The Muscle Suite

The Muscle Suite Massage Therapy & Movement Practices

“I’m not fixed in one treatment” This is something I hear in clinic at times. So let’s break it down a little, it’s impo...
06/10/2025

“I’m not fixed in one treatment”

This is something I hear in clinic at times. So let’s break it down a little, it’s important to understand why one treatment isn’t going to “fix” you.

One treatment alone is rarely enough to “fix” a problem. Pain, niggles, or sudden soreness often come from underlying issues that have built up over time. Sometimes it’s posture, repetitive strain, stress, or movement habits that have developed over months (or even years).

Your first session is the start of the process. It helps us:
🔹 Understand more about your body and areas of concern
🔹 Provide some temporary relief
🔹 Begin to build a plan moving forward

Healing and restoring optimal function takes time, patience, consistency, and self-management. Together, we’ll create a pathway that supports your body in not just feeling better, but moving better long-term.

I always say the key to everything is consistency, massage is a fantastic tool to support you in both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Daylight Savings & Your Body Clock When we shift the clock forward, our body’s natural rhythm (circadian rhythm) is temp...
27/09/2025

Daylight Savings & Your Body Clock

When we shift the clock forward, our body’s natural rhythm (circadian rhythm) is temporarily disrupted. This rhythm is regulated by your suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain, which responds to light and controls the release of hormones like:
• Melatonin – the hormone that signals to your body it’s time to sleep. When the clocks change, melatonin release can become delayed, making it harder to fall asleep.
• Cortisol – the hormone that helps you wake up and feel alert. A shift in light exposure can throw off cortisol timing, leaving you groggy in the mornings.

Even losing just one hour of sleep can impact:
✨ Energy levels and alertness
✨ Mood and mental focus
✨ Appetite regulation and metabolism
✨ Sleep quality

How to help your body adjust:
• 🌅 Morning light exposure: Sunlight first thing helps reset your SCN and regulate melatonin + cortisol.
• 💤 Shift bedtime gradually: Even 15–20 minutes earlier a few nights before/after can ease the transition.
• 🚶‍♀️ Daily movement: Exercise supports healthy cortisol rhythms and deeper sleep.
• 🍎 Meal timing: Eat meals around the same time each day to reinforce your body clock.
• 📵 Reduce evening screens: Blue light delays melatonin, making the shift even harder.

Remember: It can take 3–7 days for your circadian rhythm to fully adapt. Give yourself patience and support your body with consistency, light, movement, and rest.

Discipline > Motivation.Motivation comes and goes — it’s fleeting. Discipline is what gets you showing up on the days wh...
25/09/2025

Discipline > Motivation.

Motivation comes and goes — it’s fleeting. Discipline is what gets you showing up on the days when you don’t “feel like it”.

For me, training isn’t just about bodybuilding goals (though I’ve got those in sight ). It’s about embodying the very principles I share with my clients: consistency, patience, and trusting the process.

I love being in the gym, not only for my own goals, but also because it reminds me why I do what I do – to support others in finding freedom and strength through movement, and mind body connection.

Moving your body is not about perfection, it’s about creating a foundation of strength, resilience, and wellbeing that carries into every part of life. The gym is where I practice what I preach, leading by example and reminding myself daily that discipline is the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.

At The Muscle Suite, every treatment is designed to support your body, your movement, and your wellbeing. Whether you’re...
22/09/2025

At The Muscle Suite, every treatment is designed to support your body, your movement, and your wellbeing. Whether you’re recovering from pain, managing tightness, or simply need time to reset, I’ll tailor your treatment to what you need most.

Here’s what I offer:
✅ Deep Tissue Massage – Release chronic muscle tension and restore mobility
✅ Sports Massage – Support performance, recovery, and injury prevention
✅ Myofascial Release – Improve posture, reduce pain, and ease restrictions
✅ Trigger Point Therapy – Target stubborn knots and referred pain
✅ Relaxation Massage – Calm the body and nervous system
✅ Cupping & Movement Integration – Stimulate circulation, relieve tension, and retrain movement
✅ Scraping Therapy (Gua Sha) – Break down adhesions, improve tissue mobility, and reduce inflammation
✅ Hot Stones (Remedial & Relaxation) – Heat penetrates deeply to ease tension, improve circulation, and enhance both recovery and relaxation

Every treatment is personalised to you
Your body thrives on routine care — invest in it, and it will reward you.










Rest is not a luxury — it’s a key part of healing.When we allow the body to truly slow down, we activate the parasympath...
20/09/2025

Rest is not a luxury — it’s a key part of healing.
When we allow the body to truly slow down, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system — our “rest and digest” state. This is where muscles repair, tension melts, and the mind begins to reset.

Making time for calm isn’t just about relaxation, it’s about creating the conditions your body needs to function at its best.

Combining techniques to get the best results In this session I’m using cupping therapy over the lower back to help relea...
18/09/2025

Combining techniques to get the best results

In this session I’m using cupping therapy over the lower back to help release tight fascia, increase circulation, and reduce deep muscle tension. This creates space and mobility where the body often carries stiffness from sitting, lifting, or overtraining.

On the upper traps, I’ve applied electrical stimulation (TENS/EMS) to target those stubborn tension-holding muscles around the neck and shoulders. The gentle impulses help relax tight fibers, improve blood flow, and reduce that “heavy shoulder” feeling so many of us carry.

Every treatment is tailored to what your body needs most — layering therapies like these supports recovery, reduces pain, and gets you moving more freely.

Yoga at The Barn .wellness Breathe, move, and restore with us in the calming surrounds of The Barn. 🕉 Class Times▫️ Tues...
08/09/2025

Yoga at The Barn .wellness

Breathe, move, and restore with us in the calming surrounds of The Barn.

🕉 Class Times
▫️ Tuesday & Wednesday | 6pm
▫️ Thursday | 10am

🌿 General Classes
For those with some experience, our general sessions invite you to deepen your practice, build strength, and explore mindful movement.

🌱 Foundation Classes
Perfect for beginners or those wanting to return to the basics — these classes gently guide you through alignment, breath, and balance to create a strong foundation.

Led by our principal yoga teacher, Kate Deans, these classes are a chance to reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and feel grounded in a supportive space.

Come explore yoga at The Barn — your practice, your pace. 🔗 Link in bio to book your spot

Embody & Align WorkshopSaturday 13th September 10:00am - 12:30pmThe BarnAn empowering opportunity to engage, connect, an...
08/09/2025

Embody & Align Workshop

Saturday 13th September
10:00am - 12:30pm
The Barn

An empowering opportunity to engage, connect, and learn about women’s pelvic health in the serene and restorative setting of The Barn.

Key Features
• Guided by Susanna Collins (Frame Osteopathy) and Emma Giddens (The Muscle Suite)
• Explore pelvic health, alignment, and functional movement for women
• Practical tools and education to support your everyday wellbeing
• Gentle movement and embodied practices in a safe, supportive space
• Time to connect with like-minded women in a calming environment
* Nourishing food prepared by Memorys Restaurant

How to Get Tickets:

Tickets are available via the link in our bio

My Preferred Recovery Tools For me exercise is performance based, I train to compete. Regardless if you’re a competitive...
27/07/2025

My Preferred Recovery Tools

For me exercise is performance based, I train to compete. Regardless if you’re a competitive athlete a weekend warrior or exercise to keep fit and healthy you want your day to day performance outcomes to be the same - optimal.

My training consists of a 5-day split: 2 lower body and 3 upper body sessions, and I hit 10,000 steps a day. I move because I love it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get sore, fatigued, or hit days where I simply cannot be F$&cked.

So how do I keep showing up for my body and ensure it performs how I need it to?

These are the non-negotiables in my recovery toolbox:

🧠 Nutrition – I track my food to make sure I’m fuelling properly, not just eating for the sake of eating. It’s performance-focused nourishment.
😴 Sleep – 6–8 hours minimum. For me, 7.5 is my sweet spot. It’s where recovery and performance meet.
📆 Routine – It might seem boring or restrictive, but it gives my body rhythm and my mind clarity.
👐 Bodywork – Every 4-6 weeks, massage and osteo sessions to keep me moving freely and functioning optimally.
🔥 Sauna – 3x weekly, to help ease muscle fatigue, aid recovery, and support circulation.
🧘 Yoga – A practice I always come back to — breath, mobility, presence.
💊 Supplements – My go-to stack includes:
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• NAC
• Zinc
• Creatine

Recovery isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. If you train hard, you’ve got to recover smart.

Why stretching doesn’t always help your “tight” muscles That muscle you keep stretching but still feels tight? It might ...
10/07/2025

Why stretching doesn’t always help your “tight” muscles

That muscle you keep stretching but still feels tight? It might not actually need more length — it might need support, strength, or release in surrounding structures.

Here’s why:
• Fascia restrictions – tight, dehydrated, or sticky fascia can limit movement and create a “tight” sensation
• Weakness – some muscles feel tight because they’re overworking to compensate for weak, underactive ones
• Poor stability – your body might be “gripping” to protect itself from instability or lack of control
• Nervous system tension – chronic stress or poor breathing patterns can create global tightness

Instead of more stretching, try:
✔ Myofascial release
✔ Strengthening opposing or stabilising muscles
✔ Movement-based mobility (not just static stretches)
✔ Breathwork to calm the nervous system
✔ Targeted massage therapy (👋🏼 hello!)

Tight doesn’t always mean short — it can mean overused, under-supported, or protective.

Feel the difference when you treat the body as a whole.

🤝 The Muscle Suite x Flex Fitness Selwyn 🤝We’re excited to partner with Flex Fitness Selwyn to bring you exclusive welln...
26/06/2025

🤝 The Muscle Suite x Flex Fitness Selwyn 🤝

We’re excited to partner with Flex Fitness Selwyn to bring you exclusive wellness perks! 💥

For Active Flex Members:
💆‍♀️ 10% OFF all treatments at The Muscle Suite – because your recovery is just as important as your workout!

Just signed up to Flex?
🎉 New Flex Members get 15% OFF your first treatment to kickstart your wellness journey right.

Treat your body to expert massage therapy, movement-focused recovery, and holistic support right here in Selwyn.

How to Redeem:

✅ Show your active Flex Fitness membership card or app at the time of your appointment
✅ Mention “Flex Member Perks” when booking online or via message
✅ Bookings can be made via our Instagram page , Facebook, or by website

📍The Barn, at Memorys Restaurant, 227 Leeston Road, Springston
📍The Cottage at Flow Therapeutics Complex, 229 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch

📆 Bookings now open – link in bio
🖱️ To sign up to Flex Fitness Selwyn, click here:
https://www.flexfitnessgym.co.nz/join .lincoln

Train hard. Recover smart. Move better.

Address

227 Leeston Road
Springston
7674

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+64204938578

Website

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