I'd like to begin with the first thing I said after the massage had concluded: "That was heaven, and I need to come more often". I have been having intense muscle tightness and restricted movement for months, and Libby's 90 minute massage has been the only thing that has finally offered relief. Her studio is warm and inviting, and in addition to asking me about my specific needs and any areas of tension, she took 10 minutes of her own time before we began to suggest and demonstrate stretches I could try at home. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, effective, and relaxing massage. I'm already looking forward to my next appointment! read more

Second time I've had a massage with Libby. The absolute best massage ever. She is professional, attentive, and I walked out of there feeling like a new person. She is an amazing massage therapist and an all around lovely person. Highly recommend! read more

Long story short, Libby is amazing. I found her on Yelp looking for a trainer to help me figure out how to fix my back problems. I've been dealing with on and off back issues for years and I've never found a way to manage it without having a few days here and there where I was nearly paralyzed with pain. Once I started working with Libby she taught me everything I needed to know to manage it, but also helped me get the momentum to start exercising at the volume I used to without hurting myself. Beyond being a great trainer, she is a kind and funny human. I very much enjoyed the time we worked together and hope one day we can do it again. read more

Libby came highly recommended by several people that have had wonderful experiences on her massage table. I have to say, I was not disappointed, in fact I believe it was the best massage that I have ever received! In addition to being a true professional and kind person, she is empathetic to injuries and aches and focuses on making you feel your best by targeting your specific needs. I felt fantastic after a very relaxing and therapeutic session and look forward to my next 90 minutes with Libby! read more

I was determined to book a last minute massage on Friday and searched yelp reviews. I reached out to Libby and she called me back promptly letting me know she was booked for the day but could offer me different times she had for the weekend and I gladly booked for Sunday. She was very warm and friendly on the phone, very personable and she asked me a few questions in advance regarding my body work needs so she could cut the conversation down for the day of the appointment and just get to work. The day of the appointment she again was warm and friendly. I was very comfortable in her presence. She really focused her energy on my trouble areas, paying attention to working out tight areas with a trigger point release type of technique. She had great pressure and checked in with me to make sure it was the right amount and not causing any discomfort. I booked an hour massage because in the past I have been sore after some massages but I honestly could have gone longer because I wasn't a bit sore after. She was comprehensive and in the end I felt brand new. After my massage, she showed me a simple stretch I could do on a daily basis to help stretch out my troubled areas to avoid continued tightness in my upper back which was nice of her. I will absolutely be back to see Libby the next time my body needs some work. Thanks Libby! You rock! read more

Libby has been instrumental in my health and wellness for years! Unfortunately I live out of the area but I travel to her as often as possible. She was my aerobics instructor and as her love for fitness and well being blossomed so did a friendship! It's rare to find someone so educated and committed to staying current and relevant. I get stress knots and through massage she works on them and I feel amazing within 24 hours! read more

I've gotten more massages than I can count. Libby did a fantastic job. I felt super relaxed, and have better movement in my muscles post treatment. Her space is like a little fairyland in the Burdell Building. 5 stars! read more

I was able to get in for my first, and definitely not last, appointment today with Libby on a last minute request. Suffering from a tight neck and headache she knew exactly what my body needed and where. Great communication, the space is clean and comfortable, and her technique is excellent. Highly recommend! read more

Look no further, Libby is everything you'd want and need in a professional masseuse. (And more!:) Her space is warm, inviting, clean, and easy to get to. I was lucky enough to be gifted a massage from the lovely parents at McElroy Family Daycare, and have used her services several times now. Libby is a strong, sweet, and sassy woman who I now consider a friend. She listens to what my body needs and is respectful of my space. She clearly enjoys what she does and has many years of expertise. I recommend her to anyone seeking some serious "me" time and anyone needed some tightness alleviated. She's the best of the best read more

Libby is highly professional and a very good massage therapist. She listens to your concerns and focuses on them during your treatment. She was persistent on working out the knots that I had in my back and shoulders. I'll be back!! read more

I've been working with Libby for about a month now, and I am so glad I found her. My goals when I started training with her were to increase my strength, reduce shoulder pain and and improve my flexibility and balance. I'm seeing great progress in all of those areas. I've also had two massages with her that have had almost miraculous results on my shoulder. Libby is warm, encouraging and truly knowledgeable and skilled in both of her practices - personal training and massage. I give her the highest recommendation. read more

I have known Libby my whole life and she is the only person I use to get massages! I ride horses and work on a computer for a living so I have pinched nerves and a plethora of neck/back issues. After a massage and physical therapy advice from her, I always leave feeling better! read more

I worked with libby for 6 months after I had my 1st son. She is Absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable on many different workouts as well as the body itself. Her work as a massage therapist is professional, knowledgeable and well worth every minute she spends on you. She listened to what was bothering me and worked specifically on those trouble areas. Her positive energy always created a wonderful place for me to either relax with a massage or work out and train with her. I highly recommend anyone who is looking for a wonderful personal trainer or massage therapist to get in contact with her. Thank you libby for everything! read more

Libby, owner of Life in Balance, is truly amazing. I began seeing her for therapeutic massage therapy and it has been absolutely life-changing. As a hairstylist, I have chronic pain in my neck and shoulders.. Within the first visit I was feeling amazing, and my circulation felt improved. I also have to PRAISE her fitness aspect. Going to the gym felt so systematic, and boring. Libby has mixed a variation of dance, yoga, pilates and strength-training into our personal workouts. At amazing rates, might I add? The discovery of Libby has changed the health of my body and mind.. I can't spread the word enough. read more

Libby is wonderful!! She totally knows what she's doing and I always leave feeling amazing after I leave. She gives me practical advice to help me with my aches and pains. I loooooove her massages!!! She's also just a lovely person and makes you feel very pampered. read more

Libby is hands down one of the best massage therapists I have ever experienced. I am very selective when it comes to bodyworkers. Libby is intuitive, professional, and very knowledgable about the body. She really listens to you and pours her heart into each session. She has helped me numerous times with a chronic neck and shoulder injury that I have. Her hot stone massage is the BOMB! Who doesn't love holding hot rocks in their hands while getting deep tissue massage with more hot rocks? Every time I leave Libby's office I feel like a new person: restored, relieved from pain and smiling. Libby has also helped my boyfriend several times when his low back was seizing up and about to go out. I highly recommend Libby for massage!!!! read more

I came to Life In Balance to learn function, strength, and balance after my 2nd knee replacement. After being dismissed by physical therapy I was unwilling to settle for just 'good enough' function. I wanted more. And I wanted to learn to use my built in equipment rather than more gym machines. I chose LIB based on previous Yelp reviews. It was the best decision! I envision working with Libby for a long time as I rebuild muscles that have not been actively used in several decades. She is incredibly knowledgeable about kinetic energy, movement, function, structure, whole body etc. Aside from being just a delightful and happy person she is compassionate and non-judgmental which is incredibly healing for me. As I build my strength with Libby's assistance I continue to release fear and regain self confidence of moving in the world. And bonus...she is a fantastic masseuse who can knock out all aches and pains from strength training. LIB and Libby are the best! I couldn't be happier. read more

I have had several massages by Libby. No End To The Pain Relief I experienced. I do a very physically demanding job and am often sore from head to toe Libby knows her business. She found soreness in places I did not even realize were sore. I would highly recommend life in Balance to everyone. Mike R. Santa Rosa read more

I was first introduced to Libby through my mother, who had nothing but wonderful things to say about her services! From the very first session, I knew I was in the right place! Nestled close to downtown Petaluma, the environment is warm and cozy, dimly lit, with comforting music and aromas. She has a light-hearted and pleasant disposition, is extremely knowledgeable, and a consummate professional. She been my massage therapist for over 10 years now, and even though she is an expert as to what areas of mine need the most focus, she will still always ask me before every session if I have any areas that need special attention. Her magic hands will even find knots that I didn't know I had! I work on a computer all day, and had developed a bit of tendentious in my arms. Not only did she help work out the pain, she provided me with some at home exercises to help prevent future issues. Two weeks later, my pain was gone, and has not come back! It's this kind of above and beyond service that makes her hands down, (Pun intended!), the best massage therapist in the Bay! I always look forward to seeing Libby. She allows me to hit the reset button on my body and mind. Life In Balance, indeed! read more

I have been a client of Life in Balance - owner, Libby Hanley and have been for more than a year. I consider Libby as an integral part of my "wellness" team. She is fabulous and versatile. Her personal training is really targeted to my needs and she is always coming up with something new. She is extremely knowledgeable and very attuned to her clients form, breathing and overall health. Her little gym is in a cool old historic building in Petaluma with lots of charm. And the icing on the cake is that she is also a massage therapist so when you want to soothe your body rather than exercise, she can do that also. Plus - she is just plain fun to work with - lots of laughs as you work out. read more

I had a massage with Libby that was absolutely amazing. I'm pretty picky massage because I used to be a massage therapist. I am an athlete and I work full-time and I'm a single mom of three, so my body was stressed how many levels. I also had a minor injury in my shoulder blade area. Libby was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and her therapeutic technique was like none I have ever experienced. I highly recommend Libby and cant wait to go back. read more

comprehensive with care.......libby is actively concerned about what is wrong with you and what you need.....even if youve shattered over 100 bones in 89 countries and life can, sometimes, just seem impossible.....libby can make it possible, again.....a green light on cold morning.....and she will kick your *&$E*#*(*# if you want her to! ...she is great!!....."Deep tissue for every issue" read more

Libby makes excercise fun and interesting! She is funny and a delight to be around. Highly recommended!!

I recently started working with Libby in order to get my strength back after recovering from a back injury. Libby makes working out fun by changing things up. She has a great personality and does a great job of figuring out what your body needs in order to get strong and prevent whatever issues you might have going on. The best compliment I got was when I was walking across a field in high heels and my husband grabbed my arm to help me balance and he said "I felt all the muscles in your arms and had to look up to make sure it was really you. I thought I grabbed someone else!" She's worth every penny and I feel lucky to have found her and can't wait to see how strong I get! read more

I have been going to LIbby's gym for 2+ months now and I have to say that it is different from any gym experience I've had before. I'm not a fan of the communal work out rooms where everyone is sizing each other up, there's time limits on each machine and no guidance by staff. The atmosphere at LIbby's is personal, focused and demanding. Libby will never push you too hard but she will push you. You will walk out of each session proud of and impressed with yourself. I came to Libby feeling out of shape, blah and anxious. Libby was patient and learned my strengths and weaknesses. She utilized my strengths to strengthen my weaknesses. Libby is an expert in this field, no doubt. However, she never makes me feel bad about myself. In fact, quite the opposite. As others have mentioned, she is also a massage therapist. I have also experienced this aspect of Libby's expertise. What a gift. Having worked with Libby in the gym, she knew exactly where to focus in the massage room. She knows the body on a muscular, skeletal and cellular level and it shows in her work as a masseuse. Truly, the combination of a personal trainer and masseuse in one person just makes perfect sense. She really does help keep life in balance. Both of Libby's practices are key to being kind to yourself. Libby provides both exceptionally well. Finally, the actual work out room is complete with all sorts of workout gadgets that Libby works into your routine each week. Every week is different, which keeps things interesting and fun (and for me to say that working out is fun, is incredible). You're not going to be walking on a treadmill for 20 minutes and lifting weights the rest of the time. Libby is creative and is skilled in various areas of workout. She will keep you busy and moving from one activity to the next. The hour is up before you know it. The actual work out room is beautiful and inspiring with high ceilings and exposed bricks. It really adds to the ambiance of the place. Call Libby for a workout session, massage, both. You really won't regret it. I'm proud of myself for doing and sticking to it. I feel blessed to have found Libby. read more

I saw Libby recently for a 90 minute massage. It was 2 weeks after abdominal surgery and it was just what I needed to feel I was back in my body. I came out of the massage feeling "utterly awesome" and was pain free the rest of the day and into the next. I am going for another one tomorrow - lucky me! When my husband and I moved to Petaluma 8 years ago we wanted to find a good massage therapist. I found Libby on Yelp and read all the reviews and maybe because my name is Libby too we tried her. What a find. Have had many massages and she is a dynamite personal trainer too. If you ever need a gift for someone that has everything give them a massage from Libby. You can't go wrong - she is the absolute best!!! read more

I have been working with Libby for over a year. Her work as a massage therapist is professional, knowledgeable and you get more than what you pay for. She listens to what is bothering me and works specifically on those trouble areas. Libby has also provided ideas on different stretching techniques I can perform to reduce tension in my hips and lower back. Hourly rate is reasonable, her work always leaves me feeling more relaxed. I will continue to return and certainly recommend her as one of the best massages I have come across. read more

I really wanted to update my review for Life In Balance because I can't say enough good things about Libby and all her services! I have been back for many massages over the past few years and I will continue to seek out Libby for both stress relief and therapeutic massage. She is the best! Libby has empowered me to take control of my overall health and wellness and I am so much better for it! This year I also hired Libby to give massages at a school fundraiser and it was a huge hit! She has been incredibly generous, donating her services over the years to our local elementary school fundraiser. Libby is a shining ray of light and an incredibly positive person. Thank you Libby for being you! read more

I highly recommend Libby for massage therapy. She has an excellent touch, and I always feel like I get exactly what I require. Thanks Libby for your work. I can feel that you love what you do, and that makes all the difference! read more

I have been seeing Libby on a weekly basis for 6 months for personal training. I have neurological issues that impact my gait, balance and strength, and frankly, I didn't think that any amount of training could improve my gimpiness. I was wrong. Libby mixes up workouts that have begun to build my core strength, improve my balance, and increase muscle tone. Hey, I even have a nice little bulge developing in my bicep. She does this by blending workouts with traditional strength training, ballet, yoga and Pilates concepts, floor, ballet bar, weights and sometimes just plain getting funky dance moves. Libby is a teacher. She explains and educates and shares the rationale behind why you are doing what you are doing. The sessions are never routine and most of all, she is positive, upbeat, non-judgemental and there is occasional singing and lots of lauging. Sometimes, we work a short massage into the program and that is quite a delightful bonus. For those that don't like to flop about on a floor mat or sweat in front of others, no need to be self conscious. Her space is very private and extremely well equipped. read more

Since starting with Libby for Personal Training and Massages, I have gotten stronger, more confident and happier about my body. She teaches me about why my body is like a certain way because of a car accident a few years ago and how I can fix it. The pain that I was in daily has diminished drastically. I know that in just a few more months my pain will be gone and that's all because of her. I look forward to working out with her weekly. Her massages are the best that I have ever received. She listens to you and truly understands what your body needs without you ever having to tell her. read more

Today I met an amazing woman who is a massage professional. Over the last few years, I've had some shoulder, neck and lower back discomfort. I have had many massages over the years - usually walking away with no relief and a waist of $100. Not today! Libby is one of the best massage therapist I have ever met. Not only did she find knots I didn't know I had, she knew how to work them out without causing me great pain. After an hour massage I felt relief in my lower back and the pain in my shoulder was gone. I highly recommend Libby and will be seeing her at least once a month if not twice! THANK YOU LIBBY!! read more

I started training with Libby the end of August. My goals are increased balance, core strength and increased muscle tone. I diffidently needed and continue to need work on my ab's. I just completed 10 sessions with Libby and signed up for 10 more. She is motivating, works with me on my individual weaknesses, and is focused on helping me meet my goals. Each work out can be different, but targeting the same areas that need improvement.. Unlike a gym where you are in the middle of many people, her gym is private and well equipped. Janet C. read more

Libby is an amazing! I've been a massage client for over 2 years. I've lived all over the country and have tried many massage therapists. I can say with no reservations that Libby consistently gives me the best massages I've ever had ~~~ at the best prices, too! Libby is constantly doing research and taking classes to add more skills to her already impressive array of techniques. You are not going to come into her studio and get the standard ho hum Swedish massage (unless that is what you want). You will get Swedish techniques, but then some! I often come in with tight muscles and kinks in my shoulders and neck. She zeros in on the problem spots and fixes them! She might seem petite, but she is strong! I really like a nice strong, deep massage, and she delivers! And, don't let her location throw you off. Once you get into her space in the building, you'll feel like you are at a regular spa. Check her out, you won't regret it! read more

I found out about Libby at Life In Balance because of a massage special that she was advertising. I had been suffering with severe headaches for several weeks and nothing I tried would relieve them. Because of that, Libby spent the majority of my 90 minute massage really focusing on my neck, back and shoulders and she was amazing! She was so in tune to what my body needed. I left there feeling so much better and the best part is that It has been almost two weeks and I have not had a single headache! She definitely knows what she's doing and does it very well! If you have tight, sore muscles that need attention or are causing you headaches, I highly recommend that you go see Libby and let her work her magic! You will be so happy that you did :-) I can't thank her enough! read more

I have seen Libby for nearly three years, two hours a week for rigorous workouts and at least a couple of times a month for massage. I am 74 and have been sedentary my whole life. I have always found "exercise" to be boring and never stuck to it. Libby keeps it enjoyable. I look forward to my workouts and now have the vitality of a much younger man. I am flexible and active and have lost weight. My chronic pain is much improved. Libby not only makes working out fun, she is very attentive to what I need in any given session and plans a routine around it. She is also very careful that I avoid injury including not aggravating old problems. I am really appreciative of all she has done for me. read more

I connected with Libby through a local business-to-business networking opportunity and I am so glad I did! As I re-build my strength, I find her Pound classes are a fun and challenging workout. Libby paid close attention to my movements, and worked with me one-to-one to modify the routine for my back challenges. Pound with Libby is really fun! I love the drumsticks -- I was amazed at how those little green sticks added so much to the physical challenge. Even more wonderful, I've now had two massages from Libby and can honestly say that she is a powerhouse when it comes to getting into the specific places that are tight and painful, and helping release the tension. For troubled spots on your body, or just to feel your muscles open up and relax, I highly recommend Libby. She's one of the best I've found. read more

I work at a desk job and have chronic low back soreness. On occasion it flares up so badly that it can "go out" and I am incapacitated for several days. I have seen Libby on two such occasions and she helped me tremendously! She is professional, very knowledgeable about the body, kind and really listens. She knew exactly what to do to reduce my pain and release my low back. Both visits I left without pain and felt much more at ease in my body. Seems to be great for stress relief too! read more

I received a 1.5 hrs massage as a Christmas gift and had my massage today. I'd never met Libby before so was a little nervous. Amazing is all I can say. She hit all the right spots and I left feeling so good and lighter. I'm going to sign up for her personal training as soon as I can. She is so friendly and easy to be with. I'll never go to any other person for a massage. read more

Libby is the best! I've had a back injury for the past 10 years that causes pain daily and she is the first massage therapist to ever make a difference! She really understands the body and how various injuries affect it. She is also very sweet and personable. Unfortantely, I moved out of state or I would still be going to her! read more