Annie's Favorite Things About LA: Massage Lizard (read for deets on a special offer!)

Anyone who follows me on Twitter probably recognizes the name Massage Lizard, as I tend to tweet about her semi-often.  Allow me to introduce my friend, Megan O'Connor, the extremely talented massage therapist behind it all.

Due to back problems, I've been getting massages since I was about 13, and Megan is honestly one of the best massage therapists I've ever had.  I try to schedule a massage once a month with her, and I always feel significantly better when I do.  To make it even better, she comes to YOU, so afterwards you can just relax at home instead of having to get back in your car to fight traffic. So glorious.

In addition to being an expert on massage, Megan is also quite well-versed in overall health, vegetarian restaurants and LA in general...she's been here almost 10 years!  She is always sharing inspirational tips on her Facebook and Twitter pages, so I decided to interview her to share some of those great tips with you.:-) 

1.)    What made you decide to become a massage therapist?

Massage therapy had always been something I was interested in but had never had the time or opportunity to pursue it until I lost my job in 2009 during company budget cuts. 

2.) What do you love most about your job?

I love the fact that I am helping people feel better.  It is literally hands-on, instant gratification for a job well done.  Doing something for the benefit of others has always been one of my career goals.

3.) What are the benefits of getting massages (besides feeling amazing)?

There are many benefits from getting a massage.  Besides relieving pain and tension it increases blood flow and lymphatic circulation (improving immunity), increases range of motion and flexibility, decreasing anxiety, releasing endorphins and improving skin condition.  These are just part of the positive impact massage provides.  To get more in-depth, here is a good overview.

4.) If someone isn't able to get regular massages, what are other things they can do to get some of the same benefits?

1.        Stretch, stretch, stretch. Most of us do a lot of repetitive motions throughout the day so it is good to set aside at least 10 minutes a day to stretch. 

2.        Stay active.  Make sure you are making time for exercise and to break a sweat.  It really does your body and mind good!

3.       Shoulder and neck tension are common so when you are home you can use a tube sock with rice in it to heat in the microwave for a couple minutes and place around your shoulders to help relieve some of the pain.

4.       When you are driving you can place a tennis ball between you and your seat, gently pressing against it where you feel tight or a knot in your back or shoulders. 

5.       Drink a lot of water.  I cannot stress this enough. It is not only good for your muscle health but for an overall healthy, happy body. 

6.       Make sure you are getting enough electrolytes, magnesium and calcium.  These are important for muscle health. 

7.       Practice deep, abdominal breathing.  A good breathing exercise is to inhale for a set number of counts (say 4) and exhale for double the time ( 8 in this instance).  It is amazing what a few deep breaths can do. 
 

5.) What are your favorite things to do to stay active and healthy in LA?
I have many!  I love taking ballet, kickboxing, spinning, Pilates, and yoga classes.  I take ballet classes at a studio in Hancock Park from an ex-Balanchine and Fosse dancer.  Gold’s Gym in Hollywood has great cardio-kickboxing class and spinning classes.  For yoga, Kundalini is my favorite.  A good friend of mine teaches a weekly class on the rooftop of their art studio in Downtown.  I also enjoy going for a hike or run outdoors, especially by the beach, in the Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Resevior or up in Griffith Park.  There are many 10k races in the area to choose from that are fun to participate in and train for . A bike ride along the boardwalk in Venice and Santa Monica is a refreshing workout. The Santa Monica stairs off of 4^th street are a great workout like no other.  To swim laps, the Santa Monica College pool is my favorite. 

6.) What are your favorite restaurants in LA?

I love food! I am always trying new restaurants and in search for new favorite vegetarian-friendly restaurants.  My current favorites are Café Gratitude on Larchmont, M Café on Melrose, Sage Vegan in Silverlake, Manchego in Santa Monica, Samosa House in Culver City, Native Foods in Culver City, Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks, Moa’s Kitchen on Melrose, Chan Dara on Larchmont, Wurstkuche Downtown, Taverna Tony in Malibu, Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon, and Katana on Sunset. 

7.) If someone from out of town was spending the weekend in LA, what do you suggest they do/see?

Oh this is a tough one since it depends so much on the person and their interests and goals for the trip.  I can definitely recommend some of the gems I have found here:  Huntington Gardens, Getty Villa in Malibu, Paradise Cove in Malibu, Getty Center, GriffithObservatory, Yamashiro Farmer’s Markets/ Gardens/ Restaurant, Standard rooftop Downtown, concert at the Greek Theater, hike to the Hollywood sign up BeachwoodCanyon, Queen Mary, Santa Monica Farmer’s Market on Sundays, and Glenn Ivy HotSprings in Orange County just to mention a few …

8.) What advice do you have about finding your 'dream job'?

 It is so important to listen to your gut instinct and follow your passion and interests.  This may involve taking classes, interviewing people in a field of interest, networking, researching, perusing your hobbies and finding new ones.  You never know what will turn up and the opportunities that will present themselves.  

I've lived here for over 3 years, and there are many things in there that I haven't tried yet... ha.  Putting those on my to do list (as well as scheduling a massage with Meg). To schedule a fantastic massage for yourself, contact Megan at 310-498-0027 or massagelizard@gamil.com.

And, as a little  "thank you for reading" gesture (our blog just reached 25,000 page views! Holla),

you can get

$10 OFF any Massage Lizard service

when you mention 'A Tale of Two Cities'.  (Sorry non LA-ers... I guess this just means you should come visit my wonderful city and get a wonderful massage while you're at it.) ;-) 

 xoxo, 

Annie.