Fitness Related Benefits of Massage
Ask someone their reason for getting a massage and you're
likely to hear "because it feels good". We all know
that a massage can relieve stress, help to make sore muscles
feel better
and even reduce anxiety, but can it help us achieve our fitness
goals? Research shows that the massage you get to relieve
stress can also have a positive effect on your muscle-building
capabilities and fitness level.
1. Massage improves circulation and general nutrition of
muscles. This appears to be the most valuable fitness-related
benefit. Massage is accompanied or followed by an increase
interchange of substances between the blood the tissue cells,
which increases tissue metabolism. After a muscle is exercised,
vital nutrients must be supplied in order for it to increase
in size. Massage maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen
though increased blood flow, which helps the body rebuild
itself.
2. Massage improves the range of motion and muscle flexibility.
This results in increased power and performance, which helps
you work efficiently and with proper intensity to facilitate
the body's muscle-building response.
3. Massage helps to shorten recovery time between workouts.
Waste products such as lactic and carbonic acid build up in
muscles after exercise. Increased circulation to these muscles
help to eliminate toxic debris and shorten recovery time.
4. Massage can help prevent over-training. Massage has a
relaxing effect on the muscles, as well as a sedative effect
on the nervous system. This can prevent over-training syndrome
which has limiting effect on muscle building.
5. Massage may aid in fat loss. According to some research,
massage may burst the fat capsule in subcutaneous tissue so
that the fat exudes and becomes absorbed. In this way, combined
with proper nutrition, massage may help in weight loss.
6. Massage helps prevent and even heal injuries. By stretching
connective tissue, massage improves circulation to help prevent
or break down adhesions. Massage also influences the excretion
of certain fluids (nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur) necessary
for tissue repair.
While a massage won't build muscle directly, it helps to
facilitate the body's rebuilding phase following a workout
and
influences muscular growth. Getting a massage is just as
important as regular workouts and supportive nutrition for
a
comprehensive fitness program. Great news for those of us
who
thought building a great body was all hard work!
Before making an appointment with the first massage therapist
you encounter, however, be
sure they are a qualified bodywork practitioner. Ask for
referrals, professional training information, and certification
credentials from a reputable agency, such as the National
Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
About the author:
Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a Chicago personal trainer and fitness
instructor who specializes in helping people get in shape
in the privacy and convenience of their home or office. He
can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com.
