There’s something so satisfying about feeling sore after exercising. Sure, it’s a little uncomfortable, but we love feeling like we’ve worked our muscles effectively—mild soreness is usually the result of having done minor damage to our muscles during a workout, and this damage can be indicative of muscle growth.
All of that said, it’s extremely important to prioritize rest and recovery if you want to get the most out of the time you’ve spent in the gym, and one of the best ways to do this is with a massage. Here are some of the benefits of and ways to utilize massage as part of a post-workout recovery routine.
Know Your Goals
There are dozens of different styles of massage, and with each different benefits that may be more or less relevant depending on what you’re looking to accomplish. If all you’re after is a little R&R, Swedish massage may be your best choice. If you’re looking to soothe and care for sore muscles, you may want to consider going for deep tissue treatment.
Try a Massage Gun
While nothing can compare to the feeling of human hands when it comes to massage, if you find yourself feeling sore more often than you’re able to make it to a massage therapist, try using a massage gun to relieve muscle tension and strain. We like Theragun products, though there are plenty of more affordable options on the market as well.
See a Professional
When using massage as part of your workout recovery routine, it’s important to know whether the pain or soreness you’re experiencing is normal or if anything more serious is wrong. It can be dangerous to use a massage gun or get certain types of massage if you have any injuries, so check with a professional before adding a massage to your regular recovery routine.
