Are you hitting the gym hard this year? While you’re putting your body through the paces, remember that recovery is an essential part of your workout routine. Your muscles rebuild what’s been broken down during exercise. That’s how we increase our endurance and strength.
Massage can be used before, during, or after your exercise. It’s been known to reduce muscle tension and pain, lower blood pressure, increase lymphatic flow (our heated deep tissue bamboo massage works great for that), and increase active range of motion. The best part of all is that it can improve recovery time.
The Journal of Sports Sciences recently conducted research on the effect of massage on muscle soreness, perceived recovery, and physical performance in male bodybuilders. Their research concluded that post-exercise massage (after an intense workout) can “improve exercise performance and recovery rate”. This was proven for runners and sports athletes as well. One test was conducted on highly trained and successful soccer players. A spa treatment that included massage was part of the study. They found that massage was an effective recovery intervention for athletes, increasing running performance and sprinting performance between games.
Whether you’re a sports and exercise enthusiast or completely new to the gym, there is solid research that shows a positive relationship between your body and massage as part of your recovery. Massage can:
- Reduce muscle tension
- Increase relaxation
- Support recovery of the muscles
- Enhance athletic performance
- Prevent injuries
- Increase range-of-motion
- Decrease muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise
- Improve soft tissue function
- Improve exercise performance
- Reduce swelling (inflammation)
- Improve sleep patterns
- Support the recovery of heart rate and blood pressure after high-intensity exercise
- Improves blood flow
- Increase flexibility
- Give you a boost of endorphins that help balance the mind and reduce stress
A regular massage program can build a cumulative effect. The more often you receive them, the more advantages you’ll get. A note for intense athletes: if you want to do a pre-event massage, schedule it three to five days before the event to reap the flexibility rewards.
Taking care of your body is about more than going to the gym. It includes recovery and self-care. You’re working hard out there. Let’s help your body recover so you can get back to it and push it a little harder next time. From pro athletes to first-time gym-goers, there’s no doubt that massage can take your workout to the next level.
First time visitor to the Wellness Collective? Check out our New Client Services offer for the 60, 90, or 120 minute sports massages on our booking page.