23/365 Ma-Ma-Massage

Friends and Fitness Enthusiasts,

I think that any time is a good time for a massage. There are many psychological benefits to having a massage. Naturally, you will be relaxed and feel good from the touch of another person, especially if that person is a loved one. Coaches have encouraged athletes to have massages post-exercise to decrease fatigue, increase blood flow through muscles, and help muscles recover faster. Articles from the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal suggest that this isn't really true but that there are other benefits to having a massage.


After a hard work out, we get that sore feeling either later in the day or 24-72 hours after our exercise. Exercise scientists at Ithaca College found that massages decreased the intensity of DOMS as well as affected the participants' perception of soreness (Hilbert, Sforzo, and Swensen S123). One study stated that massages help increase strength and flexibility after 10 weeks of therapy (Kokkonen, and Allred 47) . However, other studies disagree and there isn't much evidence to support their claim.

Something neat is how massages affect your metabolism. This is how much energy you burn when you're resting, sleeping, exercising, whatever. One study showed that metabolism increases while a person is getting a massage as well as 15 minutes after it is finished  (Pocklington, and Repovich S72). How wonderful! You burn calories and feel great just by lying there and having someone massage you.

So find your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, masseuse, or whoever. Ask them for a massage and treat them to one too. You'll both feel relaxed, refreshed, less sore and limber.

In health,

Lauren

Hilbert, J E, G A Sforzo, and T Swensen. "The Effects of Massage on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 33.5 (2001): S123. Print. 

Kokkonen, J, and J Allred. "The Effects Of Chronic Sports Massage On Strength And Flexibility." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 34.5 (2002): 47. Print.

Pocklington, A J, and W E. S. Repovich. "The Effects of Massage on Metabolism." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 34.5 (2002): S72. Print.