Massage is an important part of any fitness program, and it has many physiological benefits. It increases venous return, which in turn increases blood flow and oxygen supply to all organs. This helps to relax the entire cardiovascular system and improve circulation throughout the body. Massage also activates the parasympathetic nervous system's “rest and digest” mode, helping to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
On top of that, massage can reduce stress hormones in the body while increasing levels of endorphins, hormones that make us happy. This makes it a great stress reliever and mood booster. Massage can also improve lymph flow, reducing excess lymph and toxins while eliminating pain and swelling. It also allows for important nutrients and oxygen to reach the cells by increasing blood circulation.
According to a recent study by researchers at McMaster University, deep massage after intense training caused muscles to enlarge and grow new mitochondria, the energy source of our cells responsible for converting nutrients into useful energy. This makes massage an essential part of any fitness program, especially when training with resistance.
