Sweating through a good workout is a fantastic feeling. It gets your heart rate up, blood pumping, and even boosts your mood. On the other hand, exercise can also leave you stiff and sore. It can cause your muscles and tendons to become tight and your joints to stiffen up. Fortunately, these feelings don’t last long, and there are ways to speed up your recovery.
One of the best ways to ensure you cover quickly after a workout is to get a massage as soon as possible. A massage therapist will be able to loosen any kinks and tight muscles, minimize pain and inflammation, and enhance the recovery of your body’s cells. A post-workout massage will have your body feeling rejuvenated and ready for your next workout. Plus, it will leave your mind calm and relaxed, and your mood boosted.
Massage therapists are trained professionals that can manipulate your muscles and soft tissue to work out knots and improve blood flow. Getting massage therapy is an excellent way to get the most out of your exercise routine and feel refreshed and ready for your next workout.
Here are the nine benefits of a post-workout massage:
Massage Benefit #1: Helps you recover faster
Recovery is important. Whether you are working out to improve your fitness or are a professional athlete, a quick recovery is crucial. The faster you recover, the more training sessions you will be able to complete, and the quicker you will progress on your fitness journey.
Getting regular massages will help keep your muscles from seizing up. They will promote blood flow, speed up healing and help your muscles grow and develop to their full potential.
Massage Benefit #2: Protects against injuries
When your muscles are tight, they don’t protect your joints properly. They can alter your movement and cause other body areas to overcompensate. This can result in serious injuries.
A massage will keep your muscles and tendons loose and pliable. This allows them to move freely and protects your joints properly.
Massage Benefit #3: Reduces inflammation
A massage is an excellent tool for reducing inflammation. If the inflammation is localized, massage will increase blood flow to the area and promote faster healing. It will also help flush out any fluids and toxins built up.
On top of this, massage can help with systemic inflammation as well. Studies have shown that massage therapy reduces stress levels and promotes feelings of calm. This lowers the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol and reduces harmful inflammation throughout the body.
Massage Benefit #4: Improves circulation
When a massage therapist manipulates your skin, muscle, and tendons, they enhance blood flow. This helps your body circulate blood more effectively. Improved blood flow is especially important in your extremities.
Massage Benefit #5: Gives you a boost of energy
Massages help both your body and mind relax. This gives you a chance to rest and become rejuvenated. After a good workout, you may feel tired, and a massage provides your body with the rest it needs. Afterward, you will likely find that you have an extra energy boost and more motivation.
Massage Benefit #6: Eases stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common in today’s world. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, and a massage can help. During a massage, your body reduces the production of cortisol. This hormone is responsible for your stress response and can make you feel agitated and unable to relax.
A massage also promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine in your brain. These chemicals can help you feel calm and give you an added boost of happiness.
Massage Benefit #7: Reduces pain
Your muscles can get stiff and sore after a workout. The tissue can become tight and inflamed, and a good massage can help with this. A message will loosen your muscles and can eliminate any nerve impingements, helping minimize your pain.
Massage Benefit #8: Boosts your mood
A good massage can be a natural mood booster. It allows you to lay down and relax after an invigorating sweat session. Plus, it encourages the body to rev up the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine production. These chemicals promote happiness and joy, meaning you leave your massage feeling like you are on cloud nine!
Massage Benefit #9: Helps you relax
When you get in a good workout, your body’s systems are in overdrive. Your heart rate increases, your metabolism revs up, and your rate of breathing increases as well. Going for a post-workout massage helps bring everything back to its normal functioning levels and helps the body relax much quicker.
A massage will also help clear your mind and eliminate lingering negative thoughts. It is a highly soothing process for both your body and your brain.