Body Mechanics: Day Spa offers retreat from stress

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterJuly 6, 2015

Body Mechanics: Day Spa offers retreat from stress
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 6, 2015) -- The stress of Army life, whether for Soldiers, family members or the civilian workforce, can become overwhelming, but Fort Rucker offers a way that people on the installation can pamper themselves and find relief.

Body Mechanics Day Spa, located in the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility on Andrews Avenue, offers relaxation and luxury for a reasonable price, said Barbara Leger, licensed massage therapist with Body Mechanics.

"Everyone can (and should) be treated to a special occasion and be pampered, and Body Mechanics has extremely competitive prices and a service available for every income level," she said.

Anyone who is an authorized patron of Directorate of Family Morale Welfare and Recreation services is allowed to make an appointment with Body Mechanics. The spa offers several different services, which include a 30-minute massage for $25, a 60-minute massage for $45, a 90-minute massage for $70, facials for $30, a retreat for the feet for $30, a body polish for $30 and chair massages that are $1 per minute.

"The benefits of massage go hand-in-hand with fitness," said Leger. "Massage, historically, has been used to help circulation, muscle soreness and tenderness, and chronic pain to include fibromyalgia and arthritis."

"Blood pressure can be lowered after a massage, and massages increase the chemicals that induce feelings of happiness, as well," she continued. "The sleep cycle can also improve."

The European-style facial is a cleansing facial that includes a facial massage, which creates a healthier look.

"Our retreat for the feet is a 30-minute treatment just for the feet," she said. "It includes massage, hot towels and a mud wrap for the feet. It helps with the health of the skin and tissue, as well as with stress."

The body polish is a 30-minute exfoliation service. The skin on the arms, legs and back is exfoliated with a citrus scrub and is followed by hot towels and moisturizer.

"It is great for people who are getting ready for a special occasion or if they have dry skin. It gives the skin a bright, healthy glow," said the massage therapist.

There are several different styles of massage people can choose from, including pregnancy, Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular and hot stone.

It is no secret that Fort Rucker is dominated by flight students, and Leger said that flight students in particular seem to enjoy the relaxation massage.

"I think that they are aware of how much physical stress they are under, but when they come in they are surprised at the amount of mental stress that can be relieved through a little pampering," she said.

The act of getting a massage for the first time may seem embarrassing for some and even nerve wracking, but Leger said that the client is in charge and if there is an uncertainty about something the therapist will answer any questions.

"When getting a massage, I first talk to the client about how they are feeling," she said. "If they have any concerns or complaints about a particular area of the body, such as lower back problems or pain in a knee, we can tailor the massage to fit the person's needs for that day."

When clients undress for their massage, they are in the room alone. Leger said that people can undress to their level of comfort. Clients stay covered the entire time, she affirmed.

"While I am working on your back, that is the only thing visible. While I am working on their left leg, that is the only thing visible. And while lying on your back you are covered up to your underarm," she said.

The spa is open for appointments Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

When asked about gratuities, Leger said that tips aren't expected, but are always appreciated, and patrons can leave any tips in the room where the massage took place.

"I am here for people, whether getting a massage or facial for the first time or for people for whom regular massage is their way of life," she said. "The No. 1 thing people need to do if they are nervous is just talk to me. It is truly an honor for me to able to offer a little bit of comfort for the people of Fort Rucker."

For more information or to set up an appointment, call 255-2296.

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

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