5 Reasons to have a Post Workout Massage
After a serious health scare last year I decided that this year I am going to focus on becoming fit and healthy. I have focused for so long on making the salon a success and juggling my home and family that I forgot about how important it is to make time to look after myself!
So that means cutting the junk food out of my diet, taking care of my body, booking my doctor’s appointments and going to the gym!
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the gym bunny type, but I signed up to a membership anyway knowing that the only way I can get fitter is by finding something I can do around work and family.
When it comes to exercise I have no idea where to start! I decided that the fitness classes were the best and safest way to help me get into shape and now having already done a few gruelling classes I can already feel a positive change in my attitude toward exercise. I feel like I have much more energy and a great sense of achievement that I have actually found something that I enjoy and is solely for me!
What I don’t enjoy is the PAIN!
Trying to climb the stairs the other day took my breath away! Not to mention how sore I was when trying to sit down on the loo!
Now I don’t know my way around a gym just yet, but I know exactly how to help when it comes to muscular pain!
Why does it hurt?
When you really push yourself during a workout it will cause minuscule tears in your muscle fibers, this can lead to an immune reaction and inflammation as the body starts to repair the injured cells.
This is the reason you can become very sore a day or two afterwards, it’s called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMs for short.
And boy does it hurt!
So what can you do about it?
Here are my top 5 reasons to have a Post Workout Massage:
1. Pain Relief A great massage will help to loosen your muscle tightness and aid you in your recovery.
According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training a post workout massage can reduce DOMs by a massive 30%.
But remember the key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising.
2. Speedy Recovery Research has proven that having a massage after exercise can speed up recovery time twice as fast as regular rest!
Massage greatly improves blood flow, meaning that nutrients and oxygen can reach your muscles and body tissues. Increased oxygen means that the muscles can repair quicker and your workouts can become more efficient.
3. Release tension and improve flexibility Having a massage means your muscles will feel looser and less constricted.
By working out the knots and adhesions your flexibility will increase gaining you greater endurance and freer movement.
4. Eliminates toxins Massage is a fabulous way to stimulate the lymphatic system and drain the body of lactic acid and other toxins that can inhibit muscle movement and recovery.
By eliminating toxins your muscles can work harder meaning you get more out of your workout!
5. Relaxation Not only is a massage a brilliant REWARD for all your hard work, a massage will improve the quality of your sleep, quiet your mind and make you feel fabulous!
So there you have it! If you didn’t have an excuse already to have a massage I’ve given you five!
I’m logging off now, as I have my very own Deep Tissue Massage booked!
If you wanted to book your very own massage please give us a call 0161 4785412 or book online www.pamper-me.co.uk
Love Jodie
Salon Owner