Fitness Friday: Deep Tissue Massage

It's time for Fitness Friday! Phew, these weekly features seem to come by fast don't they! Last week, I was treated to a deep tissue massage at Cambridge Complementary Health Centre*. Having never enjoyed a massage before, I was excited to treat myself to a spot of pampering so I headed into Cambridge city centre for some relaxation:

This topic isn't strictly fitness related but for me, I was particularly keen to try a deep tissue massage as a result of my various injuries. I have struggled with a shoulder injury for a few years now, initially as a result of whiplash, then made worse when I cleverly electrocuted myself at university! I explained this to Rachel and she quickly recommended that she focus on my back and shoulders during our half hour session.

I kept my bottom half clothed but took off my top for the massage. Rachel was extremely professional, so although there wasn't a huge amount of chit-chat, I really didn't mind; I hate awkward small talk. I was more than happy to relax to the classical music playing subtlety in the background as Rachel massaged all my knots and tension away. She particularly focused on my injured left shoulder, so it was reassuring that she could obviously tell there were some problems. The massage was firm but wasn't painful; I could feel the pressure working away the knots in my shoulders and back. After the massage, I felt instantly lifted and sat straighter as the pain had greatly reduced and I immediately felt much more mobile.

Total Health Clinics have centres in Cambridge, Peterborough, Spalding, Stamford, Huntingdon and Kinds Lynn. They offer a huge variety of massages, which you can read about on their website; they range from the deep tissue massage I tried, to acupuncture, reiki and various other styles of massage. They start at £25 for 30 mins, which I think is great value for the difference which I experienced in just one session. Rachel recommended that I return every 4-6 weeks if I wanted to make the most of the results and I am certainly planning on treating myself again soon.

Have you had a deep tissue massage? Have you tried Total Health Clinics? 

Jess

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Day Trippin'

As I'm sure you know if you are following me on Twitter and Instagram, I am currently in New York! However today I want to talk about the UK original, York, which is one of my favourite places after living there for three years whilst at university. I recently received a box of goodies from CityConnect and was challenged to test out their new free WiFi in the city. Obviously, I couldn't resist a chance to revisit one of my favourites cities so I headed back to my beloved Yorkshire:

CityConnect WiFi is a great new service for free WiFi throughout the city centre. When I visit York, I normally use The Cloud where I can but it doesn't provide great coverage everywhere. To use CityConnect, you have to set up an account linked to a social media page - I used my Twitter - and then provide some basic information, including your date of birth, postcode and an email. Once this is set up, which only takes a few moments, you have an account. The WiFi wasn't infallible and I did have to sign back in a few times, after it dropped out, but free WiFi is nothing to be sniffed at! I also thought it was great that after signing in, you were taken straight to the Visit York website - a huge positive for any tourists visiting the city.

I spent the day visiting some of my favourite places and showing off the city to my friend who had never visited York before. We wandered around the streets, browsed the local shops and couldn't resist nosying at the Easter themed window at Bettys! However, I knew where I wanted to go for lunch - my absolute favourite place in York, Mannion and Co. They offer the most delicious, gigantic deli board you have ever seen, full of great quality local produce. Their staff are so friendly, the cakes are unbelievably tasty and they also offer a huge selection of quality teas served in cast iron teapots. We then took a trip down the Shambles and circled back round to gaze at the impressive York Minster. Finally, we ended our day trip with a couple of cocktails in Evil Eye Lounge - another must-visit for any tourists in York. It's allegedly Johnny Depp's favourite English pub and offers an extensive range of tasty cocktails; one of my favourites being the Evil Spring Punch. 

Where are your 'must-sees' in York? Have you tried CityConnect WiFi?

Jess

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Monthly Book Favourites: February

As if I don't cover enough topics on my blog, today I am starting a new series: my Monthly Book Favourites. I'm always in awe of blogs which have one niche and stick to it but I love being able to cover everything that interests me and one of those things is definitely books. You may know that I'm currently studying for a Masters in Publishing, so it's fair to say that books are a huge part of my life! In order to encourage myself to read more alongside my course, I will be talking about some of my favourite books every month:

This month I wanted to talk about three books. I've spent a few weekends on trains which has meant that I've been able to get plenty of reading in! Firstly, The Girl With All The Gifts by MR Carey (Little, Brown) is a thriller or sci-fi novel which I picked up on buy one get one free in Waterstones. It reminded me a little of Gone Girl purely in the sense that the cover and blurb gives nothing away - and really to appreciate it, that's the way it needs to stay. As a result, this isn't exactly a review as I won't reveal the plot! I would recommend it if you enjoy thrillers, post-apocalyptic novels or horror.

I originally watched the film Warm Bodies, before borrowing the book by Isaac Marion (Vintage Originals) from a friend. This zombie book is a quick read but enjoyable nonetheless. I felt that the book developed the characters more than the film, and the sub-plot involving the zombie children added another dimension to the story - although it was a little heavy handed regarding it's 'moral point!'

Finally, I have been wanting to read Sane New World by Ruby Wax (Hodder) for a long time. It is broadly about mindfulness, but in reality you get over 100 pages in before mindfulness is even explained. Really, it's a combination of an autobiography, neuroplasty and mindfulness exercises. I found it thoroughly refreshing, laugh out loud in places and enjoyable to read. However, it also was extremely informative, explaining the science behind the brain and mental illness in particular. I would recommend it for anyone who is struggling with mental illness and considering mindfulness, but it is also an interesting and enjoyable read for anyone broadly interested in the brain or a fan of Ruby Wax.

What books have you read this month that you would recommend?

Jess

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