“It’s important to know that at the end of the day it’s not the medals you remember. What you remember is the process—what you learn about yourself by challenging yourself, the experiences you share with other people, the honesty the training demands—those are things nobody can take away from you whether you finish twelfth or you’re an Olympic Champion.”
-Silken Laumann, Canadian Olympian
As the weather warms up, we see more people outside running. These people may be training for a marathon, losing weight, maintaining weight, or just unwinding after a long day. No matter what the reason, there is one thing in common, each one of them will understand the exhaustion that comes with running. So, it is no surprise to find out that runners LOVE massages! Not only do they help you feel relaxed, but it will also help speed recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and improve circulation.
What type of massage is best for runners?
- Swedish Massage: Beneficial before big competitions!
- Utilizes a specific skill set of massage techniques to include effleurage (sliding movements), kneading, rubbing, and vibration. This type of massage is very therapeutic because it encourages manual lymphatic drainage. After a weeks of training, head to Bellezza Spa and book an appointment to get your legs back in working order!
- Deep Tissue Massage: Find relief from those “tight spots!”
- One of the more common types of massages for runners because it focuses on stretching fascia, which is the three-dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports the body’s muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Therapists will use their fingers, thumbs, fists and forearms to stretch your muscles and fascia layers. This will relieve those tight spots that most runners suffer from.
How often should you get a massage?
To be honest, this is completely up to you because it depends on your budget, training, and preferences. I would personally recommend once a month or at least before and after your big race.
What are things to watch out for?
- Runners love to hydrate before and after a run, but runners also forget to hydrate after a massage. Drink lots of water after your massage to help flush out toxins and waste products that were released from tight muscles during your session.
- Massages should not hurt or bruise. If you find yourself in pain, let the therapist know immediately so that they can adjust the pressure. Massages are meant to help you relax and heal, and this is different for each person. Some people love deep tissue with a lot of pressure, but others prefer the light pressure from the Swedish massage. Find what works for you and speak up!
Our therapists will always communicate with you to understand and respect your comfort level. At Bellezza Spa, we understand that each person is different and has different needs, which is why we created the Custom Therapeutic Massage. Being a runner requires discipline, and the best way to help you stay focused and reach those goals is to get a Custom Therapeutic Massage and add on the Foot Scrub and Massage.
Relax. Refresh. Run.