My name is Mary Pester and I have been training with the Waterside Taekwondo Club since September 1998.

The original plan was to introduce my two children to a Martial Art. It looked such great fun that I was unable to sit passively on the sidelines. Now I am completely hooked……although I get really nervous when I try for a grading  !

My husband was feeling left out so he joined as well . It is great training as a family.

 My life has always revolved around exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

From actively competing and participating myself, to involving others through my job as a teacher of Physical Education.

I suffered a back injury in 1994 and did not think I would be actively involved in exercise again. However I swam every day for six months and gradually became stronger.

I had heard about the benefits of Reflexology, so in April 1995 decided to give it a try.

I felt so much relief from the treatment that I decided to study to become a Reflexology's myself.

I achieved this goal in 1997.

I decided to link this with Sports Massage because through the years I had incurred injuries myself, and knew many people who had likewise suffered.

I felt it was now time for me to help others.

 Why Reflexology ?

Reflexology is an ancient therapy for activating the healing powers of the body.

There is evidence to show that Chinese, Egyptians, Japanese, Indians & Russians worked on the feet to promote good health.

There are energy zones that run throughout the body and reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all major organs, glands and body parts.

There are about 7,000 nerves in the feet, so the Reflexologist applies a firm even pressure to all parts of the feet which encourages the opening and clearing of all these pathways, therefore causing all the systems of the body to function more efficiently.

For the body to be healthy everything must work together.

Just like a car, your body may need a ‘ tune up ‘. As in all things 'Prevention is better than Cure'. You look after your car, so you should look after your body.

 Why Massage ?

Massage has always been part of everyday life. If we hurt ourselves a comforting rub or pat is always welcome.

Mechanical massage machines and electro therapy machines are widely used today for treating sports injuries. However they offer no direct feedback on the changes taking place in the tissues. With massage the therapist is aware of changes through feeling with the hands, and can therefore adapt the treatment accordingly.

Massage can keep the busy sportsperson in tip top condition. It assists recovery between intense training sessions. Massage monitors any stresses which may be building up in the body, and so warns against potential injury. It can also help recuperation after injury.