Is it best to get a massage before or after a workout?



Massage therapy has a long history dating back to ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures as early as 2700 BC. Julius Caesar was also said to have enjoyed the occasional massage. The term "massage" finds its roots in the Greek word "masso", which means "to handle, touch, or work with the hands to knead dough."


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Massage therapy is still popular nowadays and for good reason. It helps treat both stress and pain, which we will explore in more detail. It's a great way to relax and feel better, so it's no surprise that many people enjoy it.


The question is whether it's more beneficial to receive a massage before or after exercising. Let's examine it further.


BENEFITS OF A PRE-WORKOUT MASSAGE


Receiving a massage prior to exercising can help warm up and stretch your muscles, increasing your flexibility. Additionally, it can prepare you mentally for your workout.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, getting a massage before a workout can have psychological benefits such as decreasing stress, tension, and anxiety. This can help you feel more relaxed and focused during your workout, potentially allowing you to get better results.


To avoid muscle soreness and tightness, please use gentle and light strokes during the massage. It's not recommended to do a deep tissue massage before a workout.


Before working out, you can benefit from a gentle massage that helps to:

  • loosen tight muscles
  • enhance flexibility, and
  • reduce the chances of injury.


However, it is important to avoid overly intense massages.


Getting a deep tissue massage before a workout may feel good initially, but it can make your muscles too sore and sensitive, which could potentially lead to muscle strain or injury.


A pre-workout massage has benefits that extend beyond just relaxing your muscles. If you're preparing for a major race or event, such as a marathon, triathlon, or Spartan race, a massage can assist in calming your thoughts and reducing anxiety before the starting line. Additionally, the massage's endorphins can put you in a good mood, making your upcoming workout more enjoyable.



BENEFITS OF A POST-WORKOUT MASSAGE


To reduce muscle soreness and speed up cell recovery after a workout, it's best to get a massage as soon as possible. A study in the Journal of Athletic Training found that getting a massage right after exercising can decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMs) by up to 30%.


The message states that receiving a massage before and after a workout can offer significant advantages. It is important to select the appropriate type of massage to prepare your body for optimal performance. Benefits of post-workout massage are:


  • Soreness - Massage can reduce swelling in and around your muscles, which helps alleviate soreness after a workout.
  • Increased Blood Flow – A massage can improve blood circulation to your muscles and tissues by unclogging lymph nodes. This can alleviate headaches caused by tension in the neck or head due to improved circulation.
  • Stress/Anxiety – The release of hormones like serotonin through massage can help to lower stress and anxiety levels.
  • Flexibility – Getting a massage can increase flexibility by breaking down scar tissue that may be restricting movement across a joint, allowing for greater range of motion.
  • Reduce Inflammation – Exercising puts stress on muscles, causing them to become inflamed and painful. However, getting a massage can help reduce this inflammation.



DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN GET A MASSAGE IN XIAOLIUQIU?


You don't have to spend a lot of money or visit a spa to enjoy a massage. Our massage school in Xiaoliuqiu now has a massage studio which you can easily access after a diving session.


Our services include traditional Thai massage, stretch massage, aromatherapy oil massage, and hot bamboo oil massage. Whether you need to warm up before a workout, recover after exercising, or simply unwind, we can help.


Just 30 minutes (at least) of massage will help: 


  • relieve stress


  • ease muscle soreness


  • lower blood pressure


  • boost energy


It is your decision whether to have a massage before or after your workout. Book here now!


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