Should You Workout Before or After Getting a Massage? | Timing Tips

Should You Workout Before Getting a Massage?

Getting a massage can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The kneading and pressure applied by a massage therapist works to loosen tight muscles, increase blood flow, and relieve physical tension. However, an important question to consider is: should you workout right before getting a massage?

Benefits of Pre-Massage Workouts

Working out prior to a massage session can help amplify some of the benefits. Here are some potential advantages of getting in a workout beforehand:

• Increased blood flow. Exercise boosts circulation, bringing freshly oxygenated blood to your tissues.
• Warmed muscles. Activity raises muscles temperature, allowing them to be more pliable.
• Flush out lactic acid. Movement helps clear out waste products like lactic acid.
• Enhanced recovery. The combination of exercise and massage supports muscle recovery.

By warming up the muscles beforehand, it can make it easier for the massage therapist to manipulate the tissues and enhance circulation. This tag team approach may optimize the effects.

Downsides of Pre-Massage Exercise

However, working out right before a massage session also has some potential downsides including:

• Fatigue. You may be too exhausted to fully relax and benefit.
• Discomfort. Sore muscles may make massage uncomfortable.
• Limited effects. Massage effectiveness could be blunted after strenuous activity.
• Injury risk. The tissues may be vulnerable to excessive kneading.

Intense exercise can strain muscles, increasing soreness, inflammation, and general fatigue. This could undermine the therapeutic potential of massage by making it harder for tissues to benefit. There's also an enhanced risk of injury when tissues are deeply worked on after a tough workout.

Ideal Timing Between Exercise and Massage

Generally, it is best to avoid exercising right before a massage session. Allowing an ample buffer between working out and getting bodywork supports getting the most out of both.

At Least 2 Hours Between Sessions

Most experts recommend allowing at least 2 hours between finishing up exercise and starting a massage. This gives the body some time to cool down, but still captures some of the increased circulation benefits.

Some also suggest limiting workouts so that they are no more intense than your usual routine in the day leading up to bodywork. Saving the most strenuous training for post-massage may be wise.

Extra Time If Very Sore

However, if you are very sore or prone to lingering muscle discomfort after training, consider leaving even more time between exercise and planned massage sessions. Give exceptionally sore areas at least 1 full day of rest for tissue recovery before kneading.

The Best Workout Types Pre-Massage

If you do plan to fit in a workout before bodywork, be strategic about your activity choices. Opt for movement that brings circulation without added strain.

Light Cardio

Some gentle cardio exercise can be beneficial prior to massage. Options like easy walking, slow jogging, or leisurely cycling can get blood moving without major muscle damage. Focus on keeping effort easy and relaxed.

Low-Intensity Yoga

Gentle yoga stretching can also set you up for success before a massage session. Simple flowing sequences or light holding of basic poses can awaken muscles gently without added strain. Again, keep effort minimal.

Warm Bath or Shower

If you dont have time for formal activity, consider taking a warm bath or shower before your appointment. The heat will mimic some effects of exercise by increasing circulation, raising tissue temperature, and relaxing muscles to aid the massage process.

The Takeaway

Getting in a good workout and receiving a high-quality massage therapy session can make for an extremely restorative and rejuvenating combination. However, exercise leads to strain on muscle tissues that may undermine massage benefits if not timed properly.

Allow muscles adequate time to recover after strenuous training before getting bodywork. Separate more intense workouts and massage sessions by at least 2 hours, or 1 full day if sore. Gentler activity like walking, yoga, or a warm bath may be beneficial prior.

Use some strategy in planning activity and massage timing to maximize the benefits of both. With a little forethought, you can craft an integrated self-care routine that leaves muscles totally relaxed and ready for more.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.