5 reasons why massage after a workout is a must

The content of the article

• Improves recovery
• Relieves muscle pain
• Increases flexibility
• Improves blood flow
• Relieves stress, improves mood

Any physical activity is stress for the body. Even with regular exercise, the muscles may periodically hurt or remain in tension. Post-workout massage will help reduce pain, speed up blood flow and reduce the risk of injury..

Improves recovery

After intense physical exertion, microcracks appear on the muscles. For their healing, enhanced oxygen circulation is needed. Restorative massage after training warms the muscles, accelerates blood flow in the veins, so microcracks heal faster.

During massage, severe pain may occur. It will allow you to determine the place of possible damage and make it clear that these muscles should not be strained in the next training session. Restorative massage – excellent prevention of unwanted injuries in the future.

Relieves muscle pain

Massage after fitness or other sports reduces pain symptoms. During kneading, the body warms up, toxins are eliminated. This is especially useful for beginners, since muscle pain is acute after the first training session. With subsequent regular exertion, it is almost not felt.

Causes of muscle pain:

1. As a result of micro-fractures, many free radicals are formed, excess water enters the cells. Their outer shells swell, irritating pain receptors.
2. Muscles accumulate lactate (lactic acid). It also acts annoyingly on nerve endings..
3. Imbalance of salts, which is caused by heavy loads and exacerbates pain sensitivity.

Increases flexibility

The use of kneading the body also lies in the fact that it makes the joints more mobile. This procedure reduces muscle tone, which prevents tissue elasticity. Massaging for flexibility is slightly different from restoring. During it, smooth movements are used, constantly increasing the amplitude. Such movements stretch muscle fibers, contribute to good stretching in the next workout..

Improves blood flow

Normal blood circulation is the key to the health of organs and tissues, because blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to them. Violation of this process leads to a malfunction of the body. Regular massage to relax muscles cope with blood stasis and prevent them.

Relieves stress, improves mood

Kneading the body is also beneficial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Studies have shown that regular procedures reduce chronic pain of any nature and improve the quality of night sleep. Massage sessions increase blood levels of oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins (hormones of happiness), lower cortisol levels (responsible for stress).

After the massage, the person feels relaxed, but not tired. The session allows you to restore the energy spent during training. The stiff muscles become soft, the strength disappears. Thanks to stroking movements you can achieve a pleasant state of rest. Energetic techniques do not cause positive emotions, so they are never used at the end of the session.