Massage Table for school

[neuve1]

I will be beginning massage school in September and would like some advice on the type of table to purchase.  Should I start basic or invest in a very good one?  Also, what brands are the best?I also would like to find out if anyone went to the Lake Lanier Scool of Massage?  If so, please let me know what you thought.Thanks!

 

[Tyler S]

When I was in massage school, I chose to invest in a higher priced table (Earthlite SPirit).  Since I do not do outcalls, my table remains in one location.  Also, personally, I prefer the thicker padding than what you would may get with a lower priced table.  The choice is up to you.  I am no expert when it comes to massage tables.

 

[get go]

Massage Table for school

I agree that if you are going to spend any money at all you might as well buy the best. I have an astra lite table that I love because it is lite and strong! I also own a stationary table and chair made by Earthlite that I would recomend. check http://www.massagewarehouse.com they have good deals sometimes, I just bought a chair from them.

 

[Ox CHERRYLiCiOUS* xO]

Massage Table for school

Get the very best you can afford and most likly you will not have to buy another for many years. I have 2 Athena Pro tables from Custom Craft http://www.customcraftworks.com and I love them. Not too bad for doing outcall, great table

Randi Mears, LMT, NCTMB
http://rmlmt.home.attbi.com

 

[sugarcoated]

Massage Table for school

I am still a student, but I have been at it for almost two years now. In my experience with the variety of tables our school has, I have found the Custom Craftwork Athena to be far and away the most comfortable. I have also learned that, given our ever "expanding" population, paying a bit extra for a few more inches in table width really does make a difference, especially if you will have clients spending much time supine.

 

[little big mama]

Custom Craftworks definitely gets my vote.  I've had mine for awhile and it's been great.  Spend the money on the best, because it's gotta last you a long time and go through a lot with you.I've also heard that the cheaper tables have been known to collapse after a bit with the client on top!!!  Bad Ju-Ju!As for the added width, be careful.  If you are small, you may find yourself wrecking your back leaning to far over to massage smaller clients.  I think a better idea would be to invest in the arm rests.  You can use them with larger clients, and remove them for smaller.Hope this helps!NamasteCarole

 

[Nala]

Just do a little research. I use an oakworks table and I love it.  But the table needs to fit the kind of work you enjoy most.  For me it is neuromuscular;  that is why I ordered my table with 3" of padding.  So figure out what fits you and go for it.

 

[John sussex]

Hi, I like Custom Craftworks because of there lifetime guarantee, and quality of work.  The only drawback I have noticed is the way the arm rest sling  fits on the face rest,sometimes clients lean on it too hard, and it drops the face rest down, and disrupts  the relaxed atmosphere. I also have the athena pro package with the upgraded foam, and ultra leather like vinyl. My clients really enjoy the comfort of the table, and they're made very strong.  I also like the choice I made on getting the Reiki ends,it gives you more leg room at the ends  of the table while sitting for foot massage/reflexology etc.  You'll be glad you invested in the best you can afford later on. Best Wishes-PLM

 

[forumAdmin]

Massage Table for school

I bought my Golden Ratio Portalite table 10 years ago, and I've had NO problems. I love my table! I recently bought another (a Nautilus) and love that one too. I was suprised no one mentioned Golden Ratio.

 

[M D]

Massage Table for school

I have an astro-lite table and it has been very good for me because, from what I've seen, it's one of the lightest on the market and I have hauled mine around a lot. To start out with, having something lightweight was a huge requirement. Now I'm in an office and don't move my table so I'm looking for another one. (so thanks for posting because I'm learning a lot too)

 

[Indycar Girl]

Massage Table for school

The first table I bought when I was in massage school was a Custom Craftworks. My "mentor" told me it was the strongest table on the market.That table was great, but now they've got some new options that are awesome: Breast Recesses that make clients more comfortable and shorten the muscles of the upper back--which makes the muscles easier to work because they're more pliable. Amazing how much easier it is to work the upper back. Tips have gone up too!Check out their memory foam too-- incredibly comfortable. Truly an amazing company that tunes in to the work therapists are doing and giving them ways to do it better and easier. They really stand behind their products too.

 

[Terrex C]

Massage Table for school

hola! dont skimp....you can buy a good table and not go broke, though. think padding and width. dont get the cheapest you can, you will regret it. im shopping for a second table myself :}

 

[Greek Godess]

I'm no expert but I have Earthlite Spirit which I just purchased about 2 months ago and I'm very satisfied with it.  I'm halfway through school but that doesn't mean I haven't heard reviews on other tables.  My instructor has had her Oakworks for maybe 5 years and its in great condition.  The tables we use at school are Golden Ratio and one (out of about 15) is starting to sound creaky.  I would suggest looking at http://www.massagewarehouse.com for package deals.

 

[Hana Sakura]

Stronglite Premiere table...awesome table!  Sturdy, quiet, strong, and oh so comfortable.  31" wide with Reiki plates ---makes it the ultimate in client satisfaction.  It's well worth the price.  Check out Massagewarehouse.com for deals too.  ;D

 

[Baden]

Hi,I thought I would share my experience. I am currently a student and made my table purchase very early on (as our school pushed it). I love my table. It is an Oakworks Nova . . .Oakworks was recommended by our school owner and the majority of our tables at school are Oakworks. It's a fabulous table, very sturdy, really comfortable. In fact, some of the people I massage have commented on how great the table is. However, here are some things that I have encountered that you may want to consider when purchasing. I bought the table thinking I would be setting it up and not moving it around much and I was very wrong. The school that I attend requires that we participate in outdoor sports events. As well, I ended up living in two places for awhile and one of those locations was three floors up without an elevator. (I had to carry my table up and down at least once a week)I've since wondered if it might not have been a better idea to purchase a more inexpensive and easily portable (less heavy) table while in school and waited to buy a more permanant table once I graduated. That would have left me with two tables, one one to be set up constantly and one that could be easily used for onsite.As well, it would have given me some extra time to make sure that I was getting exactly the table that I wanted. I have since seen many different brands and types  . . .  I still would have bought my Oakworks as a second table, but a lighter one in the beginning would have made it a lot easier on me and saved me some back and neck pains. Good luck with your decision.Rebecca

 

[Mr. Football]

Massage Table for school

Tables are included with our tuition. We just got our catalogs today and we get to pick from either an Oakworks Aurora or a Golden Ratio Journeyman. I'm going to get the Oakworks Aurora.

 

[cpttango30]

Massage Table for school

We had the option to get a table included in our tuition or not.

If you choose not to take something they give you, you get a credit. One of my classmates gave back the medical dictionary we got because she had a Tapers (sp?) and she got a credit for it. I don't have anything so I take everything I get.

 

[Ana C]

Think most cushion/least weight.I bought a Spiralinc table, and their headrests are different than any other brand.  The adjustment mechanism has never worked right, and I can't find a replacement that has a different design.  Go with a major brand that has universal parts - Earthlite, Oakworks, etc...Regarding weight - maybe it's just me, but every time I go to someone's home to give a massage I end up dragging my table, bolsters, and supplies either up a spiral staircase or to their sitting room on the third floor.  It never fails...my newest client has both a spiral staircase and a third floor... Katy

 

[Ate Bit Tyson]

Michelle,Our school had tables in the classrooms and the clinic.  I assume your will too.  If this is the case there's no need to purchase one now.  Try out different tables during your hands-on part of class.  Most schools also will have a discounted rate to purchase tables.  We were offered tables if I remember correctly about two months in.I would opt for thicker padding...it's just nicer for the client.  It will add to the weight of your table.Good luck,Robyn

 

[Nic]

I also have an Athena from Custom Craftworks.  I read a lot of literature on many tables and decided on the Athena because of the way it's made.  I wanted to be sure that my table would hold up under weight and stress. (Dynamic weight load of 650 lbs) My mentor told me that she still has and uses her Athena after 9 years.  It was her first table. That did it!  I'm very happy with my table. I also got the end plates. I like having the room for my knees. In addition, I was very impressed with the company itself.  They were wonderful over the phone and very helpful.  I didn't upgrade on anything. I kept it standard and I use foam, fleece and a warmer to make it more comfy. I didn't worry about the expensive material since it's always covered anyway. My clients love it.  This table is heavy though.  It took me a while to get used to carrying it.  The place where I work provides a table and I use my own for outcalls.  I don't regret my choice.I love my table!Regards,Elemental