Health: Andover Massage Therapy, Andover, MA

September 21, 2012 -- My body has been taking a beating from baseball, TRX training, and my routine running schedule, so a massage was in order.  Since I'm working away from home during the week and that my regular masseuse doesn't book appointments on weekends, I needed to find someone in the Andover area.  I searched Yelp and found favorable reviews for Andover Massage Therapy. I went to their website and used their appointment schedule to easily choose a masseuse and book an appointment.  The technical aspect of the visit had worked flawlessly.  Now, on to the actual massage.

My massage therapist, Adrienne Gill, was very professional, a gifted masseuse, and above all showed a genuine concern for my overall well-being.  The hour massage was fantastic!  She was able to massage away my stored up lactic acid and I left feeling rejuvenated.  The massage studio is in downtown Andover and is exactly what you would expect when looking for a massage.  The price was equivalent to the service provided and in the range of other massages that I had received in the past at other studios.  When I need another rub down, I'll definitely go back and see Adrienne at Andover Massage Therapy.  And if you're in the area, be sure to check them out as well, it'll be well worth the visit!

Fitness: Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Well, I bit the bullet, signed up for TRX Training at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, and attended my first group class yesterday.  Let me tell you, I'm sore today!  The TRX class is a 40-minute session where you use suspended cables and your own body weight to do multiple exercises.  The workout is a cross between weight training, cardio, and yoga.  There's plenty of movement to get a good sweat going, exercises to hit your larger muscle groups, and plenty of core training to tighten your abs.  I'm a bit clumsy when trying to adjust the straps to my handles, as well as to hook them over my heels and ankles, but the reward is worth it!  I'm sure after a few more sessions I'll get the hang of the straps and be able to zip through the workouts more smoothly.

I did have to pay extra to take these classes.  I spent $120 for the Fall session on top of my monthly membership fee.  Also, since I'm a visiting member, I had to pay the community price, which is a bit more than for a local member.  All in all, its been a great experience.  I can feel the fat melting off of me now!  Hope to see you there for the next session!

Food: The Chateau, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Papa Jim has found a restaurant suitable to his liking!  Mr. Jim is very particular in his food intake, so trying to get him to the perfect place has been a little of a challenge.  The Chateau Italian Restaurant is now Jim's #1 food spot!  I have to admit, I like their food and menu myself.  I've had everything from steamers and stuffies, to New England clam chowder and minestrone soup.  Yesterday I had shrimp cocktail followed by Tuscany Styled Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables over rice -- fantastic!  However, I really like their Lobster, Shrimp, & Scallop Diavalo -- I've had this dish more than once!

Papa Jim has only had fried scallops and hamburgers, but he swears by them!  If Papa Jim says it's good, then you know it's good!  If you're around Andover, or anywhere in Massachusetts for that matter, give The Chateau Italian Restaurant a try.  You'll be glad you came!