Below are notes on introductory massage training
For purposes of this document, the word "client" will be used for the recipient of your massages. This is just for convenience. These notes are only intended as an introductory summary - NOT for professional training.
There are several types of massage tables available. The most sturdy (and most difficult to move) is the fixed table, typically with a heavy wooden frame.
Travel tables tend to be of light construction, sometimes aluminum tubing instead of wood for legs and supports. These tables can also be on the narrow side to save weight. A travel table might be good for a backup - and might be desirable if you plan to do a lot of outcalls. Make sure to get a good back with carry strap.
Typical folding tables are the most common, with adjustable wood legs and cable cross supports.
A general purpose table should be 30" wide, by 6' long, plus the face cradle.
A good table should have face cradle fittings on both ends, and carry handles.
Narrow tables may be 28". These are ok for travel tables, but will be a bit narrow for "full sized" clients.
Lage tables are 32", and will accommodate larger clients, with the additional weight.
Check the weight limit of the table. Travel tables may have slighter weight limits. Sturdy tables may be rated for 1000 pounds. This is "static" (non-moving) weight. Just because the table can easily support two people - be wary of being too active... If you like techniques where the provider straddles the recipient on the table, you will want to carefully ensure that the weight rating of the table is 1000 pounds to provide margin.
While massage table sheets are available on Amazon, standard "single" sized bed sheets are sufficient. Fitted sheets work will to cover the table, though they will be quite oversized.
Standard flat sheets can be used for draping - though some prefer towels.
For the winter - flannel or fleece sheets are a nice touch. For summer, these may be too warm. Standard percale sheets are fine for summer.
Electric massage table heating pads are available. They are much more expensive than the smallest electric blanket, but are sized to fit the table, and are very low wattage. It may not be possible to get a cheap electric blanket to go down low enough. BE AWARE that electric blankets and even possibly table warmers may heat the vinyl covering of your table and cause it to crack pre-maturely. If you're using an electric blanket, you might want to pad with a comforter or blanket between the table vinyl and the electric blanket.
For face cradles - some people will fold a pillow case or use paper towels. I would STRONGLY recommend spending a few dollars to purchase purpose made face cradle covers. They not only look better, but they work much better. It's worth the money.
BOLSTERS: Bolsters are optional, but are nice to have if you're serious about your work. Towels can be folded up and placed under the feet instead, but are a nuisance to mess with. Note that a 6-8" diameter HALF round bolster is a good starting point. The full round bolster is too much for smaller clients. Bolster covers may be purchased if desired, or a pillow case will work. If you're handy with a sewing machine, a bolster cover can be made from a pillow case.
Perfect table height can vary by person/technique, and may vary depending on the type of massage you are giving. You may want a lower table for deep tissue, or a higher table setting for light work.
As a starting point, stand next to your table. You should be able to almost lay flat palms on the table surface. This is just a starting point - adjust depending on your preference and body mechanics.
Below are my thoughts on lotions.
Find a lotion that works easily, and absorbs well. Some will be scented. Some claim to be unscented (usually not entirely true). Avoid strongly scented lotions. Some like lotions that include lavender or other essential oils. The lavender will help relax the client during the massage. Just be sure the client is ok smelling like lavender when you are done...
I prefer to use "Soothing Touch" professional massage lotion, available on Amazon. I use the "unscented" lotion. It works well, and absorbs quickly enough that the client doesn't immediately need a shower after getting off the table. There is a light scent - but it is not offensive. At the time of writing, this lotion is available on Amazon for $44/gallon. It also comes in 8oz bottles and half gallon jugs - but buying in the gallon is most cost effective. It is a LOT. Maybe share with a friend?
Biotone lotions and oils are very common, are very good products, and are readily available.
Coconut oil is commonly used. Good quality coconut oil is available at the grocery store in reasonably small quantities at a reasonable price. Coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, but melts quickly in your hands. It works like most other massage oils. Clients are unlikely to have any sensitivity to coconut oil - so this is typically a safe choice. And is a good choice for intimate areas.
Some people use grapeseed oil as a base, and may blend in their own concoction of essential oils.
AVOID using hand lotion or baby oil.
IMPORTANT!!! NEVER, EVER apply lotion or oil directly to a body. ALWAYS apply the lubricant to your palm, and rub your hands together to warm it. The ONLY time you can ever get away with pouring oil directly on someone is if the oil has been warmed to body temperature in a warmer, and you've ensured that it is not too hot and not too cold. Squirting "room termperature" massage lotion on someone will shock them as badly as pouring ice water on them.
Music is a personal preference. And there are probably people out there that would enjoy a massage to heavy metal or rap...
MOST people will probably prefer something that is soft and soothing. There are "massage music" channels on Pandora - or even "smooth jazz" can be a good pick. Again, this is subjective.
There are also "massage music CD's" out there. But then you have to rip the CD's, and ideally play them in random sequencer from an MP3 player, your phone, etc...
Body mechanics are all about learning to give massage in such a way that you don't stress yourself out to the extent that YOU need a massage by the time you give up working on someone.
This is probably an area where watching a YouTube video would be a good idea to be able to see how it's done.
To some extent, the style of massage you are giving will make a difference. I attended a deep tissue class once where the instructors had the tables down as far as they could possibly go (almost knee level). He spent a LOT of time talking about using the body to leverage pressure so that you didn't blow out your thumbs and fingers trying to use them for deep work.