Abi was feeling burned out from the long hours and fast-paced demands of office life in London. “I was ready for a change, and massage seemed like a meaningful new direction,” she said. With a long-standing interest in the human body, movement, and sports—as well as a desire to work independently—she took a week off work to reflect on her future and explore new possibilities. But even after that time, she still felt uncertain and overwhelmed.
In a moment of self-care, Abi booked a massage to lift her spirits. “During the session, I opened up to the therapist about how lost I felt. That conversation made everything click—I realized massage was the path I had been searching for,” she recalled.
Soon after, Abi enrolled in Bodyology’s One-Day Introduction to Massage Course. The experience gave her the clarity and confidence she needed to fully commit, leading her to sign up for the full Holistic Massage Diploma Course.
Abi, what did you look for in a massage school?
I looked online at what are professional standards for body care professionals. I quickly realised there are many different training organisations but no clear industry regulator. The Massage Training Institute (MTI) stood out as being professional with high standards of training. I searched for an MTI school close by and found Bodyology.
How was your enrolment process?
It was very easy.
How was your course?
Excellent!
What did you like about the course?
The course had an excellent pace with a lot of visual learning materials. Our tutors were excellent: knowledgeable, entertaining, friendly and intuitive. The weekend classes fitted around my full-time job and tutors’ encouragement helped me learn. I still keep in touch with some of my classmates; we continue sharing ideas or help each other finding answers.
What did you gain personally and professionally from the course?
Personally, I have become a calmer, more open-minded and better-grounded person. I didn’t realise the magnitude of this journey until a few years after completing the training. Professionally, once I had completed and passed my training course, I felt equipped to massage but not confident enough to open my own practice.
I took a few years out focusing on my young family, but I always knew I would return to massage. That time was when my oldest child started school. Having the flexibility of working for yourself around school hours is totally invaluable!
What will you recommend to future students?
I would advise to take a one-day introduction course and talk to Bodyology’s tutors about expectations and required a commitment to complete this course.
How your experience at Bodyology has shaped what you do now?
Bodyology has given me the confidence to believe in myself and my professional skills. It has taught me to provide enjoyable and effective treatments for clients. Now I have very high standards and expectations concerning future training courses. My next step will be to train in Sports and Remedial Massage.
270 Burgoyne Road, Walkley, Sheffield S6 3QF
(Sheffield Yoga Centre)
By appointment only.
