We've all experienced the dreaded stiffness and pain we feel in our joints and muscles after a workout, causing us to rethink our goals of getting in shape. In some cases, the pain may cause us to lose interest, and stop working out entirely. The unpleasant sensations and aches caused by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) might make it difficult to return to the gym and continue our everyday routines.
If delayed onset muscle soreness is one of the main reasons you've given up on your exercise programme, we have a solution for you: post-workout massages.
The advantages of receiving a post-workout massage are enormous. Post-massage exercises are important for relieving stiffness and tension, as well as improving blood flow and energy levels.
Continue reading to learn about the many advantages of receiving a post-workout massage on a regular basis.
But, before we get into the advantages of post-exercise massage therapy, let's discuss what happens to your body after a workout.
What happens to your body after a workout?
Staying active and fit is obviously important for our general health and well-being, both emotionally and physically. So, having a better grasp of how your body functions post-workout is essential, and the good news is that it's all beneficial!
When you stop working out, your body begins to undergo a number of changes. The way your body heals from this is determined by your degree of fitness. After a workout, or even as soon as you walk off the treadmill, your body begins to recuperate as quickly as possible.
After a workout, your body is in a state of shock because your muscles have created microtears. However, the more you push your fitness limits, the more your body adapts and is able to better tolerate the changes, enabling your body to repair itself over time. Many athletes engage in a post-workout massage to help them recover faster.
5 benefits of a post-workout massage
1. Speeds Up Muscle Recovery
If you’re a regular gym-goer or a sportsperson, there’s a very high chance that you have gotten yourself injured during a workout or training. A post-workout massage works wonders. It helps decrease sports injuries by massaging the deep tissue, increasing flexibility, and lowering your chance of injury.
Good circulation is required in your muscles for cells to begin to repair. As a result of increased circulation, more blood flows to the muscles. Essentially, what you're doing is enabling blood to flow to the muscles, which will aid in their recovery. You might always request that your massage therapist focuses on any pressure spots that bother you, such as hips, calves, hamstrings, and so on.
2. Decreases Post-Workout Inflammation
Inflammation is caused by damaged tissues in your body, which might lead to swelling sometimes. It decreases blood flow, allowing your muscles to repair sufficiently. A post-workout massage (popularly: sports massage - in Christchurch) enhances blood flow to your muscles and minimises inflammation.
3. Improves Blood Circulation
A healthy circulatory system will not only help minimise inflammation but will also enhance your overall health. Good blood flow, a very beneficial and vital element for all organs, is the key to staying healthy and looking and feeling youthful. Improved blood flow boosts your immunity, reducing headaches and enhancing your exercises, resulting in more energy and wonderful health.
4. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
In our everyday life, we all experience stress in some way or the other. Being exposed to certain stress variables (work, long-hour meetings, muscular strain through a workout, etc), we are susceptible to illnesses, fatigue, depression and whatnot. However, you can reverse the side effects of stress and put your body (and mind) in complete relaxation mode by booking an appointment for a regular massage therapy, especially if you’re in Christchurch. It’s extremely beneficial in lowering tension, anxiety, enhancing your mood, muscle repair and growth, and more.
After a workout session, studies have shown that taking a sports massage can help release three essential chemicals in your brain that act as mood enhancers and alleviate stress - namely serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine.
5. Quick Pain Relief
During an intense workout our muscles experience soreness, fatigue, and, sometimes, stiffened (mostly post-workout), resulting in aches and pains. The good news is that only a few minutes of massage (preferably sports massage in Christchurch) can help you feel relaxed and recuperate.
You can request your massage therapist to put more focus on the areas (of your body) that are more tense and require quicker healing.
Post-workout massage tips
Hopefully, by now you’re aware of the multiple benefits of a post-workout massage. But you may be wondering, what kind of massage will suit you. Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on that, too!
Which massage is the best one for you? Here are five post-workout massages for you to try
Swedish Massage - A Swedish massage is excellent for stress relief because it stimulates the major stress hormones serotonin and dopamine, which we discussed earlier.
Thai Massage - A Thai massage is a blend of yoga postures and acupressure that is ideal for unblocking your energy flow and releasing any tightness in your body.
Sports Massage – It may seem self-evident from the name itself, but this massage was created specifically to help athletes enhance their performance by helping with flexibility, stress relief, and injury prevention.
Reflexology - Often known as zone treatment, reflexology focuses on specific pressure points on the feet. It helps speed up your metabolism, remove toxins, and produce endorphins.
Muscle Percussion Therapy - This type of massage therapy has been considered one of the best massages for muscle recovery and is highly preferred by many sports professionals.
It is advised that you receive a massage service right after your workout in order to get the most out of your massage. It all boils down to the kind of massage service that works best for you. Massage therapy usually lasts no longer than 60 minutes, although it can last any time between 20 and 60 minutes.
It's a good idea to first talk with your massage therapist about any problems you may have so that they can advise you on the right course of action for you.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that after a long day at the gym, a post-workout massage in Christchurch can prove to be a lifesaver. Although it is rather pricey, the health advantages it provides make it well worth the investment.
So go ahead and schedule your first post-workout massage and enjoy the fruits of your labour. If you want to get the most out of your exercises, book one of our sessions at Bodysensemassage company in Christchurch.