How Can a Massage Help Your Workout Routine?

A massage has important health benefits after resistance training, according to Celebrity Personal Trainer, Ramona Braganza.

How can it help?

A recent study by McMaster University found that a massage after a workout causes muscles to expand and to grow new mitochondria. The mitochondria are our cell’s ‘powerhouses’ which convert nutrients into energy.

How often?

Braganza, who has trained such stars as Jessica Alba and Halle Berry, advised that you schedule your massage into your workout plan. If you train five days a week, a weekly massage is best, she said. A fortnightly massage is recommended if you train four days, and if you train three days per week, a monthly massage will suffice. Health benefits of regular massages include stimulation of the lymphatic system, improved circulation, less fatigue, and a reduction of minor aches and stiffness.

When massage is a bad idea

However, keep in mind that there are times when a massage is best avoided. If you have any inflammation, a fever, high blood pressure, a hernia or a fracture it can be best to skip the massage.