Alexander
Massage & Fitness
About me
“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that, I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
- Maya Angelou
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Qualifications
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Diploma in Raynor Massage
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Certificate in Raynor Massage
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Level 2 Gym Instructor
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Dip. WCF (Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers)
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Me in The White Room at The Practice Rooms
I like being outdoors and meeting people. My background is in horses and photography, with a long interest in health and fitness (my mother's occupation as a PE teacher was a big influence). Growing up my parents had a livery stables in the Midlands, and I spent long summers competing on horseback, mostly showjumping. I then trained as a farrier (which required a certain amount of anatomical and medical knowledge, and a good level of fitness to do the work) before setting up my business shoeing horses in Berkshire.
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After a health scare at 30, that required heart surgery, I became an equine and events photographer. I covered weddings and did makeover photo-shoots for horse owners. I was also the official photographer at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park for 10 years, during which time I was lucky enough to travel the world photographing polo events.
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The pandemic brought on an unexpected change. During furlough, I helped out by being a delivery driver for a big supermarket. Not only was it a rewarding job helping others, taking food and essentials to people who were shielding or self-isolating, but it kept me active and occupied when many were feeling cut-off and lonely. The company encouraged us to talk to people on the doorstep, which I liked doing anyway, because for many we were the only people they would see that week. So I got to know several customers very well and realised that many were struggling with their fitness and were looking for support. This is what prompted me to study to be a personal trainer. Massage was a natural progression because it was beneficial to everyone, exercisers and non-exercisers alike (when it was allowed again).
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So why Raynor massage?
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Well, this is where my experiences came together. I first experienced massage when I was an apprentice farrier; two friends asked me to be a practice body as they were doing a massage course. Then, when I was building my own business and suffering from sore muscles and aching joints, I went for a massage. By chance, the therapist combined aromatherapy and reflexology with deep tissue massage and tailored it to your needs (similar to Raynor massage). I found it so beneficial it became an essential part of my weekly fitness routine.
Sadly, good things don't always last, and I moved house; too far away to travel every week. I couldn't find a local therapist who had quite the same skill set and holistic approach. For years I went to different therapists for different reasons. Then, I discovered Raynor massage, realised it was what I had been looking for, wanted to know more and eventually trained to diploma level.
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My original intention was to become a personal trainer and offer sports massage as an added benefit to my clients. However, my priority has changed because I've experienced the immediate and long term improvements in my own fitness and wellbeing as a result of having Raynor massage, and I have seen similar positive impacts with friends and clients.​
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So now I do it as a standalone service and I think you'll like it as much I do.
