Fitness & Massage: Your Body Deserves It

I can’t believe it’s Wednesday already! And you can call me a spoiled brat, but that’s what I am going to be doing tonight…

relaxation massage

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Okay, let the truth be told… I don’t look that glamorous when I’m getting a massage… Most of the time I’m on the verge of falling asleep… It’s important to highlight… On the verge… Why? Because most of the times I come back to reality from realization that I am about to drool… Yah… You got it right… But hey, no judgement here! *Haha!*

Also most of the times I feel like this.

Is_this_too_much_pressure

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I’m exaggerating here, of course. I actually like when a masseuse has strong hands. But you know that moment when they are trying to work your shoulder blades? Well, every single time, I think that something is about to crack. And yet, when they ask me if everything is okay, I say.

i__m_fine_by_destinyblue-d4e1b9e

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Am I normal? *Haha!*

In all seriousness though, I love Swedish massage. It appears that this kind of massage not only helps relaxation, but is also “exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension”, according to Massage Envy Spa.

However, to reap all benefits of a massage, you have to do a bit of ‘homework’ too. Remember to:

  • Drink lots of water, especially for the next 24-48 hours: This will help toxins to leave your body. *Check out these tips to stay hydrated.*
  • Take a warm shower or a nice bath with salts. Doing this will improve your blood circulation and bring relaxation to a whole new level.
  • Do some static stretching: hold your favorite yoga pose for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.Stretches will reducce post-massage soreness.I actually came across a cool image on one of my favorite blogs, Peanut Butter Fingers, today. You can use it for inspiration if you’d like.

Yoga-Poses-Hold-each-pose-for-30-seconds_thumb

  • Have a small snack to boost electrolytes in your body. Oh, I can’t believe I almost forgot to mention you about my favorite post-massage treat!

chocolate_covered_strawberries_recipe_plate_of_chocolate_covered_strawberries

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At the spa I go to, they serve chocolate covered strawberries in their relaxation area. Let me tell you, after I have 2 of them, I’m in heaven. *True story!*

Back to planet Earth… *Hehe!*

This is how my cross-train workout yesterday looked like.

Repeat 5 times:

10 push-ups
10 burpees
5 pull-ups
30-second sprint
1 minute rest

Then, with something heavy, repeat 4 times:

15 squats
Lunge walk 50 meters
10 chest-passes
10 underhand toss
1 minute rest

Strength: Ab 500 *This surely covers the 30 sit ups for 30 days challenge! See previous post.*

fitness-inspiration

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What is your favorite type of massage? How often do you treat yourself to one?

xoxo
Olena

 

15 Comments

Filed under Fitness, Health

15 responses to “Fitness & Massage: Your Body Deserves It

  1. Thank you for the tips! I got a spa certificate for my birthday and I plan on using it for a massage. I totally forgot the tip about drinking lots of water before I go. Thanks!

  2. absgoldberg

    I love massages!! I’ve never gotten a professional one but you can bet I plan on getting one in the future. I also like my massages on the harder side, it hurts in the moment but feels so good afterwards.

  3. I love your workout from yesterday!!! You always do top notch work!!! Way to go!! Have a great day!! XOXO!!!

  4. Larissa

    Oh man, the strawberries are killing me. Great tips! I never thought about that stuff in connection with massage.

  5. I LOVE massages, but I only get deep tissue, I get SO tight, so I really like them to work me hard and I’m usually sore the day after, but it’s a good sore!! I usually get a massage 4-5 times a year and then I get weekly leg massages at PT!

  6. I love massages too but I’m just like you, I’ll never tell them to ease up a little. And I like the strawberries, what a great way to end the spa day 🙂

  7. It’s been ages since my last massage, I really need to go get one!

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