TL/DR: Hey there,Friend! 🎃 October’s HUGE at That’s the Rub! We’ve switched our software (again! 😅) to MindBody, aiming to serve you better. If you’ve got a Gift Certificate from before, bring it or its number. And guess what? Our beloved Series is BACK and cooler than ever! Got questions or just wanna chat? Shoot us an email. Thanks for sticking with Team Rub through these tech adventures! 💆♂️🎉
Welcome to October, one of the BIG months around That’s the Rub in general (we’re all a bit Halloween happy around here), and this year in particular it’s pretty huge!
First off, an explanation of the BIGGEST NEWS:
We changed software AGAIN!
To recap our software journey this year for those just joining us: In January, after 13 years of using the same platform it was announced it would be discontinued and we would need to find a replacement. As we, The Rub, have been dissatisfied with the support for the last couple of years (the company was acquired and cannibalized but allowed to flounder) we were happy to switch, especially in light of our increasing turn to advanced therapeutic massage techniques and treatment planning. So, three months ago we adopted a software designed for physical therapists which really wants to be used by spas and wellness centers.
This software came with a lot of good ideas, several innovative concepts our clients liked, and sadly quite a bit our clients did not, so after working with the company on a near-daily basis to resolve our (and your) concerns we made one of the hardest decisions we (Lisa & Jim) have had to make in our careers and once more go through the hundreds of hours necessary to change software to something more suited to what That’s the Rub does: Therapeutic Massage.
Welcome MindBody (with juice!)
After quite a bit of deliberation, research, and hand-wringing we opted for Mindbody (the 10,000lbs gorilla for spa and salon scheduling). This was not easy, and we didn’t go into it lightly, but we did go into it knowing with it we would be able to support you, our team, and our community in the way you have been accustomed to for the last 14 years That’s the Rub has been part of Bloomington’s wellness scene and be able to continue to doing so for another 54 years.
What’s it Mean to YOU?
Hopefully not much more than a few new emails, a better scheduling experience, and a much, much faster check-out time in the boutique. for a few of you it will also mean…
If you have a Gift Certificate from the previous systems you will need to bring it (or at least the number) in to redeem. They are all still valid, however we have lost the ability to look up the old numbers as that software is no longer with us. But we do have all the numerical records, so as long as the number exists, so does your gift certificate (WHEW!). Future Gift Certificate purchases will be trackable, however.
ALSO! Gift Certificates are once again available for purchase directly from our websitein a very easy and pleasing to use way (this was one of the biggest complaints we received over the summer about the previous software). We think you’re really going to like this interface!
Series are BACK and they’re wearing sunglasses! Folks who have been with us for a long time know that the BEST way to save money appointment after appointment, week after week is to purchase a SERIES of APPOINTMENTS in advance and save up to 20% on ALL of the appointments! NO MEMBERSHIPS to worry about, just buy a pack of services and use them. Simple! you can buy these right away if you call (you know, 812-333-3393), click here (or here), or in a couple of days Jim is going to have a proper landing page for these. They’re BACK and better than ever!
IMPORTANT IF YOU HAVE A SERIES ALREADY: They’re being brought over to the new software and you won’t lose a thing. However, you might get a receipt that says you just “bought” a series…you DID NOT GET CHARGED, it’s the way the system has to attach it to your account, and it has been throwing out receipts on occasion. If you have any questions or concerns, write jim@thatstherub.com (ye ole humble writer) and I’ll be happy to send you proof from my side of the software that shows the payment type wasn’t you.
Why do I KNOW it wasn’t you? Because one other thing that didn’t transfer over was anyone’s card on file. Which means you will likely have to enter it again or will be asked for it by the Front Desk next time you call in. the software still requires it, but US law does not allow them to transfer, and I’m okay with that from a security standpoint and we thank you for your understanding.
Friend, YOU are a big part of That’s the Rub’s story and our software is what allows us to keep telling that story to more and more people like you. We wouldn’t be here without you, and it just means the world to us to have your love and support. THANK YOU for being here and thank you again as we head once more, for what I hope is the last time, into the murky depths of software changes.
Stay tuned for more announcements including an upcoming special, Halloween trick-or-treat announcements, and EVEN MORE new staff coming on board soon because we want YOU to get the RESULTS you deserve!
That’s the Rub,
Team Rub!
PS – Want to try out our swanky new software and get on the books for the weekend? OF COURSE you do! Click hereif you’re so inclined or that big Blue Button in the menu above!
Massage is good for you (and perhaps more than you know)!
We all know how good a massage can feel after a long day/week/vacation-that-wasn’t. But did you know that there are actual health benefits to getting regular massages? Not only does it feel amazing, but there are actual health benefits to getting regular massages. Here’s how 10 different conditions can be improved by having a professional give their hands to you an hour or two every week:
1. You Deserve It
Let’s get to the obvious one first! You work hard day in and day out. You deserve to treat yourself to a massage! A massage can help you relax and de-stress, and it is a great way to pamper yourself. Whether you book an appointment at a spa or purchase a massager for home use, getting a massage is a great way to unwind after a long week. Massages can help to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce stress levels. If you have never had a massage before, you may be wondering what to expect. Typically, a massage therapist will use their hands and forearms to apply pressure and knead the muscles. The pressure can be light or deep, depending on your preferences. Many people find that massages are incredibly relaxing, and they often report feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after their session. So why not give yourself the gift of relaxation today? You deserve it!
2. It Helps Relieve Pain
When it comes to chronic pain, there are a lot of different things that can help relieve it. For some people, massages are a great way to help reduce the pain. Massages can help improve circulation and flexibility, as well as release endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers that can help to reduce the amount of pain you’re feeling. If you’re looking for a way to help relieve chronic pain, massages might be something worth considering.
3. It Can Reduce Stress
In today’s world, it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. One way to do this is through massage. Massages can help to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improve your mood. They can also help to promote relaxation by increasing circulation and releasing muscle tension. There are many different types of massages, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Whether you opt for a Swedish massage or a Deep Tissue massage, you’re sure to feel more relaxed and refreshed after your session. So why not book an appointment today? Your body (and mind) will thank you.
4. It Can Boost Your Immunity
If you’re looking for a way to boost your immune system, you might want to consider getting a massage. Massages can help increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection. This can be a great way to keep yourself healthy during cold and flu season. In addition to boosting your immunity, massages can also help to improve circulation, relieve stress, and reduce pain. So if you’re looking for a path to relaxation and boost your health, consider getting a massage.
5. It Can Improve Your Sleep
If you’re having trouble sleeping, a massage can be a great way to get the rest you need. Massages can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. While there are many different types of massages, Swedish massage is one of the most popular and is known for its gentle, flowing strokes. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Swedish massage may be effective in improving sleep quality in people with insomnia. The study participants who received massage therapy reported better sleep quality and less daytime fatigue than those who didn’t receive massage therapy. If you’re interested in trying massage therapy for better sleep, be sure to talk to your doctor or a qualified massage therapist to see if it’s right for you.
6. It Can Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is no joke. Also known as hypertension, it’s a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other problems. If you have high blood pressure, massages can help. How? By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Massages can also help to lower blood pressure by improving circulation and increasing the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels. So if you’re looking for a way to help lower your blood pressure, book yourself a massage. It just might help!
7. It Can Enhance Your Mental Health
Massages aren’t just good for your physical health, they can also do wonders for your mental health. A massage can help to improve your mood and promote relaxation, which can be a great way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. If you’re feeling stressed out, a massage can be a great way to help you relax and unwind. And if you suffer from chronic pain, a massage can help to relieve some of the pain and improve your range of motion. There are many different types of massages, so you can find one that’s right for you. Whether you want a relaxing Swedish massage or a more invigorating deep tissue massage, there’s a type of massage that can help you feel your best.
8. It Can Help With Digestion
For anyone who’s ever suffered from digestive issues, the concept of a massage probably doesn’t sound all that appealing. However, recent research has shown that massages can be quite helpful for people with digestive problems. Massages can help to stimulate the digestive system and promote regularity. In addition, they can also help to relieve pain and relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. If you’re struggling with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, consider giving massages a try. You may be surprised at how much they can help.
9. It Can Detoxify the Body
If you’re looking for a way to detox your body, you might want to consider getting a massage. Massages can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body. This can be a great way to cleanse your system and improve your overall health. In addition to detoxification, massages can also offer other benefits such as stress relief, pain relief, and improved circulation. So if you’re looking for a way to relax and improve your health, a massage might be just what you need.
10. It Can Help With Pregnancy
Going to get a massage when you’re pregnant is honestly one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Not only does it feel amazing, but it also has tons of benefits. It can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve circulation. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your baby. If you’re pregnant, be sure to consult with your doctor before booking a massage then give us a call (or hit this link) and set up a regular schedule for both prepartum and post-partum care with our amazing, highly skilled therapists.
So go ahead and book that massage today. You know you deserve it! Not only will it make you feel amazing, but there are some great health benefits to be had as well. Massages can help relieve pain, reduce stress, boost your immunity, improve your sleep, lower blood pressure, and more. If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, look no further than a customized, tailored for you and your goals massage. Schedule one today at That’s the Rub!
MAY 21, 2021 UPDATE: Yup! We’re almost back to normalcy. Almost. Group classes have started again (YOU should come!) and we also offer facials, couple’s services, and more. But masks are still required until the medical board (who we fall under as massage therapy) declares it safe for medical practices to ensure safety for all). We thank you for your understanding as we move a little closer to normal…in a very relaxed way.
[June 3, 2020 UPDATE: We ARE OPEN after 2.5 months and we’re thrilled! This blog post has some good information in it so I’m not removing it, but for an update on our specific actions and plans, please visit our COVID-19 Response Page.]
Dear Friends:
Today’s blog is brought to you by the Letter C and the Number 19. There’s no way to make light of such an important topic as COVID-19, but this a That’s the Rub email, so I’ll try to keep it informative and fun as a possible. That said, let me hit the highpoints and then dig in more:
TLDR: Yes, we’re OPEN! Massage is GREAT for moving lymph and helping to strengthen your immune system. We are taking our already extraordinary precautions to an even higher level (we’re clean freaks anyway). We’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
If you’ve been with That’s the Rub for any length of time, you know we take our client’s health VERY seriously. Likewise, we take our team’s health just as seriously. COVID-19 (the novel corona virus) is scaring a lot of people, and for a very good reason. We’ve always been a bit more than germophobic around here, but we’ve been increasing our disinfecting across the board…and knobs…and shelves…and anyplace that has a chance of being touched by one of us or you (honestly, we were pretty fastidious already, but more can’t hurt).
Massage therapists and estheticians (by training, law, and OSHA) wash their hands (for at least 30 seconds) BEFORE AND AFTER every service. Always. Every time. The only change is we may be doing it EVEN MORE. But you can rest assured we are doing a LOT (and I mean a LOT)!
Next, after a long and hard think, we have changed our sheet process. In the past we have used (or owned) a cleaning service to launder our sheets. In no small part to the current viral concerns we have switched to a certified medical-grade cleaning service who provides linens to hospitals. This might be overkill and is above and beyond state and federal OSHA standards for a day spa, but we think we’re all worth it — we’re not playing games with anyone’s health. Our sheets have always been single-client use, but now they are being fully sanitized, not just cleaned. The quality of the new linens is just as high as we’ve always had, but you can rest assured they are the cleanest it is possible to clean them.
The fuzzy blankets are still around but are no longer the default in making the tables. They’re not really needed, the new top-sheets we use are extra thick and when combined with the table warmers (on ALL our tables) are more than sufficient (If you get cold during a service, PLEASE ask your therapist to turn up the table, they will happily do so!).
We have always provided equipment for our Yomassage, breathwork, couple’s massage training and other classes, and we will continue to do so. While we do disinfect all equipment between classes, you are always welcome to bring your own, and single-use pillowcases will be available upon request for bolsters, etc.
Our 24-hour cancellation policy remains in place (e.g. if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment you will be charged full price), HOWEVER, we have ALWAYS had an exception for illness which is certainly not changing. If you are sick, PLEASE call us as soon as possible and stay home, drink bone broth, binge watch something insipid, and get healthy. We don’t want it either.
Likewise, we have always empowered our staff to turn away any client for any reason whether it is health, cleanliness, safety, or otherwise. If you show up sick, and we are concerned, you will be asked to reschedule (did I mention we don’t want it either?).
However, should one of our staff come down sick, we also will ask them to stay home. This could become inconvenient at the last minute before an appointment, and we will do everything we can to keep you informed. Where possible, we will simply move you to another of our fantastic therapists and you won’t miss a step (did you know we take EXTENSIVE notes after each and every appointment for just such an occasion? Yup! Always have, always will).
But as there is a lot (A LOT!) of confusion as to what is allergy, cold, flu, or COVID-19 The chart at the top of this blog is for your reference. If you’ve only got allergies, may I recommend our signature Allergy Relief Rub? It’s awesome!
Friends, we’re all in this together, and you can be assured we are watching, reading, and listening to everything and will absolutely operate within the law, common sense, and needs of the health of our community.
That’s the Rub!
Jim, Lisa, and Team Rub
PS – If you have ANY questions, please don’t hesitate to write me directly: jim@thatstherub.com
Now, I know and you know it’s been a long time since
I’ve posted a blog and I’m really sorry about that, it’s just we’ve had so much
going on that it’s been a real challenge just to sit at the computer, let alone
write and when I do, I want to make sure it’s because I have something to say.
A lot of people have come up to me in the last few weeks and told me how much they love and appreciate coming to That’s the Rub and that they refer their friends. Words cannot describe how wonderful that makes me feel! When I managed destination spas all over the country, I dreamed I would own my own spa one day and that it would have local art on the wall, it would be five-star quality services and hospitality with a comfortable atmosphere that could be enjoyed by everyone, clients and staff alike. I’m so over the moon to say that the feedback we receive says that Jim and I nailed it right on the head! Thank You so much for spending your time with us.
What have we been busy with you ask? Well, I’m so glad
you did, but don’t worry, there is NO way I will remember everything, so I’m
going to start and see how far I get.
In December (2019), just before the holiday, we graduated another cohort of students at Ivy Tech. Never a dull moment, we incorporate the students that would like to do so into The Rub to further their education in daily operations of the spa, expand on their massage techniques and to do more hands-on work with the general public who are unable to make it out to Ivy Tech for our clinics. Our student massages have been a smash hit with clients and students alike, and this semester promises even more with our new batch of senior massage students!
Over the summer (yeah, way back then) I learned how to teach and launched a class called Yomassage. Yomassage combines supported yoga postures with massage and breath and it’s amazing. It’s amazing because you don’t have to be flexible (thank goodness), you wear clothes, there is music, it’s done in a group format, AND it’s VERY relaxing. So it’s a great pick me up in the middle of the day when you need to hit the reset button or at the end of your workday to unwind and get a good night’s sleep. It’s amazing for people who’ve never had a massage (come on and get into some self-care already!), special occasions, or team building workshops. Please see our website for more details or feel free to write to me (lisa@thatstherub.com) if you want more information. This is starting to get a little too sales pitchy for my taste and that’s NOT what this post is about. I just get excited when I talk about it and I really enjoy teaching it.
Of course there were the holidays to prepare for,
which seemed to be a little crazier for me than usual; I hope all of you came
out unscathed.
That’s the Rub is proud to have donated more than
$2,000 in 2019 back to the community in goods and services this year to support
what we love and where we live.
We also want to say THANK YOU for a wonderful year! Your
patronage has sustained many therapists and their families this past year and
we couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank you for being part of The Rub family. Thank you
for your continued support. Thank you for valuing the skills that we bring to
the table. Thank you for choosing The Rub to be your partner in helping to
attain your personal healthcare goals. Thank you for referring your friends and
family. We love what we do and we’re so happy that you share that with us.
It’s Our 10th Anniversary! Join
us this year as we celebrate 10 years of That’s the Rub! In 2019 we rebranded
the business to That’s the Rub the Therapeutic Day Spa because we felt it
would say more of what we do now vs what we did when we first began. Ten years
ago, The Rub started with just me and Jim and we’ve continued to expand and
grow ever since, not just our square footage, but our service menu and our
staff as well.
So stay tuned and look for our save the date
notification (in March) for our anniversary celebration! We hope to see you
there! In the meantime, if you have questions about massage, benefits of
massage, classes we offer, etc please check out our website, www.thatstherub.com
OR you can write me directly at lisa@thatstherub.com
and I can include your question and answers in my blog. I want to ensure you
are getting the information you want about what we do here at That’s the Rub.
May your 2020 bring you light, love, and happiness.
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given, than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Mohamed Ali
The above quote came out in a Sports Illustrated trifold poster sometime between 2003 – 2004, I don’t remember the exact time period because it was a time in my life when I moved quite a bit and memory is a blur. Those words still bring tears of potential to my eyes when I read them.
When I first saw the poster I was working my first Spa Director position and I felt like the odds were against me. I started that job with such high hopes, but I found out that we didn’t have front desk staff, and the “manager” at the time was EXTREMELY overwhelmed. She decided to not give me and my methods a shot to help her out and quit two days later. It would’ve been easy to throw in the towel and say that I couldn’t do it, but as was recently reaffirmed to me earlier this month Drewry (my mother’s family name) women don’t give up — we work hard and tirelessly to make things happen.
You see, my Aunt Fran passed away in late June. Fran was the one constant in my life who believed in me, especially when I didn’t know how to believe in myself. She taught me the philosophies I use as the foundation of my business: hard work and perseverance will pay off, keep your eye on the prize, switch gears when necessary, and believe anyway. She encouraged me to embrace my life, get an education, travel, don’t be afraid, and never let anything or anyone hold you back. Fran taught me about myself in ways I will probably still be unraveling when I’m 85. She was stubborn, smart, and strong. At her funeral, some of the last words said about her was she was a hard worker, but she was so much more than that. She lived her life on her terms and no one else’s and she taught me to do the same. Fran taught me I had the knowhow and the drive to accomplish anything.
So, in that first spa, I worked 12-14 hour days, conducted front desk interviews for staff, while working on the front desk because there was no one else but me to do it. I managed treatment staff, booked appointments, conducted interviews for even more staff, and trained treatment staff in the services they needed to be able to perform, all while working full time at that front desk. I learned a lot about myself in that first directing job, there were days where I felt like all I did was walk back and forth from the human resources department to pick up my next interviewee — I put a lot of steps in before anyone was ever counting them. I built a world class spa out of that property, I hired and trained over 20 people while I was there, I redeveloped the service menu, chose and nurtured fresh product lines, amplified and the expectations, increased the bottom line, and radically changed how my boss thought the spa was (just an amenity to the guests) by turning it in to its own destination. I added a café to serve food because my guests wanted to stay longer and the restaurant delivered gourmet it to the spa. I redecorated it with the company interior designer which gave it a unique look and feel from the rest of the resort. Ah, it was the worst of times and it was the best of times. There were days so hard I didn’t know if I wanted to go back, but I couldn’t bring myself to quit until I felt that I had succeeded in doing all I could and I had nothing left to give.
Last year, I visited the spa for the first time in over a decade. I was astounded and delighted to find at least three of the treatment staff I hired and trained are still there (I just checked, it’s been 17 years). Not much had changed, until the following week when they were to begin breaking ground on building a fresh, new spa, updating it to this century, no small task I assure you. I can’t wait to see what they do!
Why do I bring this up you ask? Because if I truly believed I couldn’t do the impossible, I wouldn’t be sitting in front of you today writing this blog. I went on to become known (and recognized by Conde-Nast – ed.), The Spa Fixer (cue ominous music – your humble editor). Every spa I directed from then on needed some kind of triage help. They were bleeding, damaged, and needed to be staunched. Each task required yet another level of increasing stick-to-itiveness to get the job done, not only to succeed, but to always exceed the expectations of what the spas were capable of doing in the right hands.
If I had believed these tasks and contracts were impossible I wouldn’t be sitting at my own desk, in my own business (10 years and counting), writing this blog, mentoring the next wave of therapists, training my own front desk staff, teaching massage school, and being a boss. There are days just as hard as when I first started as a director, but now I call my own shots, work as much or as little as necessary to get the job done without someone else’s judgment, change things that aren’t working, and embrace all the things that do.
I am the owner, director, daily operations manager, massage therapist, and lead shot caller of That’s the Rub, The Therapeutic Day Spa and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Impossible is NOTHING! I have the power to change my world and I own it! Thank you Aunt Fran for showing me the way, I will be forever grateful.
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