Body Mechanics Day Spa offers retreat from stress

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterJune 22, 2017

Body Mechanics Day Spa offers retreat from stress
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Life is full of stressors, but Fort Rucker provides a relaxing way for people to relieve the stress that builds up day after day -- the Body Mechanics Day Spa.

Located in the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center on Andrews Avenue, the spa offers relaxation and luxury for a reasonable price, according to 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, a retreat for the feet 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.

"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."

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.

Then-W01 Jessica Prostack, B Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, understands those stresses fully and uses the spa as a way to escape.

"The massage services provide a great way to relax and relieve stress from vigorous training," said Prostack during an interview last year. "(Leger) provides friendly service, great prices and a great time schedule to accommodate for our busy schedules."

For some, the act of getting a massage for the first time may seem embarrassing and even a bit unnerving, but Leger said that the client is in charge and if there is an uncertainty about anything, 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."

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.

"I am here for people, whether for people who are here 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.

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker