Benefits of Post Workout Massage
We've all been there, the unbelievable soreness and pain we feel in our joints and muscles after a workout that makes us rethink getting fit, lose motivation and abandon exercise altogether.
The unpleasant pains and aches that come from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can sometimes really hinder our efforts to getting back into the gym and going about our daily activities. If delayed onset muscle soreness is one of the biggest factors for why you have abandoned your fitness routine, then we have the answer for you, post-workout massages.
To put it simply, the benefits of getting a post-workout massage are immensely beneficial.
From reducing soreness and stress to increasing blood flow and energy levels, post-massage workouts are a must!
Read on to learn about the full benefits of getting a regular post-workout massage.
But, before we get into the benefits of post-workout massage therapies, let's talk a little bit about what happens to your body after a workout.
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY AFTER A WORKOUT?
Obviously, staying active and keeping fit is vital for our overall health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically.
So, having a superior understanding of how your body works post-workout is important, and the good news is it's all positive!
Many things start to happen to your body when you finish working out and how your body recovers from this are dependent on the level of fitness you are at.
After a workout or even as soon as you step off the treadmill, your body starts going back to its recovery mode as soon as possible.
Really, your body is in a state of shock with what has happened. Your limbs get tired, your muscles tear, but the more you push to increase your fitness boundaries, the more your body gets used to it and can better handle the changes allowing your body to rebuild itself over time.
All the more reason for you to invest in a post-workout massage!
SPEEDS UP MUSCLE RECOVERY
Your muscles require good circulation for cells to start to rebuild, therefore, by increasing circulation, more blood is flowing to the muscles, and essentially what you're doing is allowing the blood to rush to the muscles which in turn, will help them recover quicker. Whether you're a regular gym-goer or an athlete, you have probably been injured at some point.
For example, athletic injuries are common. A post-workout massage helps reduce athletic injuries by massaging the deep tissue after your workout. It helps maintain the flexibility that is vital for avoiding injuries. You could always ask your massage therapist to work on any pressure points you would have trouble with, such as hips, calves, hamstrings, etc.
DECREASE POST-WORKOUT INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is caused by damaged tissues in your body, and when that happens, your white blood cells try to protect the tissue from being damaged further fighting to prevent infection, this sometimes causes swelling. However, this is only a protective reaction. Inflammation reduces the blood flow, allowing your muscles to heal properly so that getting a post-workout massage the blood flow to your muscles improves reducing inflammation.
IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION
Having a healthy circulation isn't just to help reduce inflammation but for your overall health too. It's extremely beneficial and essential for all of your organs, good blood flow is the secret that keeps us looking and feeling young! Improved blood flow helps boost your immunity to reduce headaches, elevate your workouts, resulting in increased energy and fantastic health.
REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY
We all suffer from stress and anxiety from daily life, we're almost plagued by it, being subjected to stress and anxiety takes its toll, and we end up neglecting our bodies.
Getting a massage means putting your body in complete relaxation mode, which is perfect for reducing stress and anxiety and improving your mood.
There are three key chemicals in your brain that help improves your mood serotonin, noradrenalin and dopamine, which increase significantly after a workout and a massage if you needed any extra motivation!
QUICK PAIN RELIEF FOR ACHING MUSCLES
Post-workout, your muscles are in overdrive, strained and tense, which results in aches and pains. The good news is, just a few minutes of massage helps relieve any tension and pain you have focusing on the areas where you have the most tension.
TIPS FOR POST-WORKOUT MASSAGE
By now, you should be convinced that getting a post-workout massage is absolutely necessary, but you may be wondering, what kind of massage works? Well, don't worry, we've got you covered!
WHAT KIND OF MASSAGE WORKS BEST?
Here are five post-workout massages for you to try.
- Swedish massage – perfect for stress reduction and reducing stress-increases the key chemicals mentioned earlier, serotonin and dopamine.
- Thai massage – a combination of yoga postures and acupressure, a Thai massage is perfect for unblocking your energy flow and getting rid of any stiffness in your body.
- Sports massage might sound obvious, but this massage was specifically designed to help athletes improve their performance by helping with flexibility, relieving tension, and preventing injuries.
- Reflexology – also known as zone therapy, this is designed to target specific pressure points. It helps to boost your metabolism, remove toxins and improve endorphins.
- Muscle Percussion Therapy – a firm favourite with athletes, it is probably one of the best massages for muscle recovery.
In order for you to get the best out of your massage, it is recommended that you get one straight after your workout.
HOW LONG SHOULD A MASSAGE BE?
This really comes down to what type of massage you want. Usually, a massage lasts no more than 60-minutes however, anywhere between 20-60 minutes is great. It is a good idea to talk to your massage therapist first and discuss any concerns you may have so they can advise you on what the best option for you would be.
CONCLUSION
The bottom line is, post-workout massages are a must! The experts say so and so does science granted, they can be a little pricey. However, they are worth every penny considering all the health benefits that come with it.
So, go ahead, book your first post-workout massage and reap the rewards of your hard work.
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