Strength Training for Massage Therapists: Why Cardio Isn't Enough

"A body at rest stays at rest unless moved upon by an external force."

My client Alishia T. replied to me when I blogged about how hard it is to get out of bed to do the things I love—the things that make me feel better afterwards.

She's right.

It's instinctive to take the easiest way.

Even though we know we'll feel better after a workout, after completing a task, we still have a hard time getting started.

Her trick? "I'll give it 10 minutes, and if I hate it after 10 minutes, I'll stop."

Know how many times she's stopped? Maybe once.

I Kept My Momentum—7 Days in a Row

This week, I kept moving.

Marion Jones workout on Monday.

Move With Nicole pilates the rest of the week.

Sunday?

I was so sore from galloping Friday night with the young girls, then riding my friend's horse Saturday. She's really bumpy, so I have to stand up and squeeze with my knees to stay on and not bounce on her back.

Sunday's pilates was a gentle beginner video.

I wanted to keep my momentum and give my body a break.

This is what I'll be teaching at Selfish Saturday on November 22nd—how to connect and engage your core muscles. No sit-ups. No curl-ups. Nothing hard.

Just connection and awareness.

Why Strength Training Matters More Than You Think

Cardio is even more of a struggle for me than strength training.

That's why I hire a personal trainer to make me do it.

But here's what I've learned: cardio alone won't give you the leg strength you need to hold a proper squat.

It won't build the core stability that protects your low back when you're leaning over a table for hours.

Since I've been adding cardio (and quit smoking pot), my blood work for heart health is all green.

First time in my life.

But it's the strength training—the squats, the core work, the functional movement—that saves my body during sessions.

The Power of the Squat

In order to have the correct posture and leverage during a session, you need to work out and strengthen your legs so you can be in a squat position.

I use a lot of sumo squats—legs far apart, toes turned out.

I use warrior poses and hinging at the hips to get the right leverage.

These positions allow me to use my legs and core instead of my thumbs, wrists, and shoulders.

After 24 years, I still work without chronic pain.

That's the difference.

Lighter Weights, More Reps—The Long Game

I use weights. Three pounds for high reps. Eight pounds for lower reps.

Many trainers will tell you to lift heavier. Push harder. Go big or go home.

But here's what I've learned from working on athletes in their 70s and 80s:they all say the same thing.

"I wish I didn't push my body so hard when I was younger."

I like to take advice from people who have done it all.

One of my favorites came from Beakie, a regular at the Stockman Bar in Sheridan, Montana, when I was day-bartending in my early 20s. He'd come in every day after hunting or fishing and have one beer.

He told me:"Wendy, you're only young once and old a long time. So do as much fun stuff as you can while you can."

That's how I've lived my life.

And that's how I approach strength training—not to punish my body, but to build capacity so I can keep doing the things I love for as long as possible.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

You don't need a gym membership (but some do for community and accountability). You don't need heavy weights. You don't need to go hard.

You need to listen to your body and follow through on what it says.

You just need to start. Or continue—because stopping and starting is harder than keep doing.

Give it 10 minutes.

If you hate it, stop.

But I'm willing to bet you won't.

Your Body Is Your Business

On November 22nd at Selfish Saturday, I'll be teaching you how to engage your core muscles—like the gentle beginner pilates I'm doing today—so you can work with strength and stability instead of strain.

We'll practice body mechanics, explore movement that saves your hands, and build the foundation for a career that lasts decades, not just years.

Register for Selfish Saturday Here — Early bird pricing ($75) ends October 31st.

Your Body is Your Business and YOU are the CEO!
Goddess Wendy Coon, LMT

You Can't Force Relaxation. You Have to Let Relaxation Happen.