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City life

Urban blog | Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Urban’s all-female leadership team is shaping the next phase of growth – building on the company’s bold foundations with empathy, clarity and long-term vision.

Meet the women leading Urban

Burnout can creep up silently. Our team reflects on the warning signs. and the things that help ward it off.

How our team keeps burnout at bay

Looking to book mobile services at home safely? Whether it’s elderly care, cleaning, wellness, or trades, this guide offers essential tips to help you choose reputable providers, avoid scams, and protect your personal security. 

Safe at home: A guide to booking mobile services safely

We sat down with Yousra, a commercial director and mum living in Clapham, to talk about how she carves out time for herself in the midst of work and motherhood.

How this new Mum finds balance with Urban

Fancy a relaxing weekend in Birmingham? Here's what we'd do to unwind in the city...

How we’d spend a relaxing weekend in Birmingham

Weather not playing ball? Get covered (literally) with our top indoor picks...

13 indoor things you’ll actually want to do when it’s raining in Birmingham (again)

Uncover Edinburgh's hidden hotspots for a trip you won't forget – here's our favourites...

Hidden gems in Edinburgh: a wellness-seeker's guide

Craving a pretty walk or bored of the same route? If you're in Edinburgh, you're pretty lucky...

The best places to walk in Edinburgh

Discover how to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh, from calming walks to an at-home spa experience. Here’s our team’s favourite way to relax in the capital.

How to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh

Make your trip to Edinburgh even more memorable with our unique activity suggestions...

Unique things to do in Edinburgh – our 14 top picks

Can massage benefit your mental health? Yep, in many ways. From better sleep to an overall sense of wellbeing, let’s explore how massage can help your mind unwind.

Mental benefits of massage: how it can boost your wellbeing

Discover the top 10 benefits of sports massage in this detailed guide from Urban. We discuss blood flow, sleep, stress levels and much more.

The top 10 benefits of sports massage

TikTok health advice can be a bit of a Wild West. We asked our in-house massage expert to take us for a scroll to debunk the most common myths.

3 spine health myths, debunked

Can massage really make you less stressed? In this detailed guide we look at the science behind it.

The benefits of a stress relief massage

Climbing is a highly-demanding sport that calls for your whole body to be used, so it’s likely to take its toll. How can a massage help? Let's find out.

Four of the best massages for climbing enthusiasts

Let's chat all things back pain. Because a whopping 80% of us will feel it at some point in our lives – here's the best massages to tackle it.

The four best massages for back pain

If you dread that time of the month, one of these massages might be able to help ease your symptoms

Can massage ease period pain?

Alongside helping hands glide over skin, some massage oils offer plenty of health benefits you might find surprising. Try these five oils to get some extra goodness out of your treatment. 

The five best massage oils to try

When you're unwell or feeling run down, a relaxing massage may seem like the perfect solution. It’s well known that massages can decrease tension and support the immune system so it might seem like a simple quick fix, but before you book a mobile massage there are some things to consider.

Can you get a massage when you're sick?

Ease post-exercise aches and prevent injury with a qualified pro.

Sports massage

The massage equivalent of a cup of coffee.

Energising massage

Advanced massage techniques and exercises to get you back to your best.

Injury/pain management

Our take on Swedish massage, full of techniques to free up tension and help you relax.

Urban classic

A clothed Thai massage (without oil) performed on a traditional roll-up floor mattress.

Thai yoga massage

Over the course of nine months, a pregnant person's body adapts in incredible ways to support growing life. Here are some of the less talked about transformations and how specialist pregnancy treatments can help.

Six surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy

20 non-baby things your new mum friend will love (and actually use), suggested by another mum.

The best gifts for new mums

From pregnancy self-care and postnatal recovery, to the first few years for new mums, we look at six simple ways to look after yourself while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood.

Maternal mental health tips

Extra TLC for the hands and nails, with a classic polish finish.

Classic manicure

The ultimate pampering pedicured, finished with classic polish.

Classic pedicure

Classic polish for fingers and toes, with added indulgence – a scrub, mask and massage.

Classic mani-pedi

The ultimate confidence builder – long-lasting polish on fingers and toes.

Gel mani-pedi

A long-lasting pedicure to keep you walking tall and feeling great.

Gel pedicure

A long-lasting mani including cut and file, cuticle work and gel polish.

Gel manicure

We caught up with some of the guys from the Urban team to find out about their beauty regimes, what types of products they like to use and if there’s any Urban treatments they love or really want to try, but haven’t yet…

Skincare the Urban team is loving

From struggling with personal loss to finally finding peace, Ben’s on a mission to bring the same comfort to others in pain. For World Mental Health Day, we caught up with him to chat about the creation of his charity, The New Normal, and discovered how cycling became his saviour during his darkest time.

Finding sanctuary in cycling – charity founder Ben’s journey through grief

A tailored facial using pregnancy-safe products.

Pregnancy glow facial

A full-body treatment tailored to your recovery needs.

Postnatal massage

Discover your deepest stretch ever as an expert does the hard work for you.

Assisted stretching

A powerful full-body massage to ease tension, aches and stiffness.

Deep tissue massage

A gentle, nurturing massage for when you need a little self-care.

Relaxing massage

A grounding, full-body treatment using relaxing essential oils.

De-stress massage

A dreamy full-body massage using essential oils that promote sleep.

Sleep massage

The perfect pick-me-up – enjoy a 45-minute massage focusing on two areas of your choice.

Express massage

A gentle massagae to rebalance vital systems of the body.

Manual lymphatic drainage

A traditional Thai massage using oil to help de-stress, stretch muscles and energise.

Thai massage (with oil)

From affordable gym gear to chef-cooked meal prep, a fitness app that'll keep them on track and even the luxury of a sports massage at home, you’ll be able to tick their Christmas gift off your list in no time.

Christmas fitness gift ideas

Sore legs? A massage could be exactly what you need

Give your sore calves a treat with a leg massage

So you've hit the gym hard, conquered those weights, and now? Ah, the dreaded aches – also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The badge of honour worn by many fitness enthusiasts. But should it be?

How to reduce DOMS

Get a better understanding of how massage can help treat knee pain when cycling.

How to reduce knee pain when cycling with massage

From self-care tips to their take on the most beneficial massages, here’s how Urban pros plan to keep themselves shining in the darkness this winter.

Burn bright, not out – Urban pros on how to avoid burnout

A relaxing massage can be a great way to set the tone for a better night's sleep, but which is best? From classic Swedish to new-age CBD, we explore the pros and cons.

The best massage for a good night's sleep

Let's de-bunk the benefits of lymphatic drainage to see if it's right for you.

What is a lymphatic drainage massage or detox massage?

A calming treatment using acupressure on the feet and lower legs.

Reflexology foot massage

A deeply soothing treatment for tired mums-to-be, suitable from the second trimester.

Pregnancy massage

Find out how this swimmer is using massage to boost performance and aid recovery.

From training to the table: why sports massage has become a non-negotiable in my routine 

Get your step count up with our pick of Manchester’s most relaxing walks – from pretty parks to 4-hour hikes, there’s something for every level of walker.

Where to go for a relaxing walk in Manchester

Discover how Clxmbr founder Rotimi uses massage to get himself back up on the wall.

How massage helps this climber reach new heights

Brazilian lymphatic drainage

Skincare advice flooding your feed? Us too. To get to the bottom of it all, we’ve called for help from facialist expert Latticia Morapedi. 

Three skincare myths, debunked

Find something new to do in Manchester with our pick of the best hidden gems. From Britain’s oldest library to at-home massage, discover your next favourite secret.

Our favourite hidden gems in Manchester

Take a breather with us and enjoy a relaxing weekend in Manchester – from creative classes to canal strolls, we've got 11 activities to choose from. End the day with an Urban home massage, of course.

Our guide to a relaxing weekend in Manchester

Discover unique things to do in Manchester, from secret bars to canal cruises and pottery classes, finished with a relaxing at-home massage to unwind.

Unique things to do in Manchester for a trip with a twist

Sciatica can be a literal pain in the butt. In this guide, our in-house massage expert Patrik recommends the best treatments to ease pressure on the sciatic nerve and in turn provide relief.

The best massage for sciatica pain relief

If prioritising better mental health has been on your list for a while but something’s always got in the way (whether it’s money, time or lengthy waiting lists), our sponsor is on hand to make things that little bit easier. Use code URBAN20 to get 20% off your first month.

 Make better mental health a priority with online counselling

From Thai to deep tissue, different kinds of massages impact the body in unique ways. The right type for you will depend on your health, needs and preferences.

15 different kinds of massage

Discover how often you should get a massage in this guide where we discuss a range of massage treatments, including deep tissue and sports massage.

How often should you get a massage? The ultimate guide

Discover how menstrual health coach Destiny uses Urban massages and creative self-care to live intentionally, blending wellness and joy into her everyday.

When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

Get a better understanding of tennis elbow, how to treat it and why it’s so important to get treatment as early as possible.

Tennis elbow and massage: the ultimate guide

We caught up with adventure cyclist and cycling club HospoFixed Founder Ollie Jones about his 10-year love for cycling, go-to recovery methods and top training tips.

Ollie Jones chats about life behind the handlebars

In honour of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re putting the spotlight on just one of the many inspiring client stories we’re privileged to play a part of each day. Meet Penny, and hear why Rozalia decided to make her day in December…

Customer story: Penny & Rozalia

Uncover 11 of the best hidden gems in Glasgow, from secret gardens to historic treasures.

The best hidden gems in Glasgow – our 11 favourites

Tired of the same old itinerary? This guide's for you. Explore the most unique things to do in Glasgow, from at-home treatments to vintage arcades, discover the city’s most quirky and unusual experiences.

10 unique things to do in Glasgow

The effects of massage therapy tend to be cumulative, but you may also feel relief from your very first appointment.

How can massage help to relieve back pain?

When working from home, it can be easy to forget to take regular breaks. In a world of increased time spent on digital devices, screen fatigue is very real. 

Five great stretches to do at your desk

While we're known for massages, did you know we also partner with some of London's best beauty pros? We got to know 10 of our top rated pros over brunch.

Meet the Urban beauty pros

A blood-flow boosting treatment to help minimise the appearance of cellulite.

Sculpting massage

There’s nothing better than playing football on a proper pitch, so if you’re planning a kickabout in London be sure to make use of one of the city’s many parks. Most of these green spaces have their own pitches inside them, so you can practise your skills in a professional size playing field.

Best London parks to play football in

Can getting a massage before or after the marathon really make a difference to your marathon performance? Our go-to massage expert has the answers.

Why massage should be part of your London marathon training plan

London's best deep tissue massages are plentiful and can be found near you in London's best spas, at iconic hotels and even delivered to you in the comfort of your home. Here are our five favourite places to book a deep tissue massage in London.

The best deep tissue massages in London

Whether your skin’s looking a tad dull and needs a bit of rejuvenation, or you have a skin concern that’s been bothering you for years, a targeted facial can help. London is home to lots of professionals who are passionate about skincare and skin health. Here's our top picks.

The best facials in London

Grief can feel all-consuming - physically and emotionally. Learn how a simple massage can provide a moment of solace during difficult times.

Massage for grief – finding comfort in difficult times

We sat down with ceramist Charlotte and her Urban pro Fabio in Charlotte's East London studio to talk about life with EDS, advocating for disability acceptance and how Urban truly made a difference.

How weekly osteopathy gave me my life back – in the studio with disabled artist Charlotte

We’ve done the scrolling for you to bring together our favourite unique Dad gifts – from cooking to coffee, grooming to gadgets.

Christmas gifts for Dad 

We’ve pulled together a few unique Christmas gift ideas to suit every kind of mum. You’re especially in luck if she happens to be doing Dry Jan, prefers experiences over products or has a sweet tooth.

Unique Christmas gifts for Mums

Whether it’s simple skincare, tailored haircare or unique at-home beauty treatments, you can unwrap the magic of beauty and choose products they’ll love (and actually use) this festive season.

Best beauty gifts for Christmas

Relax in the city with our top picks – from an at-home massage to scenic walks.

The best things to do in Glasgow to relax

From face yoga to gua sha tools, you’ve probably seen the benefits of facial massage touted all over Tiktok and Instagram. But what’s it actually all about?


To dive deeper, we spoke to Urban facial pro Alice Croeser. She told us all about different facial massage techniques and their benefits and strangest facial massage trends she’s heard of.

How to give yourself a face massage

What makes retinol so special? From reducing fine lines and improving skin texture to fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation, let's get the lowdown on why it's such a popular ingredient.

How often should you use retinol? Here’s everything you need to know

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