CheekyChicago

I like to consider myself a bit of a massage connoisseur. Over the course of my life, I’ve probably had close to 1,000 massages (no, really). To me, it’s not about being pampered – it’s part of living an active lifestyle.

When you work hard, exercise hard, and then spend the majority of your days planted in a chair, your body is bound to need some TLC. If I can pay someone not to talk to me while massaging my sore muscles and listening to soothing CDs, I’m sold every time.

However, due to my massage habits over the years, I have become a bit of a snob. I prefer neuromuscular work – nothing Swedish will do. I like an equal amount of attention on my legs as my back, and for someone to really know the body as well as I do. (I told you I was a snob – it comes with the territory of being a personal trainer.)

So, when I went to Equinox at 900 N. Michigan Ave. for my first ever pre-natal massage, I didn’t know what to expect. At a little over six months pregnant, the only hands who have been on me during my pregnancy are my husband’s, and I am protective over my body in a completely different way than before.

My muscular gripes are different now – I’m not sore from doing 100 burpees, I’m sore from an expanding belly and gently swaying back. My muscles have softened, and I am not a happy camper.

However, upon entering the spa (which is hidden behind a little door in the women’s locker room), I was greeted with several familiar faces, two of them pregnant with girls. We conversed, and I waited patiently for my massage therapist, Crystal.

The room was warm and relaxing, and I found myself on an inclined table. To work on my back, I rotated to each side, hugging a pillow with a bolster between my legs. While it wasn’t the best massage I’ve ever had, Crystal was incredibly gentle and made sure I was comfortable the whole time.

Besides massages, they offer facials (I hear the new strawberry facial is divine), sunless tanning, waxing, eyelash extensions, body treatments and even healing practices like Reiki. Equinox members get a 10% discount, and you can book online here.

So the next time you’re at the 900 Shops., check out the lower level spa and treat yourself to a much deserved mini-vacation.