Meg Donnelly, Nova Weekend Warriors

@potomacriverrunning #PRracesVeteransDay Veterans Day 5k, honoring those who served. I ran the virtual 5k and this was my “back to running” run, my first since July. Thanks to @runslowaf #SlowAFRunClub and @jenlenenowakrunningcoach for inspiring me yet again to get out there!

#Garagaritaville seemed like a good place for my personal finish line. Now I’m off to my favorite local “hydration station”, @lakeannebrewhouse for a celebratory bevvy with an amazing friend I haven’t seen in far too long. Happy Saturday all!

@potomacriverrunning #PRracesVeteransDay Veterans Day 5k, honoring those who served. I ran the virtual 5k and this was my “back to running” run, my first since July. Thanks to @runslowaf #SlowAFRunClub and @jenlenenowakrunningcoach for inspiring me yet again to get out there!

#Garagaritaville seemed like a good place for my personal finish line. Now I’m off to my favorite local “hydration station”, @lakeannebrewhouse for a celebratory bevvy with an amazing friend I haven’t seen in far too long. Happy Saturday all!

It’s @foodforneighbors day! Love this org and all the good work they do to keep our community nourished! My bag was out by the 8:30 am deadline today, but I love you can also donate online or if you don’t have items, you can toss a grocery gift card in your bag ❤️ If you’d like to join the Red Bag movement, check out them out at: https://www.foodforneighbors.org

#HipHerndon #NovaWeekendWarriors #Herndon #HerndonVA #Reston #RestonVA #RestonHerndon #HerndonReston #HealthyHerndon

It’s @foodforneighbors day! Love this org and all the good work they do to keep our community nourished! My bag was out by the 8:30 am deadline today, but I love you can also donate online or if you don’t have items, you can toss a grocery gift card in your bag ❤️ If you’d like to join the Red Bag movement, check out them out at: https://www.foodforneighbors.org

#HipHerndon #NovaWeekendWarriors #Herndon #HerndonVA #Reston #RestonVA #RestonHerndon #HerndonReston #HealthyHerndon

An interesting podcast episode on Chronic Pain from Science Vs. Well, on one aspect of chronic pain. Spoiler Alert: It’s complicated.

My one issue with the episode is the line about back pain when “there’s nothing really wrong with their backs”. Experiencing pain IS what’s wrong with their back. We may not be able to find a biomechanical reason for the pain, but the PAIN IS REAL.

For my part, when working with clients with chronic pain, I listen to how the pain is affecting their day to day life and then we can create a plan together on how massage and movement might fit into their larger program. I can also refer clients to experts and resources including pain coaches and apps that can assist. #MovingFreely #NoVAWeekendWarriors

Posted @withregram • @science_vs Our producer Nick has been dealing with chronic pain for YEARS — and wanted to know why. This week, we'll join him on his journey to figure out what might be happening in his brain 🧠... and if that could be the key to a way out.

#chronicpain #science #podcast

An interesting podcast episode on Chronic Pain from Science Vs. Well, on one aspect of chronic pain. Spoiler Alert: It’s complicated.

My one issue with the episode is the line about back pain when “there’s nothing really wrong with their backs”. Experiencing pain IS what’s wrong with their back. We may not be able to find a biomechanical reason for the pain, but the PAIN IS REAL.

For my part, when working with clients with chronic pain, I listen to how the pain is affecting their day to day life and then we can create a plan together on how massage and movement might fit into their larger program. I can also refer clients to experts and resources including pain coaches and apps that can assist. #MovingFreely #NoVAWeekendWarriors

Posted @withregram • @science_vs Our producer Nick has been dealing with chronic pain for YEARS — and wanted to know why. This week, we'll join him on his journey to figure out what might be happening in his brain 🧠... and if that could be the key to a way out.

#chronicpain #science #podcast

My goal with mobility is not to twist my body into an Instragram worthy human pretzel. My goal is to reach the backseat of my car to open the bag of Oreos I just bought with my groceries before the traffic light turns green.

What’s your goal?

#MobilityGoals #MovingFreely #WhosWithMe

My goal with mobility is not to twist my body into an Instragram worthy human pretzel. My goal is to reach the backseat of my car to open the bag of Oreos I just bought with my groceries before the traffic light turns green.

What’s your goal?

#MobilityGoals #MovingFreely #WhosWithMe

It's now easier to send Meg Donnelly, Nova Weekend Warriors a message.

It's now easier to send Meg Donnelly, Nova Weekend Warriors a message.

Continuing education is not just about hands on massage and mobility techniques for me. I feel so privileged to have experienced a full weekend of listening, learning and growing during the Healwell Just Care: Social Justice in Health Care conference. Looking forwarding to reviewing and implementing what I learned from each of the speakers. So much wisdom and expertise to absorb! #massagecontinuingeducation #massageceus #EquityMattersInMassage #JustCare2021

Continuing education is not just about hands on massage and mobility techniques for me. I feel so privileged to have experienced a full weekend of listening, learning and growing during the Healwell Just Care: Social Justice in Health Care conference. Looking forwarding to reviewing and implementing what I learned from each of the speakers. So much wisdom and expertise to absorb! #massagecontinuingeducation #massageceus #EquityMattersInMassage #JustCare2021

Happy National Women's Health & Fitness Day! As some of you know, I earned my personal training certification early in 2020 and now offer mobility and myofascial stretch sessions on request, to assist my clients in new ways! (Most of you have heard me talk about how massage and movement are such amazing complements to one another… so this new addition just makes sense)!

With the new role I’ve added, I’m very excited to have joined The Women in Fitness Association this month! The Women In Fitness Association (WIFA) supports “Working together to see women create a diverse and inclusive future for our industry”. I’m looking forward to learning, connecting and growing as a new member! If you are a WIFA member too, please feel free to reach out to me and say hello!

Posted @withregram • Women in Fitness Association Happy National Women's Health & Fitness Day!

#WIFA #WomeninFitness #WomeninFitnessAssociation #Fitness #Workout #WIFAMember #NationalWomensHealthandFitnessDay #HealthandFitness #Health #WomensHealth #WomensFitness

Happy National Women's Health & Fitness Day! As some of you know, I earned my personal training certification early in 2020 and now offer mobility and myofascial stretch sessions on request, to assist my clients in new ways! (Most of you have heard me talk about how massage and movement are such amazing complements to one another… so this new addition just makes sense)!

With the new role I’ve added, I’m very excited to have joined The Women in Fitness Association this month! The Women In Fitness Association (WIFA) supports “Working together to see women create a diverse and inclusive future for our industry”. I’m looking forward to learning, connecting and growing as a new member! If you are a WIFA member too, please feel free to reach out to me and say hello!

Posted @withregram • Women in Fitness Association Happy National Women's Health & Fitness Day!

#WIFA #WomeninFitness #WomeninFitnessAssociation #Fitness #Workout #WIFAMember #NationalWomensHealthandFitnessDay #HealthandFitness #Health #WomensHealth #WomensFitness

Massage Therapist Branches Out In Face of Pandemic

Patch, a local news site with outlets across the US, interviewed me for Reston Patch about my business during the pandemic and how I adapted and continue to adapt. Would love for you all to give it a quick read and let me know your thoughts!

Massage Therapist Branches Out In Face of Pandemic Meg Donnelly branched out and turned to Zoom appointments during the pandemic.

Recently an online massage therapy group offered up advice for massage therapists on dealing with potential inappropriate touch or comments from clients. There was a lot of advice I disagreed with. But my strongest most visceral reaction was to the advice to ensure your images and language are not “suggestive”, and to avoid showing off areas of your body by wearing a simple dress code that is not “provocative”.

I’m just hear to say…
that’s B#!!$#!%!!!!!

Why are we still dealing with this in 2021. Who determines what is “suggestive” or “provocative”? These are subjective terms.

Nothing about our bodies or clothing options is an invitation or permission for someone to verbally or physically assault us, whether we are on a run, working out, in the massage studio or anywhere. I wear clothing that allows me to move freely when working, running, working out or anytime and anywhere as I move about my day… comfortably.

It’s 2021 but we are still insinuating that the way you dress means you are “asking for it”?

Here’s the deal, don’t come to my studio if you are looking for a power trip. Don’t come to my studio if you are looking to see how far you can push. Don’t come to my studio if you looking for anything other than therapeutic massage and mobility sessions. Period.

There is not a specific incident for me to refer to. But if there was, you can bet it wouldn’t be my fault because of my body or my clothing choices or some other ridiculous standard that tries to take the blame off the perpetrator. Full Stop.

Recently an online massage therapy group offered up advice for massage therapists on dealing with potential inappropriate touch or comments from clients. There was a lot of advice I disagreed with. But my strongest most visceral reaction was to the advice to ensure your images and language are not “suggestive”, and to avoid showing off areas of your body by wearing a simple dress code that is not “provocative”.

I’m just hear to say…
that’s B#!!$#!%!!!!!

Why are we still dealing with this in 2021. Who determines what is “suggestive” or “provocative”? These are subjective terms.

Nothing about our bodies or clothing options is an invitation or permission for someone to verbally or physically assault us, whether we are on a run, working out, in the massage studio or anywhere. I wear clothing that allows me to move freely when working, running, working out or anytime and anywhere as I move about my day… comfortably.

It’s 2021 but we are still insinuating that the way you dress means you are “asking for it”?

Here’s the deal, don’t come to my studio if you are looking for a power trip. Don’t come to my studio if you are looking to see how far you can push. Don’t come to my studio if you looking for anything other than therapeutic massage and mobility sessions. Period.

There is not a specific incident for me to refer to. But if there was, you can bet it wouldn’t be my fault because of my body or my clothing choices or some other ridiculous standard that tries to take the blame off the perpetrator. Full Stop.

Hi all. Just a friendly reminder that we are still requiring well fitting masking at the studio. (The smiling with your eyes thing I’m doing here is optional for you, but required for me).

My massage + mobility studio is such a unique space and therefore requires a somewhat unique approach that isn’t necessary in other businesses.

While I am fully vaccinated (yay science!) and my studio is mighty in many ways, it is small, and I work with populations that may be immunocompromised, high risk or have children until 12 at home who aren’t able to be vaccinated yet. So air filtration, air humidity, cleaning protocols and masking remain important in this unique setting where we focus on your health and well-being.

Thanks to all of you for being so understanding and accepting as we continue to navigate, assess and reassess.

Many things may change… but one thing is constant. Your health and well-being remains my top priority. ❤️

Hi all. Just a friendly reminder that we are still requiring well fitting masking at the studio. (The smiling with your eyes thing I’m doing here is optional for you, but required for me).

My massage + mobility studio is such a unique space and therefore requires a somewhat unique approach that isn’t necessary in other businesses.

While I am fully vaccinated (yay science!) and my studio is mighty in many ways, it is small, and I work with populations that may be immunocompromised, high risk or have children until 12 at home who aren’t able to be vaccinated yet. So air filtration, air humidity, cleaning protocols and masking remain important in this unique setting where we focus on your health and well-being.

Thanks to all of you for being so understanding and accepting as we continue to navigate, assess and reassess.

Many things may change… but one thing is constant. Your health and well-being remains my top priority. ❤️

Existing clients…. In leui of the self service tea station, I now have complimentary individual Teas' Tea , sparkling water and still water available for you to take with you post session. (I’m working on some Elden Street Tea Shop options including the return of everyone’s favorite NoVA Weekend Warriors Go…Go…Goji Berry tea. Stay tuned!!!)

Wait Listers…. I’m opening up more availability next week and will be sending those on the wait list emails and texts later this week. If you haven’t signed up for the wait list yet, be sure to jump on the list asap as there will only be limited openings! https://www.novaweekendwarriors.com

Existing clients…. In leui of the self service tea station, I now have complimentary individual Teas' Tea , sparkling water and still water available for you to take with you post session. (I’m working on some Elden Street Tea Shop options including the return of everyone’s favorite NoVA Weekend Warriors Go…Go…Goji Berry tea. Stay tuned!!!)

Wait Listers…. I’m opening up more availability next week and will be sending those on the wait list emails and texts later this week. If you haven’t signed up for the wait list yet, be sure to jump on the list asap as there will only be limited openings! https://www.novaweekendwarriors.com

Early morning walk with The Mister before getting to see some amazing clients at the massage studio today! “Keep Peace with the Geese” is a good sign and solid advice. But I WISH the back of the sign reminded the geese to keep peace with me. That goose behind me is not playing around this morning. He looked right in to my eyes and without saying a word said “Get Off My Lake”. So I obliged.

Shout out to @jenlenenowakrunningcoach for telling me about this trail (and for leaving the part about the feathered keeper of the lake out). Just need to find a time to run it with her!

It’s hot out there! Stay cool my friends and let me know where you are running or walking these days.

[Image Alt Text in First Comment]

Early morning walk with The Mister before getting to see some amazing clients at the massage studio today! “Keep Peace with the Geese” is a good sign and solid advice. But I WISH the back of the sign reminded the geese to keep peace with me. That goose behind me is not playing around this morning. He looked right in to my eyes and without saying a word said “Get Off My Lake”. So I obliged.

Shout out to @jenlenenowakrunningcoach for telling me about this trail (and for leaving the part about the feathered keeper of the lake out). Just need to find a time to run it with her!

It’s hot out there! Stay cool my friends and let me know where you are running or walking these days.

[Image Alt Text in First Comment]