Massaging at a Gym as mentioned was the way I began, and most fitness centres are more than happy to have a massage therapist working there as it is in their best interest to do so, and they will use it as a selling point to sign up new members. The rent can be agreed upon in a number of ways, like I did by paying a set amount, and doing a certain number of hours cleaning to supplement my rent which was a win/win. Some require a percentage of every massage, which is ok when you first begin, but once you get busy it can turn out to be more expensive. Some have rooms that are shared with another practitioner when both have other jobs, and this can work well provided they are of a different modality or work very similar to yourself, otherwise you can find yourself involved in jealous politics which is never nice.
One advantage in a gym is the number of people who use it regularly, and if you are getting great results with your massage the word will spread, and if you get all the instructors on your side by giving them a quality free or discounted massage, all the better.
Spa centre’s are becoming more popular these days and provided you are in the right area, and have the right staff to compliment you your massage business can become very busy. Many massage therapists in spa centre’s are multi skilled as well, which is beneficial. You might for example be able to do nails, waxing, beauty treatments, or offer dietary advice, etc. Some spa centres also cater for the corporate executive, and offer retreats, and motivational seminars and workshops with massage therapy playing a vital role.
Hairdressers also often have a place for massage therapists, and it works in well in that environment. We have had some hairdressers come to our massage courses because they could not find a massage therapist they were happy with, and one became so busy with her massage she finished up hiring another hairdresser instead.
The good thing about working in a hairdresser’s is that they are always available to book your clients in for you, and often the rental agreement is to pay a percentage, although you may find one that will rent you a room.
Beauty therapy and massage therapy also go well together and many beauty therapists attend our massage courses to supplement their income. You can just imagine how good a nice soothing massage with moisturiser, after being waxed would feel.
Personal trainers are also getting into massage therapy. They get paid both ways – they make you sore from all the exercise they give you, then massage the soreness out.
We get lots of Personal Trainers doing our course and find it compliments their fitness work and is another source of income.
