You may be surprised but the answer is YES! Scientists now confirm what massage therapists have always known: massage can be a powerful and effective weight-loss tool. By improving your body’s resilience, aiding muscle nutrition and flexibility, and supporting your mental and emotional well-being, massage can take your weight-loss plan to a whole new level.
Massage on its own can’t help you lose the pounds but with exercise and diet massage can boost the results you see. The relationship between massage and weight loss is the result of many things working together, including better injury prevention and healing. Massage helps in breaking down scar tissue and other adhesions. This aids in recovery time and over all muscular health. Massage therapists also work to improve your flexibility and range of motion. This makes you less likely to hurt yourself, meaning more productive and pain-free hours in the gym. But the benefits don’t end there.
When you receive a massage, you’re directly impacting the circulatory system. By constantly moving blood to body tissues, your massage therapist increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients your muscles receive. Recovery is just as important as the work you put in.
Make It Work For You
We all know losing weight isn’t easy. But, it can be easy to incorporate massage into the healthy lifestyle you’re building. Make sure your massage therapist about your new goals and fitness plan so that treatments can be customized to your body’s specific needs. The more information you can provide to your therapist the better off you will be. A lot of this will be covered during the intake process with questions about your medical history, injury and any medications you may be on. This only aids your therapist in tailoring a treatment just for you.
Weekly massages are ideal, but you can reap plenty of benefits from monthly visits, too. Your massage therapist will work with you to set a specific schedule of appointments that fits with your workout routine, as well as your finances. Don’t be concerned if your MT wants to see you more often at the beginning of your plan–this is normal, and helps him or her to get to know your body’s way of handling stress and exertion.
It’s Ok to be a little self-conscious
While, it’s natural for anyone to feel a little self-conscious at first about undressing for a massage. If you’ve put off massage therapy because you’re embarrassed about your body shape, take heart: massage therapists are sensitive to your concerns and don’t want you to feel ashamed. They are used to seeing all shapes, sizes, and conditions of the body. A well-trained massage therapist has an entirely clinical perspective, no different than any other health-care worker.
Throughout the course of a massage, clients are discretely draped under a sheet, with the therapist only uncovering the body part being worked on. Of course, you can always wear swim attire or undergarments during your massage, it’s all about what makes you feel comfortable. Although, some undergarments can hamper the therapist’s ability to treat curtain muscle groups. Remember, rest easy in the knowledge that your massage therapist has been trained to nurture and help you without passing judgment. It is there job to make you comfortable and to address any issues you may have.
The Power of Touch
It’s easy to overlook your emotional health when planning a new diet and exercise regimen, it’s the primary factor determining your weight-loss success. Massage is a way to stay mentally on track as a reward and as a tool to keep your body healthy. Your massage therapist can also act as a cheerleader who celebrates your victories with you and helps keep you positive and committed.
Regular massage is all about connecting your mind with your body. As you continue to get massage you’ll naturally become more aware of your body’s needs and more motivated to meet them.
Adding massage to your routine is one way to treat yourself while still staying on track.
