BMF Blog

Combining massage & exercise

Written by Bonnie Hatcher | 20-Sep-2017 14:03:13

We’ve all had the importance of stretching drilled into us by our instructor, but did you know massages are a great way to help with your training regime too?

The team at Urban Massage have given us some pointers on how getting regular treatment can boost your workout results, as well as help with recovery.

Massage benefits people who work out regularly as it increases oxygen in the body, flushing out the lactic acid that builds up in your muscles during exercise. It reduces swelling in your muscles, lowering your chance of the dreaded DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Massage will also quite literally stretch your muscles out, improving your musculoskeletal system and posture over time. This means with regular treatments you can become more flexible. Planks will soon be no problem.

Fast recovery all depends on aftercare, so as well as ensuring you are properly rehydrated and refueled, it’s important to give you body time to destress after exercise. Massage can allows your muscles to unwind and return to their relaxed state, helping you to have quicker recovery times.

The most beneficial time to book your treatment would be after a BMF class, so you can loosen tight muscles and increase your blood flow, plus you’ll sleep better after massages which will boost your recovery, but you may also experience a clearer and calmer mind. If you’re training with us several times a week, getting a massage two or three times a month is ideal. When your body enters deep relaxation regularly it can create a major change in both your physical and mental health. This means you can forget aches and pains and instead focus on pushing yourself even further at your next BMF session.

There are a wide variety of styles to choose from and what one you pick is really up to you. If your instructor has worked you really hard (as they should!) and you’re feeling stiff, go for a deep tissue or sports massage. If you’re usually pretty limber and can do your Spotty Dogs with a smile, a classic Swedish massage may be better.

Ready to give it a try? BMF’ers get 15% off mobile visits from Urban Massage when you enter code BRITMILFIT into their app’s checkout.