If you’ve ever enjoyed a massage and you love your partner, this couples massage class is for you.
We never regret going to the spa for a couples massage, but these outings are reserved for special occasions.
Getting a massage from your partner has far more benefits, is more accessible, and costs a fraction of the price.
But, to bring that spa experience into your home, you (and your partner) have to learn how to massage your partner. It’s easier and far more enjoyable that you might think, and our relationship is far better for it. Here’s how we do it.
the best couples massage class
There’s no other way to say it: knowing how to give a good massage is a critical life skill.
Marrying an accomplished massage therapist is just as much of a jackpot as marrying a professional chef. But for all of our years together, Ryan was NOT that person… until he took massage classes.
What can I say? I’m picky. With Ryan, I scratch his back, and he’ll purr like a kitten. As for me, I’m a bit more discerning.
Frankly, I’ve spent much of my adulthood (and a considerable amount of my money) in search for the perfect massage. After taking these couples massage classes, Ryan can deliver and it’s so much more fun, intimate, and meaningful than any massage I’ve had done professionally.
Benefits of A Couples Massage Class
The last couples massage we had was spectacular… but it put us back $290.
And, honestly, you miss out on a lot when getting a massage done at a spa, mainly the intimacy, conversation, showing affection, and connection.
Instead, at home we can relax, connect on a deeper level, have a great conversation, be playful and get intimate.
Taking a couples massage classes is far more affordable and it makes massage more accessible and spontaneous. Plus, studies show that it improves your relationship satisfaction. But there’s more.
The Ringer: Physical Touch!
Physical touch is powerful.
When Dr. Tiffany Fields founded the Touch Research Institute in 1992, she was following a hunch.
After watching her new baby thrive in the neonatal care unit, she launched a groundbreaking study that found premature babies who received regular massages gained weight faster and left the hospital earlier.
Since then, the Touch Research Institute has published studies connecting massage with improved immune function, higher quality sleep, reduced depression symptoms, lowered stress, and even minimized pain.
Physical Touch Is Not Created Equal
When we think of massage and physical touch, we often think of couples. While the benefits of massage are certainly not limited to couples, non-sexual physical touch plays an important role within a relationship.
Studies show that after just one massage from your partner, the feelings of well-being, closeness, and intimacy last for weeks. Weeks!
So isn’t physical touch from that stranger at the spa good enough? Actually no. It helps but the effects are stronger coming from a loved one.
A University of Virginia study put women through mild electric shocks (yes, really!) and scanned brain regions activated by stress and pain.
The participants were either alone, held a stranger’s hand, or held their spouse’s hand. The results were shocking — see what we did there?
When women held their spouse’s hand, the pain was dulled as much as if they were on a pain-relieving drug. The effect was even more pronounced in the strongest marriages (including same-sex marriage as well).
Physical Touch From Your Partner Is Most Powerful
Physical touch is significantly more powerful when it’s coming from your spouse or partner. Plus, if it’s not already obvious, this study suggests that massaging your partner can improve your sex life.
Even for couples who are not touchy-feely, massage is clearly a beneficial activity.
While having a massage done professionally feels decadent and luxurious, this is a major benefit to DIY, at-home massages. Once you take a couples massage class, I assure you that you’ll get all of the same feelings and more with couples massages at home with your partner.
If you’d like to read more about the benefits of massage according to science, our article titled, ‘Benefits of Couples Massage‘ covers them in-depth. The below chart is a summary of the benefits.
Melt Couples Massage Class Review
After looking for a way to have couples massage more affordable and accessible, we felt like we hit the jackpot when we found the Melt Massage Masterclass.
We have been using our skills from this online massage class for two years now, and we continue to revisit the courses and follow along with the new Playtime series.
Our favorite video of all time is a 15-minute full-body massage routine, which comes with and without voice guidance. Let me tell you that nothing makes you feel as loved when your partner surprises you with this.
How much is a couples massage compared to couples massage classes online?
Our last couple’s massage was $290 and the online Melt massage course is $299 for basic annual access, $419 for the annual Pro series, $34.95 for a 1-month membership, or $999 for lifetime access.
That’s a great value considering our local massage therapist offers in-person couples massage workshops for $390.
We personally have the lifetime access and it has paid for itself time and time again these past two years.
One thing that we like about Melt massage for couples is that it help us massage each other whenever. It definitely doesn’t need to be reserved for a special date night, and honestly shouldn’t.
Instead, it could be scheduled weekly before bed or a spontaneous foot massage on the couch while watching TV.
So how did Ryan and I go from mediocre to fantastic massage-givers? Let’s dive into our Melt massage review.
“Simple, beautiful massage techniques couples can learn at home.” — Denis Merkas, couples massage coach and creator of Melt
What Is Melt?
Melt: Massage for Couples is an online massage course that teaches you and your partner how to give deep, therapeutic, professional-quality massages at home.
Ever since Ryan and I started two years ago, it was like love at first sight all over again.
We actually feel relaxed at the end of the day and it’s something that we look forward to a few nights a week. It’s like a moment in the day where we can just focus on ourselves and our relationship.
We know many who also use it as their weekly date night go-to. It’s pretty special and incredibly accessible.
Couples Massage Course First Impressions
When we first logged into the Melt massage course, we learned that we had been making a handful of couples massage mistakes. The Melt couples massage class video series teaches techniques including:
- Which massage oil to use and why
- Comfortable positions to massage from (no massage table needed!)
- The basic massage strokes
- Deep tissue massage
- Short routines to massage your partner’s heads, hands, and feet
- Full body massage routines spanning from 5 minutes to 30 minutes with easy-to-follow instruction
Here is a look at the first lessons inside of the couples massage masterclass.
What Ryan and I like most about the massage class is the professionalism of the couples massage coach and instructor, Denis Merkas.
Denis taught in-person, couples massage classes in Australia for eight years before deciding to help more people by moving online. His classes are excellent and he knows exactly what couples are looking for: something fun and easy but effective.
In an activity that could come off as too corny or too horny, these videos don’t at all. His production quality is just as good as the ones done by the massive online course company, MasterClass.
So think of this Melt massage course as your master class for learning and understanding the techniques to make your partner feel sensational.
The videos for Melt can be watched on their online streaming portal. The videos include easy-to-follow tutorials. Such as the…
- ‘Head Massage’ (11 minutes)
- ‘Foot Massage Follow Along’ (7 minutes)
- ‘Upper Arms – Kneading’ (2 minutes)
- ‘Massage Routine’ (30 minutes).
We review Melt massage so highly because we finally know with confidence that we’re giving each other a great, loving massage, and one that we can do anytime and anywhere these past two years.
What We Learned from The Melt Couples Massage Class
We have been giving each other massages for years. But, usually on the bed with lotion or water-based massage oil. After our first few Melt massage therapy lessons, everything changed.
1. The best place for a massage is not the bed
Think you should be giving your partner a massage on the bed? Think again. The massage coach, Denis, modeled his favorite (and very comfortable) massage position from the famous pottery scene in Ghost.
Talk about turning up the heat.
Sitting behind your partner like this gives you full access to their back and their ears and neck, so get up close and personal. It’s very sexy.
For about a year, we just sat on pillows but, honestly, the foot stool recommended on Melt’s website is much more comfortable and made a huge difference for us.
As for Melt’s sensual foot massages, I love that you can be seated on the couch with your partner on the floor. It’s a natural, no-fuss massage that is oh-so delightful.
Do you know how everyone says you should be standing or doing crunches while watching TV? Well, that never happens. However, giving and receiving a foot massage will give you the incentive to make the most out of your TV time.
2. Use less oil for a better massage
This isn’t a water park, so there’s no place for excessive slipping and sliding.
For years, Ryan and I have tried the odd bottle of massage oil, and it always feels a bit icky. We definitely were using the wrong type and far too much of it.
In the Melt massage class for couples, we learned that sweet almond oil is the number one option. At first we bought some cheap oil off of Amazon but… don’t do that.
Melt offers their own oil and it’s way more luxurious. Keep it with the experts and go for that one.
Also, while it seems like a small tip, always pour the oil into your hand first, not directly on the body. This lets you warm it up first for your partner and to control it better.
3. Use the whole hand, not just the fingers
Before writing this Melt massage course review, I couldn’t give Ryan a long massage.
After a few minutes of pummeling his big back, my small hands would be dead tired. Also, I mostly stuck with his back, rarely gave him a foot massage, and never a head massage.
After some time in the massage class online, we’ve realized how inefficient we used to be and all of the missed opportunities. Denis even calls out one of my former techniques in his video ‘Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them.’
I used to pinch the top of Ryan’s shoulders and it used to tire me out and didn’t even feel great. (Sorry, Ry!)
After the first few minutes with Melt couples massage, I had a better understanding of how to use my hands in a more effective and easier way.
From pushing with the palms, contouring, utilizing the sides of my hands, and learning how to properly knead, I was able to give more satisfying, longer, and less tiring massages while making Ryan feel better than ever.
4. Keep it fun and playful
While it’s incredibly romantic to light a few candles and get your favorite playlist going, couples massages don’t need to be reserved for date night or special occasions.
Some of my favorite moments are when I’m working at my desk and Ryan surprises me with ‘The Money Shot’ neck massage. It’s heaven.
We’ve also started giving each other foot massages whenever we’re on the couch watching TV.
Now that we know how to give a nice massage, it’s easier to slip into the routine and give a few nice squeezes and contours whenever we feel like it.
Plus, we’ve memorized the basic 5-minute massage routine for Melt. It’s the best couples massage and it really can’t get any easier.
Ryan and I review Melt massage for couples so highly because the couples massage course makes it simple, enjoyable and accessible.
5. Use the massage to speak their Love Language
Ryan and I know that The 5 Love Languages is a huge part of maintaining our relationship. It’s kind of mushy, but the psychology behind it works.
The Melt couples massage courses hit all of the marks.
Ryan’s Love Languages are physical touch and quality time. Check and check.
My Love Languages are acts of service and receiving gifts. Receiving a massage is something so simple but you feel so loved and pampered.
Finally, couples massages even cover words of affirmation. Melt demonstrates a technique called the ‘hairdresser’ for a decadent head massage.
What better time to ask about your partner’s day and slip in some heartfelt words of affirmation than this?
Do We Recommend the Melt Massage Course?
And taking the Melt couples massage class by Denis Merkas is an even better idea.
Ryan and I have been paying for couples massages since we started dating in 2011. And Melt couples massage has them beat. There’s nothing more special than getting massaged by your loved one.
We also love to give each other massages. And while any massage is a good massage as long as it feels good, we’ve become much better at it.
Not only does it feel better, it’s easier for us, making it seem less like a production and more of a daily, spontaneous occurrence. This learn to massage your partner course has been the key, and we enjoy our massages so much more now.
Is there a way to learn for free?
In the past, we’ve dabbled with free YouTube instructional videos on massage techniques or Instagram reels, but the Melt course is superior on all counts.
It’s like what we say with our fitness: never cobble together a DIY exercise routine! You just end up wasting time, will have sub-par results, and it’s inexpensive to get professional programs online. So just do it!
Ryan and I feel the exact same way with Melt massage. Our short and sweet Melt couples massage class review is this: It’s a no-brainer.
Why pay for a Melt Membership?
Melt offers structured, well-thought-out courses, coming from Denis Merkas’s experience as a professional massage therapist who spent years teaching in-person couples massage workshops.
He knows what couples want, where they need the most help, how to keep it beautifully simple, and when to add a pinch of romance to strengthen the relationship.
He also knows how to design massage classes for beginners. This is an example of a beautiful and simple massage technique that is life-changing.
Melt Massage Prices
Melt massage class has a variety of subscription packages, from quarterly, yearly, and lifetime access.
We went all-in with the lifetime access which includes the bonus ‘Head, Hands, Feet Signature Series.’ Here are the prices as of December 2023:
- Monthly MasterClass subscription: $34.95 USD
- Yearly, MasterClass subscription: $299 USD
- Yearly, MasterClass Pro subscription, $419 USD
- Lifetime, all-access, MasterClass subscription & Head + Hands + Feet: $999 USD
There are no Melt massage coupons or discount codes currently, but they do offer sales occasionally. Click here to view the current Melt massage prices.
Considering our last couple’s massage was $290 and that our local massage therapist offers in-person couples workshops for $390, the lifetime access has been the most fantastic gift that Ryan has given me.
We also would recommend considering the MasterClass Pro over the MasterClass subscription. The difference is that the Pro series includes bonus content and Friday classes.
For us, the Friday classes are important and are a weekly reminder to keep up with your massage. To give you an idea, my last Friday classes had us hunting for knots and a new back massage routine.
We wholeheartedly recommend checking out the couples massage course, Melt! Trust us, it couldn’t be any easier and you won’t regret it!
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Closing Thoughts on Melt Couples Massage Class
Couples massage is excellent for mobility, relaxation, and improving relationship satisfaction.
However, what’s most compelling to us is the science on the power of physical touch when it’s coming from your partner or spouse. We feel this when we do couples yoga together.
If you’re not ready to commit to online massage classes but want to get started, we have an article titled ‘How to Give Your Partner a Good Massage‘ to teach you the dos and don’ts.
This will teach you the basics of massaging your partner, however, the Melt Couples Massage Course is invaluable. The price of the course is less than one couples massage at a spa, and the skills last a lifetime.
If you have questions about Melt massage for couples or our review, please ask in the comments.
For more resources for couples, such as the best two-player card games for couples or the most fun and helpful quizzes for couples to take together, head over to our Healthy Couples page.
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Hey we're Ryan and Alex
A husband-wife duo, two engineers, and the creators of Ryan and Alex Duo Life.
After eight years working in the corporate world as engineers, we left to tackle our true passion:
Helping highly motivated couples optimize their relationship and health by cutting through the muck and sharing what the research says works.
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