'In My Shoes': Spa anxiety for first-timers? Do research, take a friend

Robin Webb recalls her first spa experience in high school as being anxious about getting undressed. The Midlothian, Va., resident said, “They had candles and music, and after five minutes the anxiety went away.”

By: SUNDRA HOMINIK | MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE | TriCities.com
Published: January 24, 2010

Maybe you’re one of the lucky women who received a gift certificate to a day spa as a holiday present.

That gives you the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a day, or at least an afternoon, of pampering.

The first time I had the opportunity to indulge in such pampering was when my husband gave me a gift certificate for a massage.

I’m not sure he knew just how stressed I was. Then again, he could hear the sound of grinding teeth coming from my side of the bed each night.

I was very much in favor of a relaxing massage. But I was hesitant. I had never been to a spa or had a massage. I have never even had a facial.

I didn’t have a clue what to expect and was a little nervous. Turns out I’m not alone.

Some people fail to use spa gift certificates they receive because they don’t know what to expect and are embarrassed to ask questions, according to the International Spa Association’s Web site.

Robbin Webb, 30, of Midlothian recalled her first spa visit. She was in high school and wanted to get a massage. She said her biggest worry was getting undressed.

“I was little anxious about that,” she said. “I was self-conscious.”

Webb said she got over her shyness with the help of the professionals at the spa. She said the relaxing atmosphere also helped.

“They had the candles and music, and after five minutes there the anxiety went away,” she said.

When Jenny Brockwell was in college, she also was not sure what to expect before her first spa visit.

The 26-year-old said she now knows that taking a friend along is a great way to ease any anxiety.

“When I was last there, a group of four sisters came in and it was their first time,” said Brockwell, who lives in Short Pump. “When you are with others, it makes it easier.”

Lynne McNees, president of the International Spa Association, said going as a group could also save money if you’re able to get a group rate.

To get the most out of your visit, you need to do a little research first, McNees said.

“The most important thing is to do your homework and find an experience that suits your needs,” she said. “Asking questions is essential to ensuring you have the best experience possible, so don’t be shy to speak with the therapist or spa director.”

SUNDRA HOMINIK is a senior editor at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Hominik welcomes discussion topics by e-mail at shominik@times-dispatch.com.