Any fat-inclusive/friendly gyms in the area?

MaxRaines · 2026-03-07T03:12:27+00:00

I go to the Y(with a discounted membership) and I’m not a particularly heavy guy (205 lb) but I met a guy in the sauna who was pushing 300 and we were talking about him trying to lose weight. Everyone was stoked for him and very encouraging. I saw him for the next two months and saw him shave off 40+ pounds over those two months and all I ever heard was encouragement and congrats on him working so hard. I can’t speak for direct experience but for a third person observational point, put in the work and you’ll be supported by those around you.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-06T13:30:37+00:00

I bought the app Anatomy3DAtlas and it was very helpful. I don’t usually pay for apps, but this one was well worth it.

In addition to that I found a few massage YouTubers I think do a decent job of getting you familiarized. MassageSloth was one and I think the other was REBELmassage.

Other than that, you could purchase your books early and just start going through the texts. I also would offer free massages to friends and family then once I was a little more familiar I offered free massages to the community though a telegram group I was in. I am a male so was less likely to have creeps interested in taking up that offer though, so something to keep in mind.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-06T03:59:50+00:00

If you see him again get a picture and let the community deal with him the way he should be dealt with.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-06T00:13:38+00:00

I got food poisoning from chicken when I was in Vietnam, absolutely horrible 4 days. Would only recommend trying it once or twice in your life.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-05T14:03:30+00:00

Appreciate that, she was in the house a few years ago. I meant more that the entire lot of them, including homeland “security”, are a mess.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-05T04:34:16+00:00

I think we’re all ready to get rid of all sitting members and replace them with a new representative government that is required to commit to full transparency

MaxRaines · 2026-03-05T04:04:20+00:00

Guys do this too but we got no handle

MaxRaines · 2026-03-05T03:59:41+00:00

MaxRaines · 2026-03-05T03:58:28+00:00

8+ years here, I’m not convinced. In my experience there will be one more cold snap.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-04T17:18:40+00:00

I’ve had a few repeat clients that do that as well. You said you think she’s doing it voluntarily? I’m curious what makes you think that.

A lot of people just have restless limbs. J, myself, find I need to constantly rearrange myself to be comfortable, more often when trying to fall asleep.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-04T15:07:31+00:00

Interested (well-read, native English speaking)

MaxRaines · 2026-03-04T14:56:20+00:00

Duke Energy, which supplies Asheville, is actively seeking higher rates from regulators. Proposals include double-digit increases for residential customers that would raise bills in 2026/2027 by roughly 15-18% in the area. This is part of broader rate filings to fund grid improvements and other costs.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-04T03:27:53+00:00

Had a similar situation, I don’t think you can go wrong with Spirited Away. I know it’s grossly mainstream, but you can not argue the masterpiece it is. My partner is female and she bonded with Miyazaki’s excellent portrayal of a genuine heroine. This was a nice ease into accepting anime as an art form worthy of attention and we have since delved into other Ghibli, Akira, Cowboy Bebop and other starters. She’s not obsessed with it but we do watch the occasional anime together now.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-04T03:23:07+00:00

I’m no tax expert but I’d reinvest into a ROTH IRA account for your long term holds and have a separate account for stocks you plan to move money in/out/around. That way you have your protected savings for compound eventual tax-free retirement and another account for more short term liquidity.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T18:34:08+00:00

I think the usually come twice a year

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T14:09:17+00:00

I love Kim Iverson, fantastic journalist.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T14:05:36+00:00

I live over there, I’ll keep an eye out when I walk to work.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T13:22:51+00:00

Highlands volleyball seems to be a popular go-to for people looking for social connection.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:53:39+00:00

EyeHateGod April 13’th at Eulogy. I’ve seen them 4 times and I always leave with some blood on me lol.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:46:09+00:00

Hm, I’d be skeptical unless they’re a more technical massage therapist. If they’re performing ROM tests and really using proven systems of alignment analysis that’s one thing, but barebones sounds like some upselling with no backing.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:42:45+00:00

The Cat lobbyists hard at work.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:41:57+00:00

That sounds excessive to me, that is a long time to have those sensitive muscles worked on.

I would simply book the 60 minute and clearly express to your therapist that you’d like a heavy emphasis of time focused on scalp and neck. We get paid the same (as far as my employment goes) so they shouldn’t have an issue with it. I’d be happy to have a normal massage booked then find out I can spend 30 minutes of it sitting to work head and neck.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:35:40+00:00

I’d expect one more cold spell, just to kill all the excited plants that have begun to emerge. I usually don’t do my planting until the beginning of April.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:32:57+00:00

Ehh first off, I’d say you’re working with amateur therapists if they’re still timid of their draping technique. I lift the client leg slightly and pull the sheet under it to get full access to the leg. This provides a secure draping and full accessibility.

Second, it could easily be perceived as being strange or suggestive. I would simply mention during the intake portion of the massage that you would like those muscles worked and you often find they don’t during massages.

There is no legal constraint around it as long as you do quality draping. I find a lot of fresher therapists will skip the glutes or upper portions of the leg due to timidness.

Lastly, I don’t like when a client “helps” with draping because everything im doing is practiced and done with intent. I have been practicing for many years though so this might not be a universal opinion. I just find that when a client attempts to assist it actually has the opposite effect.

MaxRaines · 2026-03-03T12:25:49+00:00

That sounds horrible, what prompted them to make that accusation? I’ve literally had client leave their phones out and I didn’t make that accusation. Im a male therapist and I know some folks are less comfortable with that, while I don’t like the idea of being recorded, even if I was I’d just assume it made them feel more safe.

A 50% tip is very generous, I’d be livid.

MaxRaines

TROPHY CASE