With all the hard work and training that goes into preparing for a race, you want to ensure that you are as ready as you can be for the big day. Does your current preparation for a race include a pre-race sports massage? If not, why not?!
Your body can benefit greatly from a pre-race sports massage, let’s explore.
Benefits
- Increased blood flow
- Remove lactic acid
- Increased flexibility
- Reduce anxiety
- Enhance recovery
There are numerous benefits of pre-race sports massage. The main reason is that sports massage improves the blood flow to your muscles. The importance of this is that any by-products of exercise, such as lactic acid, will be flushed from your muscles. This increase in blood flow also brings a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles which helps them perform at their best.
As if that wasn’t enough to convince you on the benefits of pre-race sports massage, you can also expect to see some increased flexibility and decreased muscle tension as a result. Your sports massage therapist will employ a range of techniques which will help to relax and lengthen your muscles which will allow you to move more freely and fluidly for your big event.
Do you tend to feel anxious in the days leading up to your event? A pre-race sports massage can be just the thing to add to your pre-race routine to help you feel more relaxed. Sports massage can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which can help you to feel more relaxed and ready to face the upcoming challenge.
Timing
One thing to note about pre-race sports massage is when to have one. It’s best to have your pre-race sports massage a few days before your race. This allows time for the muscles to recover and for any feeling of heaviness in the legs to subside. Then you’ll be ready to get your PB!
Have you got any questions about the benefits of pre-race sports massage or want to book in? Contact us here
Author: Laura McLean