Can you go to the gym before a sports massage?

Author: Miss Mercedes Ritchie  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

As deep relaxation and de-stress happens after a sports massage, we recommend that the best time for your treatment would be straight after a workout at the gym. There's no better way to unwind and prepare yourself for a fantastic night's sleep than through having a sports massage.

What not to do before a sports massage?

It is important to make sure you have enough energy to allow your body to recover from the roughness of the massage, however eating a large meal right before the session could cause you to feel unwell. Eating large meals can also lead to lethargy which will only be multiplied with a sports massage.

Can you go to the gym after a sports massage?

How Long Should You Rest After a Sports Massage? To experience the maximum benefits of a sports massage, you should rest for 24-48 hours after a massage to allow time for muscle recovery. You shouldn't workout within this timeframe, but you can partake in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle yoga.

Can I workout the same day I get a massage?

Massage and exercise are both part of a healthy lifestyle

After a massage, it is important to wait at least 24 hours before doing any strenuous exercise. Strenuous exercise includes running, weight lifting, high-intensity aerobics, power yoga and more.

Should you get a sports massage before or after a game?

Conclusion: After considering the benefits of pre-event and post-event sports massage, it's clear that both have pivotal roles in an athlete's regimen. Pre-event massage helps to prevent injury and prepare the body for intense performance, while post-event massage works to reduce soreness and accelerate recovery times.

8 Things to NEVER Do After a Workout

Can I work out before a sports massage?

As deep relaxation and de-stress happens after a sports massage, we recommend that the best time for your treatment would be straight after a workout at the gym. There's no better way to unwind and prepare yourself for a fantastic night's sleep than through having a sports massage.

Is it better to workout before or after a massage?

According to a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis, getting a massage after strenuous exercise can help alleviate DOMS and improve muscle performance. Previous research has also shown that post-workout massage is helpful in reducing muscle pain or soreness.

Is it better to shower before or after a massage?

A warm shower after a massage can be wonderfully soothing. Since massage oils and lotions are meant to do most of their work during the massage, not after it, you don't have to skip the shower for fear of washing away skin-friendly oils.

Is it OK to get 2 massages in one day?

It takes a good 48 hours for the system to rebalance after a deep massage, so at least a two day gap between massages is ideal. The frequency of sports massage is dependent on ones training schedule, however regular massage can help to maintain range of movement, flexibility and health of muscles.

Does giving a massage count as exercise?

The answer is certainly 'yes' – delivering massage therapy treatments for hours every day will definitely help many aspects of your physical fitness. That said, it doesn't provide all of the exercise you need.

Will I be in pain after a sports massage?

You will experience soreness for one to three days – depending on how new you are to sports massage, how regularly you have it and your general lifestyle, for example, hydration, stress and activity levels. The more consistent you are with sports massage, the less sore you'll feel afterwards.

Do you wear clothes during a sports massage?

For women, a sports bra or a comfortable tank top is suitable, while men can choose to wear a tank top or a T-shirt. It's important to note that during a sports massage, you may be asked to remove certain items of clothing to better access specific muscle groups. However, your comfort and privacy are always a priority.

Should you stretch after a sports massage?

#1 – Stretching: After your sports massage, you can do some light stretches to help release muscle tension and improve flexibility.

What are the disadvantages of sports massage?

Disadvantages of sports massages can include temporary soreness, discomfort during the session, and potential bruising. It's essential to communicate with your therapist to minimise any adverse effects.

Should you sauna before or after sports massage?

Sauna Before Massage

Firstly, the heat from the sauna can help to relax your muscles, making them more receptive to the massage. This can make the massage more effective and potentially more enjoyable. Secondly, the sauna can help to detoxify your body, which can enhance the detoxifying effects of the massage.

What to wear for a sports massage?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as T-shirts and loose shorts or joggers, for a sports massage for ease of movement and comfort during the session. Avoid restrictive clothing and heavy fabrics.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

Is a 60 or 90 minute massage better?

The longer you receive a massage, the deeper you can relax. During a 90 minute massage, your body has more time to fully relax, which can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. This deeper state of relaxation can also help to improve the quality of your sleep and promote better overall wellness.

Are massage guns good for you?

Massage guns are best to help loosen up tight muscles or the fascia tissue that surrounds them. The devices use a percussion rhythm that can get circulation going and ease muscle tension so you don't get sore after physical activity. They can also break up tightness or knots to improve your mobility or posture.

Should you workout before a massage?

BENEFITS OF A POST-WORKOUT MASSAGE

The key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising. According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training this can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMs) by a massive 30%.

How long after a massage can I workout?

Most experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours before engaging in heavy strength training after a massage. This allows your muscles time to recover and reap the full benefits of the massage.

Should I shave before a massage?

So do you need to shave before getting a massage? Our response to this FAQ is simple: it's entirely up to you and what you're most comfortable with. "It makes no difference to us, and it will not affect your massage" said Kurt, LMT at Williamsburg. "If you're comfortable not shaving, we're comfortable as well."

When should I get a sports massage?

You should get a sports massage regularly, especially after intense workouts or when experiencing pain, stiffness, or reduced flexibility, to maintain optimal muscle health and performance.

Which massage after gym?

There are different types of massage one can use to help with their recovery after workouts. These massages are similar but may have slightly different approaches and goals. Sports massage is used to treat common sports injuries and can include soft tissue massage, deep tissue massage and whole body massage techniques.

Does Planet Fitness have HydroMassage?

Experience HydroMassage™ at Planet Fitness

What are you waiting for? Experience the full benefits of relaxation and recovery by booking a HydroMassage™ session today.

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