Benefits of Massage -- Not Just For Relaxation Any More

Don't get us wrong...we're all for relaxation!

But there are other very real physiological health benefits from regular massage therapy.

Just a few:

• Reduces the stress hormone cortisol (by up to 50%) and boosts the "feel good" hormones serotonin and dopamine, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and blocking pain receptors.
• Lowers levels of cortisol provide a boost to the immune system. A 2010 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found massage therapy increased white cell count.
• Improves pain, stiffness, range of motion and overall function, according to a clinical trial of Swedish massage in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. (WebMD)
• Reduces pain, increases headache-free days and levels of serotonin in adults with migraines, as reported in a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.
• Counteracts the imbalances that produce shoulder and neck tension in those who work for long periods at a desk/in a seated position.
• Reduces the need for painkillers to treat low back pain by 36%. (WebMD)
• Provides relief from symptoms of severe PMS, including pain, water retention and mood swings, as found in a small study by the Touch Research Institute of University of Miami School of Medicine.
• Produced shorter labor and hospital stays in pregnant women who had massage from their coaches during labor. (Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology).
• Improves anxiety and depression, as demonstrated through numerous published studies, independent of the source of these symptoms.

Regular massage isn't just an indulgence -- it can be a meaningful part of an overall healthy lifestyle. 

The Razor Sharp Fitness Spa is open to the public, but offers discounted rates for Razor Sharp Members. Stop by the front desk or call (262) 321-0200 to schedule an appointment.


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Sources include:
CNN.com from Health magazine, "Massage: It's real medicine."
WebMD health & Balance Center
Touch Research Institute

Give the Gift of Health!

Razor Sharp gift cards can be purchased

in any amount,

and can be used for 

any Razor Sharp 

product or service:

• Membership dues
• Personal Training
• Massage services
• Snacks/drinks
• Class fees
• Apparel

 It's always the right size!

    Razor Sharp is also a member of the Downtown Racine Corporation; if you receive a DRC Gift Certificate, you can redeem it at any Razor Sharp club for anything that our own gift cards purchase!

Meet Our New Massage Therapist, Gina Peter

Gina Peter, LMT

Gina Peter, a graduate of Anthem College in Brookfield, Wisconsin, has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for more than three years. She has focused on her specialties – Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage – and has experience working with chiropractic care patients and athletes, including Junior Olympic athletes. 

Gina believes in the body's ability to heal itself, and that massage therapy is one of the many paths to restoring health and wholeness to the body.  She feels that consistent massage therapy creates the opportunity and fulfillment for a more balanced life. Through understanding human anatomy and each individual's needs, she is dedicated to helping clients reach their ultimate health goals with education, encouragement and compassion. 

Gina’s continuing education plans include completion of Thai and Sports Massage courses, along with becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. 

Fight the Pre-Holiday STRESS!!

Stop at the front desk or call (262) 321-0200 to book your massage today! The Razor Spa is open every day -- even Sunday -- but appointments between now and the end of the year will fill up quickly.

Also, click here to meet our newest Massage Therapist, Gina Peter!

Downtown Club Grand Opening Wrap-Up

December 5th was a GREAT Grand Opening Day -- thank you to everyone who came down to visit with us, check the place out, offer congratulations and to officially join our fitness community's newest hub in Downtown Racine.

More pictures are posted here, at our Facebook page. 

Great big thanks go out to Downtown Racine Corporation for the ribbon-cutting, and particularly to County Executive Jim Ladwig, Alderman Jeff Coe and DRC Executive Director Devin Sutherland.

Congratulations go out to the winners of our drawing:

• Anna LeGath, who won a bottle of wine from Uncorkt
• Alice Bieszczat, who won the Carriage House Liquor gift basket
• Nancy Witkofski Ford, who won a $50 Razor Sharp gift card
• Patty Strandell, who won her choice of complimentary SPS Sports Performance or Belle City CrossFit sessions
• Mike Foord, who won his choice of complimentary SPS Sports Performance or Belle City CrossFit sessions
• Laura Sanders, who won a 60-minute massage
• Nancy Ribeiro, who one a package of 30-minute personal training sessions
• Kirk Winder, who one a package of 60-minute personal training sessions
• Mike Cretton, who won a one-year Razor Sharp membership
• Gail Hemm, who won the iPad Air 

Thanks to everyone who came out! We're still celebrating, so if you couldn't make it, stop down at the new club and have a look around. And, be sure to check out and share the Grand Opening special that we're offering at any of our three locations.

Razor Sharp Grand Opening Details are Taking Shape!

Grand Opening Celebration 
for the new 
Downtown Racine Club 
at 
141 Main Street

We're putting together a party for December 5^th (Friday!!), and everyone's invited.

There will be free food and drinks, including hors d'oeuvres after 5:00 p.m., catered by downtown favorite, The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery

There will be prize drawings for:

• An iPad Air
• A One-Year Club Membership
• Personal Training packages
• Cross-Fit/SPS Sessions
• Gift Cards for Razor Sharp merchandise and services
• Gift Basket from Carriage House Liquor Co.

Current members will receive an additional entry into the drawing for each guest that you bring!

Everyone who attends a class on Friday will receive a free Limited Edition Razor Sharp t-shirt (while supplies last):
5:30 a.m. Group Power
7:00 a.m. Yoga
Noon Group Power
4:45 p.m. Group Ride
6:15 p.m. Group Power

Give-aways: 

• Razor Sharp water bottles to the first 100 visitors between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Razor Sharp tote bags to the first 100 visitors after 5 p.m.

Official Ribbon-Cutting at 6:00 p.m.

The ribbon-cutting is sponsored by Downtown Racine Corporation, and we are pleased to be welcoming County Executive Jim Ladwig and Alderman Jeff Coe as guests of honor to this portion of the festivities!

Also enjoy:
Complimentary Chair Massages 6:30-10:15 a.m., 1-4 p.m. and evening hours TBA

Complimentary *Functional Movement Screenings 5:30-7:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Guests who join on Friday will receive:

• No enrollment fee
• First month free
• $50 Razor Sharp gift card for club services and merchandise (excluding monthly dues)

All day: opportunities to meet the Owners and/or Razor Sharp Personal Trainers

* Functional Movement Screenings determine specific muscle flexibility and strength imbalances, designed to help the client understand his/her movement patterns. The goal of the assessment and corrective exercise strategies is to prevent injuries, limit current and future joint problems, and improve exercise efficiency.

#RSGrandOpening  |  #RazorSharpDowntown  |  #RSDowntown 

Announcing our Downtown Racine Grand Opening

It's going to be a party, and you're all invited!

With give-aways, drawings, "Try 'em Out" classes and our ribbon-cutting, we plan to have a good time, and show all of our guests how much we try to make being healthy fun!

So, come and celebrate with us.

And, spread the word by sharing this article or a copy of our poster/flyer with you friends and colleagues.