Getting a massage after running something as intense as the London Marathon can do wonders for your body and recovery.
Here are the main benefits:
🦵 1. Speeds Up Muscle Recovery
Marathon running causes microtears in your muscle fibres – this is a normal response to harder exercise and is the way our body strengthens. Massage increases blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, speeding up healing.
🧘 2. Reduces Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) often hits a day or two after the race. A post-race massage can help reduce the severity and duration of that soreness by loosening tight muscles and flushing out lactic acid. No more walking like a duck!
💧 3. Improves Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
Massage helps move blood and lymph fluid through the body, which can reduce inflammation, swelling, and the buildup of metabolic waste.
😌 4. Relieves Tension and Mental Fatigue
Running 26.2 miles is physically and mentally exhausting. Massage promotes relaxation, reduces cortisol levels (stress hormone), and can give you a much-needed sense of calm.
🛌 5. Promotes Better Sleep
Recovery sleep is essential after a marathon. A relaxing massage can help you unwind and sleep more deeply, aiding overall recovery.
⚠️ A Few Tips:
- Timing matters: A light massage within a few hours post-marathon is great for flushing out waste and promoting circulation. Deeper tissue work is best a few days later, once initial soreness settles.
- Hydrate after: Drink plenty of water post-massage to help flush out toxins and reduce soreness.
Do you know someone running a marathon or half marathon either for themselves or a charity? Why not be the best friend ever and buy them a gift voucher for a massage – or maybe you’ve been the valiant self-sacrificing supporter and need a massage yourself! Have a Hot stones massage, truly unforgettable relaxing experience.
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