Massage Tables

• Cost: My first instinct is to say go for quality rather than price, but if you're not going to be using it much, a cheap table could do the trick.

  I have a table at my parent's house that I bought for under $200 at Costco. I have used less than ten times, and it has had no wear and tear except for folding and unfolding it and adjusting the face cradle. Still, the last time I used it, screws were falling out. It also weighs a ton (well, 48 lbs, which feels like a ton compared to the 20 lb Pieces I fell in love with when I was looking for my professional table.

  If you're going to be using the table a lot, especially doing outcall massage (see below), don't skimp or you'll regret it later.

• Weight: Will you be doing incall (keeping the table at one location, like an office) or outcall (bringing it to clients offices and homes)? If you will be carrying your table, get a light one. The lightest massage tables I have found are 20lbs, and then the weight goes up from there.

  There are also permanent massage tables that do not fold and have storage underneath. I do not recommend permanent tables, because you never know when you might want to go out of the office. Lots of spas even have foldable tables because they are easier to move.

• Size: Are you planning on massaging the local hockey team or petite yoginis?

  While it is always nice to have the extra room for your client to stretch out on, unless you plan on having larger clients, I would say skip the extra width and length. Especially if you plan on doing outcall because it adds weight to the table. And you can add side extensions to many tables.

• Color: Sorry... can't help you with that one. What's your favorite color? Mine is blue, so I got a blue table. Some therapists pick their color based on the energetic effects and healing properties of the color.

• Table Construction: The heaviest massage tables are made of wood. The lighter ones are made of durable, lightweight metal. They cost more, so again this takes us to the question of whether or not you will be doing outcall. If you're not sure, you don't necessarily have to go for the lightest table, but I would stay under 30 lbs. Don't forget you will also be carrying oil, sheets, and everything else you need in your table case and it can get quite heavy.

  The Pieces has a super-strong mesh fabric supporting the table bed (instead of wood) which allows the table to be only 20 lbs, the lightest table I have found.

  While a few pounds might not sound like a lot, your body will thank you for choosing the light table when you've just carried the massage table up three flights of stairs.

• Face Cradle: I recommend an adjustable face cradle, rather than a non-adjustable one, because it allows you to tip the head in a way that offers more access to the neck. Also, an adjustable face cradle will customize the table for different clients, with different bodies and position preferences.

• Vinyl vs. Leather: In my opinion, massage tables do not need the add-on upgrade of fancy leather. Your table will always be covered with a sheet and the client will never get to directly enjoy that wonderful, buttery leather that you overpaid for.

  This is an extra expense, and I feel it is unnecessary.

  Chair massage is a different story. Massage Chairs are not covered by a sheet and are often touched by clients. It does make a difference. I have had many clients comment on how pleasurable it is touch the soft leather covering the padding of the massage chair I use.