The effects of massage post workout have been researched over decades and some of the benefits are listed below. Your Mels Massage therapists are always happy to be a part of your training and recovery program!
Enhanced Post-Workout Recovery
A professional, therapeutic massage by one of our qualified Mels Massage therapists helps loosen muscles and remove toxins after an intense workout. This will help reduce the time needed to recover better and faster than you would without a treatment. This means the possibility of more frequent workouts and quicker, more noticeable results from your workouts.
Reduction of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMs) – Sore Muscles After Workouts
Your muscles, if you are pushing your body hard enough, can really ache after your workout. Massaging and stretching them can help return the muscle fibres to their neutral position, flush out toxins and get your blood flowing optimally again.
Help Your Muscles Work Better By Restoring Fascia
During exercise more than just your muscles are worked. The connective fibres under the skin and wrapped around the muscles, which are known as your fascia, are also put under immense strain.
Your fascia can get clogged up/twisted up with repeated exercise, making it hard for muscles to slide past each other as easily as intended. Myofascial release massage helps loosen those fibres so muscles can do what they’re supposed to with much less effort.
Massage Can Increase Flexibility
From about 12, the human body starts to loose flexibility. Exercise and frequent muscle strain can further reduce your flexibility, unless you regularly stretch or massage them back to a more neutral position.
Mental Health
Massage can make you feel happy. During a massage endorphins are released into the blood stream and cortisol is reduced, together this is a great stress reliever.
So massage, whether you get a professional treatment or do it yourself, can be very beneficial. If you can’t get a professional treatment after every workout you can self massage by using a foam roller and massage ball. Researching correct stretching techniques is also a good idea to get the best results from your stretching (and it might also ensure you don’t end up on YouTube on a “gym fails” clip).
A Few Other Post Workout Tips To Fast Track Your Results
Load Up On Magnesium
Magnesium helps in most processes related to building muscle and exercise in general. Muscle function, protein synthesis, nerve function, controlling blood glucose and production of energy. Cramping muscles are usually a sign that your magnesium levels are too low.
Eat Protein And Fats 30 to 60 Minutes After A Workout
After you have finished exercising, your muscles are ripe to absorb nutrients to start the repair process. Make sure to consult a nutritional expert to determine the correct proportions you should be consuming.
Self-Care
Sleep! Meditate! Relax!
Whatever you have to do to de-stress, do it because it will help your body recover and repair after the gym.