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Fitness

Urban blog | Fitness

TikTok health advice can be a bit of a Wild West. We asked our in-house massage expert to take us for a scroll to debunk the most common myths.

3 spine health myths, debunked

3 myths about spine health, debunked

Discover the top 10 benefits of sports massage in this detailed guide from Urban. We discuss blood flow, sleep, stress levels and much more.

The top 10 benefits of sports massage

Top 10 benefits of sports massage

Can massage really make you less stressed? In this detailed guide we look at the science behind it.

The benefits of a stress relief massage

Climbing is a highly-demanding sport that calls for your whole body to be used, so it’s likely to take its toll. How can a massage help? Let's find out.

Four of the best massages for climbing enthusiasts

The four best climbing massages

Let's chat all things back pain. Because a whopping 80% of us will feel it at some point in our lives – here's the best massages to tackle it.

The four best massages for back pain

Best massages for back pain | Blog | Urban

If you dread that time of the month, one of these massages might be able to help ease your symptoms

Can massage ease period pain?

Advanced massage techniques and exercises to get you back to your best.

Injury/pain management

A powerful full-body massage to ease tension, aches and stiffness.

Deep tissue massage

deep tissue massage

The massage equivalent of a cup of coffee.

Energising massage

Discover your deepest stretch ever as an expert does the hard work for you.

Assisted stretching

assisted stretching

Our take on Swedish massage, full of techniques to free up tension and help you relax.

Urban classic

A gentle, nurturing massage for when you need a little self-care.

Relaxing massage

Tired of the same old itinerary? This guide's for you. Explore the most unique things to do in Glasgow, from at-home treatments to vintage arcades, discover the city’s most quirky and unusual experiences.

10 unique things to do in Glasgow

Unique things to do in Glasgow

Uncover 11 of the best hidden gems in Glasgow, from secret gardens to historic treasures.

The best hidden gems in Glasgow – our 11 favourites

The best hidden gems in Glasgow

Alongside helping hands glide over skin, some massage oils offer plenty of health benefits you might find surprising. Try these five oils to get some extra goodness out of your treatment. 

The five best massage oils to try

5 of the best massage oils to try 

Can massage benefit your mental health? Yep, in many ways. From better sleep to an overall sense of wellbeing, let’s explore how massage can help your mind unwind.

Mental benefits of massage: how it can boost your wellbeing

Mental benefits of massage

Uncover Edinburgh's hidden hotspots for a trip you won't forget – here's our favourites...

Hidden gems in Edinburgh: a wellness-seeker's guide

Hidden gems in Edinburgh

A dreamy full-body massage using essential oils that promote sleep.

Sleep massage

A grounding, full-body treatment using relaxing essential oils.

De-stress massage

de-stress massage

A gentle massagae to rebalance vital systems of the body.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage 

A calming treatment using acupressure on the feet and lower legs.

Reflexology foot massage

Reflexology

Ease post-exercise aches and prevent injury with a qualified pro.

Sports massage

A deeply soothing treatment for tired mums-to-be, suitable from the second trimester.

Pregnancy massage

Extra TLC for the hands and nails, with a classic polish finish.

Classic manicure

Classic Manicure

The ultimate pampering pedicured, finished with classic polish.

Classic pedicure

Classic Pedicure

Classic polish for fingers and toes, with added indulgence – a scrub, mask and massage.

Classic mani-pedi

Classic Mani & Pedi

The ultimate confidence builder – long-lasting polish on fingers and toes.

Gel mani-pedi

Gel Polish Mani & Pedi 

A long-lasting pedicure to keep you walking tall and feeling great.

Gel pedicure

Gel Polish Pedicure

A specialised massage to get lymph flow moving again, especially after cosmetic surgery.

Brazilian lymphatic drainage

brazilian lymphatic

Osteopathy consultation and treatment

Physiotherapy consultation and treatment

Get your step count up with our pick of Manchester’s most relaxing walks – from pretty parks to 4-hour hikes, there’s something for every level of walker.

Where to go for a relaxing walk in Manchester

The most relaxing walks in Manchester

Take a breather with us and enjoy a relaxing weekend in Manchester – from creative classes to canal strolls, we've got 11 activities to choose from. End the day with an Urban home massage, of course.

Our guide to a relaxing weekend in Manchester

Discover unique things to do in Manchester, from secret bars to canal cruises and pottery classes, finished with a relaxing at-home massage to unwind.

Unique things to do in Manchester for a trip with a twist

Unique things to do in Manchester

Find something new to do in Manchester with our pick of the best hidden gems. From Britain’s oldest library to at-home massage, discover your next favourite secret.

Our favourite hidden gems in Manchester

When you're unwell or feeling run down, a relaxing massage may seem like the perfect solution. It’s well known that massages can decrease tension and support the immune system so it might seem like a simple quick fix, but before you book a mobile massage there are some things to consider.

Can you get a massage when you're sick?

Can you have a massage when you're sick? | Fake entry

Pregnancy glow facial

A full-body treatment tailored to your recovery needs.

Postnatal massage

Over the course of nine months, a pregnant person's body adapts in incredible ways to support growing life. Here are some of the less talked about transformations and how specialist pregnancy treatments can help.

Six surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy

6 surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy blog

20 non-baby things your new mum friend will love (and actually use), suggested by another mum.

The best gifts for new mums

The best gifts for new mums | Blog

From pregnancy self-care and postnatal recovery, to the first few years for new mums, we look at six simple ways to look after yourself while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood.

Maternal mental health tips

Maternal mental health tips blog

A clothed Thai massage (without oil) performed on a traditional roll-up floor mattress.

Thai yoga massage

A traditional Thai massage using oil to help de-stress, stretch muscles and energise.

Thai massage (with oil)

A blood-flow boosting treatment to help minimise the appearance of cellulite.

Sculpting massage

sculpting massage

Craving a pretty walk or bored of the same route? If you're in Edinburgh, you're pretty lucky...

The best places to walk in Edinburgh

Discover how to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh, from calming walks to an at-home spa experience. Here’s our team’s favourite way to relax in the capital.

How to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh

Make your trip to Edinburgh even more memorable with our unique activity suggestions...

Unique things to do in Edinburgh – our 14 top picks

Unique things to do in Edinburgh

Relax in the city with our top picks – from an at-home massage to scenic walks.

The best things to do in Glasgow to relax

There’s nothing better than playing football on a proper pitch, so if you’re planning a kickabout in London be sure to make use of one of the city’s many parks. Most of these green spaces have their own pitches inside them, so you can practise your skills in a professional size playing field.

Best London parks to play football in

Can getting a massage before or after the marathon really make a difference to your marathon performance? Our go-to massage expert has the answers.

Why massage should be part of your London marathon training plan

Massage and London marathon training plans

London's best deep tissue massages are plentiful and can be found near you in London's best spas, at iconic hotels and even delivered to you in the comfort of your home. Here are our five favourite places to book a deep tissue massage in London.

The best deep tissue massages in London

Whether your skin’s looking a tad dull and needs a bit of rejuvenation, or you have a skin concern that’s been bothering you for years, a targeted facial can help. London is home to lots of professionals who are passionate about skincare and skin health. Here's our top picks.

The best facials in London

The best facials in London | Fake entry

Massage has been a central part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, with records stretching back as far as the 2nd century BCE. Unlike deep tissue or sports massage, which focus on releasing tight muscular knots by targeting blood flow to the area, Chinese massage techniques also aim to promote overall health by easing the flow of energy, or “qi”, around the body.

What is Chinese massage?

Discover what a Thai massage is in this detailed guide where we discuss everything from the history of this ancient practice, to the various benefits of this type of massage.

What is a Thai massage?

What is a Thai Massage?

Let's de-bunk the benefits of lymphatic drainage to see if it's right for you.

What is a lymphatic drainage massage or detox massage?

Foot massage combines techniques from different traditions to help relax and improve health by pressing on foot nerves. It can make you feel better, boost blood flow, and lower stress

What is foot massage?

Discover how menstrual health coach Destiny uses Urban massages and creative self-care to live intentionally, blending wellness and joy into her everyday.

When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

When monthly massage is non-negotiable: The menstrual coach doing city life her way

In honour of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re putting the spotlight on just one of the many inspiring client stories we’re privileged to play a part of each day. Meet Penny, and hear why Rozalia decided to make her day in December…

Customer story: Penny & Rozalia

We caught up with adventure cyclist and cycling club HospoFixed Founder Ollie Jones about his 10-year love for cycling, go-to recovery methods and top training tips.

Ollie Jones chats about life behind the handlebars

Ollie Jones on life behind the handlebars

While we're known for massages, did you know we also partner with some of London's best beauty pros? We got to know 10 of our top rated pros over brunch.

Meet the Urban beauty pros

The perfect pick-me-up – enjoy a 45-minute massage focusing on two areas of your choice.

Express massage

Grief can feel all-consuming - physically and emotionally. Learn how a simple massage can provide a moment of solace during difficult times.

Massage for grief – finding comfort in difficult times

Massage for grief

We sat down with ceramist Charlotte and her Urban pro Fabio in Charlotte's East London studio to talk about life with EDS, advocating for disability acceptance and how Urban truly made a difference.

How weekly osteopathy gave me my life back – in the studio with disabled artist Charlotte

The effects of massage therapy tend to be cumulative, but you may also feel relief from your very first appointment.

How can massage help to relieve back pain?

How can massage help to relieve back pain

From Thai to deep tissue, different kinds of massages impact the body in unique ways. The right type for you will depend on your health, needs and preferences.

15 different kinds of massage

From self-care tips to their take on the most beneficial massages, here’s how Urban pros plan to keep themselves shining in the darkness this winter.

Burn bright, not out – Urban pros on how to avoid burnout

How Urban pros avoid burnout | Fake entry

A relaxing massage can be a great way to set the tone for a better night's sleep, but which is best? From classic Swedish to new-age CBD, we explore the pros and cons.

The best massage for a good night's sleep

The best massage for sleep

If prioritising better mental health has been on your list for a while but something’s always got in the way (whether it’s money, time or lengthy waiting lists), our sponsor is on hand to make things that little bit easier. Use code URBAN20 to get 20% off your first month.

 Make better mental health a priority with online counselling

Better help blog | Fake entry

We’ve created your new go-to list for all things health, sports and fitness. From recovery balms to tailored fitness apps, tasty meal preps to health supplements, you can find a range of things you never knew you needed.

The Urban fitness handbook

Fitness handbook | Fake entry

We’ve collaborated with DR.VEGAN®, the innovative supplement brand that offers PMS support to discuss how to reduce PMS symptoms naturally, including with massage.

Massage for PMS

Massage for PMS | Fake entry

In the past 10 years, we've seen promising research in humans showing we can improve our responses to stress through diet (with fibre in particular).

How stress affects your gut health

Stress and the microbiome | Fake entry

From struggling with personal loss to finally finding peace, Ben’s on a mission to bring the same comfort to others in pain. For World Mental Health Day, we caught up with him to chat about the creation of his charity, The New Normal, and discovered how cycling became his saviour during his darkest time.

Finding sanctuary in cycling – charity founder Ben’s journey through grief

Discover how Clxmbr founder Rotimi uses massage to get himself back up on the wall.

How massage helps this climber reach new heights

Get a better understanding of how massage can help treat knee pain when cycling.

Reduce knee pain when cycling with massage

Massage for cyclists: how it can help with knee pain

Get a better understanding of tennis elbow, how to treat it and why it’s so important to get treatment as early as possible.