What to Know Before You Sign Up for FasciAshi Training
Back in 2018, Jeni and Mary-Claire joined Allissa Haines of Massage Business Blueprint for a podcast episode called “What to Know Before Taking a Massage CE Class”. (It’s sadly since been archived when that podcast was retired, and all interviews were removed from the web, as far as we can tell.) In it, we explored many of the important things therapists should know before signing up for continuing education. We’ve brought that content back to life in the information presented below, so let’s get started:
Preparation matters: Coming ready to learn helps you get the most out of your training while aligning with our mission to support therapist longevity and elevate client care.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Register
So, you’ve been saving up all year—stashing your tips, adjusting your schedule, making time to travel far and wide to that 3-day massage class or 4-day massage convention you’ve been SO excited about…
MAN, THAT SOUNDS AWESOME! Three days of receiving massage? A working vacation?!
Well, yes… and no. Here’s the part not everyone thinks through all the way: your body (and your mind) are about to get weirded out for a few days. Best prepare.
At the Center for Barefoot Massage, we believe preparation is part of professionalism. Our mission is to provide innovative, evidence-based, and career-sustaining education—and that starts with you walking into class ready to learn, not overwhelmed or blindsided.
Taking continuing education isn’t just about picking a date and paying tuition. It’s about making sure the class truly serves you, your practice, and your clients. Before you commit, ask yourself:
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Are my goals aligned?
Does barefoot massage fit my client base, body mechanics, and career direction? Will this class help me offer something meaningful to my community? -
Do I resonate with the company and instructor?
Does the mission of the school and the teaching style of the instructor feel like a match? Does the instructor actively see clients so their skills are fresh and relevant? -
What outcomes have past students experienced?
Have I read reviews, checked their Google presence, or asked colleagues about their experiences? -
How’s your health?
Our trainings are immersive and feet-on: you’ll both give and receive hours of deep tissue barefoot massage. Before signing up, ask yourself:-
Am I healthy enough to receive and perform sustained deep pressure work? (Usually 2+ hours of giving and receiving work each day of class, sometimes with only a 15 minute break in between rounds.)
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Am I emotionally grounded enough to learn in a group setting, where giving and receiving feedback is part of the process?
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Can I embody the professional maturity to handle being challenged physically and mentally while learning new techniques?
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Can I collaborate respectfully in a small group while also honoring my own limits and boundaries?
Barefoot massage training is as much about self-awareness and resilience as it is about technique. The more present and prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of your training—and the more you’ll have to give to your clients afterward.
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Is my body ok to receive barefoot massage right now?
Consider your own health intake form: anything that is contraindicated for deep tissue massage will be contraindicated for Barefoot Massage. If you are experiencing a phase in your life, like recovering from a surgery, are currently pregnant, or are on medications that normally would not be appropriate to receive deep tissue / myofascial release on, then maybe now is not the right time for your training. This protects you, your classmates, and your future clients. -
Do I understand the policies and expectations?
Have I read the cancellation policies, attendance requirements, CE credit rules, and pre-class instructions? (Pro tip: don’t be that person who shows up without reading the pre-class email!) -
How clear is communication?
Did I receive confirmation, reminders, and pre-class details in advance? If not, do I feel comfortable asking for clarification?
Asking these questions ties directly to our vision: creating a massage industry where barefoot therapists thrive by making intentional, informed choices about their education
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How to Prepare Your Body and Mind
Experience the Work First
Have you received the style of massage you’ll be training in? If not, book a few sessions before class. It helps you know what to expect, learn by “osmosis,” and recognize strokes more clearly once you’re in training.
Don’t Count Class Massage as Self-Care
Remember: the massages you get in class are practice, not polished pro sessions. Get your own tissue issues addressed beforehand with bodywork that’s about you, not your classmates’ learning curve.
Build Massage Endurance
Think of it as training for a marathon—consider scheduling longer sessions in the weeks leading up to class so your body is ready to handle 6+ hours of receiving in just a few days.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Some class settings can feel intense—fluorescent lights, lots of bodies in motion, music that isn’t your jam. But our principle of immersive experiences means leaning into being in the moment, experiencing the “ashi-bubble” and feeling safe. (We actually work very hard to create classrooms that are comfortable, breathable, and supportive learning environments.) Growth happens here.
Details matter—that’s why attention to detail & consistency is one of our guiding principles. Even something as simple as fresh linens reinforces the professionalism of our field.
Bring a Buddy
Want to know the best thing besides gear you can bring? A massage friend. The buddy system works—you’ll have built-in support, moral encouragement, and someone to debrief with after long days. And along the way, you’ll meet new colleagues and expand your professional community. That’s how we live out our goal of fostering a supportive community.
Keep Perspective: Why You’re Really Here
At the end of the day, your job in class isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be present, curious, and open. To revisit your beginner’s mind. To soak in the knowledge, humility, and inspiration that live training provides.
This is our principle of leveling up in action: growth happens when you step forward, ready to be challenged.
You showed up. You invested in yourself. You honored the tradition of touch that our profession is built on.
Now let yourself grow.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re prepared, committed, and excited to take the next step: sign up for class here.
And remember—sharing is caring! If you know another therapist curious about barefoot massage, please pass this along.
What to Know Before You Sign Up for FasciAshi Training Back in 2018, Jeni and Mary-Claire joined Allissa Haines of Massage Business Blueprint for a podcast episode called “What to Know Before Taking a Massage CE Class”. (It’s sadly since been archived when that podcast was retired, and all interviews were removed from the web, as far as we can…