the skin becomes red or feels a little too hot to the client, the steamer may be too close to the skin or the scrubbing is too hard (especially with sensitive skins). 
5. Move the steamer around to the different areas of the body being scrubbed.
6. Facial steamer equipment may provide more steam than 10 to 20 minutes, so turn the steamer off while not scrubbing to ensure there is enough steam for the full body.
7. Some steamers allow aromatherapy or essential oils to be added. If you can add aromatherapy to your steamer, I suggest using something “minty” to refresh your athlete and energize the overall air.
8. After all scrub product is removed, massage the skin with moisturizer to keep it hydrated, healthy and flexible.

Spa type oriented services are not just for a posh clientele. Get your spa game on for athletes to give them a competitive advantage too!