I have been a few times. Only reason to go , it's so close to our home. Groupon coupons are cheap. But I had my worst experience, last time I totally forgot about the appointment and came to next one. He screamed at me for missing last appointment and told I dont want to deal with you kind of people. I totally forgot anyways I stupidly accepted to continue the massage. His words hurt me a lot so I was trying to explain that I forgot but he stated about my country and I am American and you have to call if you are not coming for appointment. He has taken the full payment for not showing up. I was humiliated and massaged like rubbing a stone. Didnt concentrate on spots where it hurt and just if it pains go to doctor. I has my worst day to where I came to relax. read more

I was gifted a Groupon massage for my birthday and unfortunately, I will not be returning. I have never experienced a massage with so much repetitive, painful motions in the same focused area. I was hoping for relaxation and instead experienced bruising several days afterwards. I wish he would have checked in with me on the amount of pressure he was applying, as all of my previous massage therapists have done. I know that the client can also speak up, but not everyone is comfortable doing so. I told myself that he must know what he's doing. Jaime wasn't unfriendly, but I did feel a level of disengagement and disinterest. I felt like I was being treated like a one-time discounted rate client rather than a regular paying client. Instead of trying to earn my repeat business, I felt like my massage was just something to get through. It felt inconsiderate and clinical, both in communication and massage techniques. Also, his dog was present the whole time. Luckily, I'm a dog person so I wasn't bothered, but noting this somewhere on the website and on the automated appointment reminders would be proactive in setting client expectations. read more

I had a 3-massage Groupon gifted to me for Christmas. I went in for two massages and didn't care to go back for the third. It wasn't relaxing for me. As others mention, sometimes his massaging was painful. That might be due to my inexperience with professional massages. My main issue, though, was that Jamie never stopped talking. He tells lots of stories about himself. He's extremely chatty and I just wanted silence. The most relaxing part of my massage was the few seconds laying on the warm massage table before he came back into the room...I could hear the calming background music. read more

One of the best massages I've ever had, and I've had hundreds. Just the right pressure, great background music, decent room temperature, soothing lighting, interesting asymmetrical techniques. As one other reviewer wrote, I wasn't keen about the dog being in the room, but after the first encounter, he faded into the background. read more

I am a big fan of massage for relaxation. Jamie at The Balancing Act is one of the best massage therapists I've ever visited. He's very talented. I told Jamie that I prefer a strong, deep massage and that's exactly what he delivers. I plan to be a regular customer. Also, the free off-street parking is a big plus. read more

The massage was OK but too much talking about himself! Most of the massage was in my shoulders & neck when I told him & put on the form I have lower back issues. read more

Jamie did an excellent job addressing my problem areas. He was so fun and easy to talk too. We had a great conversation. I would definitely recommend him! read more

I post very few reviews of businesses, but this one needed to be written. I bought a Groupon to this place for my wife for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, she waited to long to book a massage here and is now unable to use it because we are moving out of state. We both completely understand that that was our fault. We own that. We also understand that it is not this business's responsibility to fix that problem for us. We get that. What's not ok is how the owner, Jaime Hicks, responded to both my wife and me. He was exceptionally rude and unhelpful. "Don't ask me to break the law because your wife messed up," he told me over the phone. He hung up on me without giving me a chance to say anything else. Nothing in my tone was hostile or confrontational, and so I have no idea what provoked him to get so angry with me. When my wife asked him if there was any exception he could make, he said to her, "Umm, I'm going to go with no." Very, very rude. Despite the money we wasted on the Groupon, I honestly am glad my wife isn't getting a massage at a place run by someone so belligerently rude. Where's the customer service? If the final answer is no, then we'll live with that and take our chances with Groupon. But no customer deserves to be treated like this. I'm sure Mr. Hicks has a very comfortable base of clients whom he treats wonderfully. Hopefully that base helps keep his business afloat. However, for anyone in the Twin Cities looking for a new massage parlor to try, I would strongly avoid going to a place run by someone as rude as Mr. Hicks. read more

I enjoy a massage, and after dealing with the stress of quitting a job, being unemployed, performing a musical and then finally striking a heavy theater set, it was time to get one! I had purchased a Groupon too long in the past, so the promotional amount had expired, but Jamie was clear that he could put the amount of the Groupon towards a different service. He has a fairly busy schedule, so I had to schedule this out a ways, but in the long run, the timing worked out well! Jamie started off by taking the time to understand what I was looking for, and then the massage took over! At first, Jamie talked a bit as he worked, and that was actually nice, as I felt like he was taking the time to get to know the person behind the muscle soreness. But then, when he got to work on the tight muscles, he began to focus in (and let me focus on trying to remember to breathe!). It was a great massage in a great location. I would highly recommend Jamie's services! read more

I had a massage at the Balancing Act thanks to my boyfriend who purchased a one hour massage deal on Groupon. I was a little confused when I first arrived because the hours online stated it didn't open until 11:30 which is exactly when my appointment was for. It mentioned to please arrive early so I did, but I was locked out. I ended up calling and it was no big deal, he was on his way. The actual massage was amazing. Jamie used a lot of pressure but in the absolute best way. He also used my entire allotted hour. I felt like a human noodle when I left and it was awesome. Everything was really comfortable and professional. He had a dog there, too, which I loved. read more

Two years ago, I started shopping around for a massage therapists until I finally found Jaime. Now, I am one of his regulars, I need to go at least once a month if I can. It is such a relief. He does a great job listening and focusing in on problem areas. His full body massages are consistent with a good amount of pressure and great deal of attention to your needs. Beyond the massage, Jaime is such a warm and inviting person. His space is clean, calming and welcoming. I highly recommend The Balancing Act. read more

When Jamie arrived he had a dog with him and was very rude about my apprehension to go in the room. I am allergic to dogs hence my fear of them. His first statement to me was that, " I was going to have a hard time if I was here for him." It would have been nice if he inquired about my hesitation. I would not recommend him EVER. read more

Jamie Hicks at the Balancing Act has been just what this aging old gardener's body has needed. Especially with the onset of permanent effects from a dreadful 1996 motor vehicle accident. His talent has made a difference in how I feel physically since I started visiting his awesome studio just a few months ago. I highly recommend The Balancing Act to anyone who understands the importance of this art or is willing to give it a chance. read more

Visited the Balancing Act for the first time today. Jamie Hicks exceeded my expectations! The extra attention paid to my high-tension areas (neck & upper back) were much appreciated. Also, he was so easy to talk to...which is a Big deal for me because I'm not a Yapper. I left with an overall sense of wellbeing.... like after a good therapy session :) read more

This was probably one of the worst massages I have received. Jamie himself was very nice and accommodating, but the massage was lacking a lot and was at times painful. I got a Groupon for a hot stone massage and the stones were hardly used during any of the massage, so that was confusing to begin with and also disappointing as I chose the hot stone massage for a particular reason. He also did not seem to know where most of my muscles were. Half the time he was rubbing my bones and just pinching my skin, which again was quite painful. He would do the same thing over and over and over again to the point of pain. I have never had a massage where for about ten minutes straight they do the same motions in the same area. This was in no way a relaxing massage and I came out of it with more pain than when I walked in. And on another note - his dog was there. Which I had read in someone else's review, but I thought maybe the dog would be in a separate room during the massage or something, but no, it sat right under the massage table the whole time. She was not loud or disruptive or anything, but I just found it very odd. I feel like Jamie should disclose that anytime he schedules a massage. It is very unprofessional and also disrespectful to anyone who may not like dogs or who may be allergic. Thankfully I am not and I like dogs, but I can imagine that being very uncomfortable for someone who does not. Overall, Jamie was nice enough, but the massage was horrible and I will not ever be returning. read more

Great massage! Jamie has very strong hands and he really helped me get the soreness out of my neck and shoulders! Love the location too!Can't wait to go back! read more

Saw Jamie for a massage for the first time last week. He took the time to understand my needs and started to focus on the problem areas. He checks in frequently to see if the pressure is ok or if he needs to alter it. It was the best massage I have gotten. I will be going back on a regular basis read more

Jamie did such a wonderful job making me feel comfortable and relaxed. The studio is a lovely, welcoming space. I left feeling tension-free and completely rejuvenated. I will happily be a returning customer and would recommend this place to anyone! read more

I get massages every once in a while for my achy shoulders/upper back. Jamie's technique was one of the best I've experienced. I'd highly recommend. read more

I have bruises all over my back from getting a massage here. Jaime used too much pressure and would not ease up when I reported pain. Also, customer service was lacking. read more

I'm so glad I found someone in this area that gives a great massage! Jaime has great strong hands that really get into your trouble areas. Not to rough not to soft. I will be returning! read more

I had one of the best massages of my life from Jamie. Sore/stiff neck from the cold? Shoulders tense? Jamie is the go-to man. Jamie knows exactly the spots that need work. My immediate thought when the massage was finished was when can I book my next massage! read more

Jamie was very nice and provided good customer service along with a great massage that really focused on proving relief in my neck and shoulders. Looking forward to my next appointment. read more

SO great. Jamie really knows what he's doing and you can tell he cares about his technique and your relaxation. The difference between how tense my neck/shoulders were before I went in and now is incredible. I feel much looser. Seriously, make an appointment. read more

Just had my first massage here and Jamie is amazing. Great location, great space, great guy and amazing massage. Highly recommend!!!