Is it better to get a massage then gym or gym then massage?

Author: Jordon Heathcote III  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

If you prioritize injury prevention, increased range of motion, and mental preparation, a pre-workout sports massage might be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you're focused on muscle recovery, relaxation, and injury rehabilitation, a post-workout massage may be more beneficial.

Is it better to get a massage before or after the gym?

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.

Can I go for a massage after the gym?

Yes, getting a massage after a workout can be beneficial. Here are some advantages: Muscle Recovery: Massage can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness by increasing blood flow and promoting the removal of metabolic waste products.

Is it better to use a massage machine before or after a workout?

If you're looking for performance benefits, use it before a workout. Use it after a workout if you're looking for muscle recovery benefits. It's not just your muscles that benefit from the massage gun, though. Your lymphatic system also gets a good workout, which helps to remove toxins from the body.

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.

Can I go to the Gym After a Massage?

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.

How often should you get a massage if you workout?

If you're training heavily or preparing for an important competition, a weekly massage might be beneficial. Regular massages during this time help maintain muscle flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and optimize muscle function.

Should I take a shower before a massage?

Take a warm shower

First, the warm water will begin allowing your mind and body to relax making it more open to receiving massage. By cleaning your body prior to a massage, you can also mitigate some personal hygiene insecurities, if you have any, plus it is greatly appreciated by your massage therapist.

Do massage guns break up lactic acid?

Lactic acid builds up in your muscles after exercise or other activity. This build-up often causes pain and soreness. When you use a massage gun after a workout, the percussion forces muscle fibers to release lactic acid, reducing the soreness you'll feel.

Is it better to stretch or massage after workout?

Sports massage is great for releasing lactic acid buildup in muscles that are sore from overuse or intense exercise while stretching is better suited for increasing flexibility and range of motion. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which method works best for your body's specific needs.

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How do I know if I need a deep tissue massage?

General aches, pains, and stiffness are sure signs that you need a deep-tissue massage.

Is it good or bad to workout after a massage?

While strenuous exercise is generally discouraged, light activities like walking, gentle stretching, or swimming at an easy pace are usually acceptable after a massage. These activities can help to promote blood flow and further aid in recovery without putting excessive strain on your muscles.

Can I get a massage then go to the gym?

“How long should I wait to exercise after a massage or bodywork session?" A. Many therapists recommend clients avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after a bodywork session. Exercising after a session can both increase muscle soreness and compromise the value of the soft-tissue work you've just received.

Do muscles get stronger after massage?

The result is quicker muscle repair and growth, making massage an essential recovery tool for anyone looking to build muscle mass or maintain strength. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, regular massage therapy can speed up the recovery process between workouts, enabling consistent training and improved performance.

Is it better to go to the sauna before or after a 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.

Do massage guns break up muscle knots?

In terms of effectiveness, muscle massage guns have been shown to be highly effective in treating muscle knots. One study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that using a massage gun for just one minute on each trigger point led to significant reductions in pain and discomfort.

Do you pee out lactic acid?

To study the excretion of lactic acid after exercise, urine was collected in ten minute periods and was analyzed for lactic acid by Clausen's method. After one or two minutes of strenuous exercise the lactic acid excretion rose from a normal of about 2 mg. in ten minutes to about 150 mg.

Can a massage gun break up fat?

Massage guns are designed to help improve muscle recovery, increase blood flow, and reduce muscle soreness and tension. While using a massage gun may help to improve circulation, it is not designed to burn fat directly.

What not to do during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How often should you get a massage?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

Is it okay to sleep after a massage?

Rest. If clients are feeling tired or fatigued after a deep tissue massage, one of the best things they can do is rest. Whether it's mental or physical fatigue, a nap, a good night's sleep or simply just doing nothing for a while can be incredibly restorative and help the body to re-tune itself.

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.

Does insurance cover massage therapy?

Massage therapy can be costly, but your insurance company may help to cover the costs. Additionally, you may be able to use FSA or HSA to cover the cost of medical massage. Either way, you will need a prescription from your primary care doctor for insurance even to consider helping with the costly treatments.

What is the best time of day for a massage?

It's always better to get your massage after you have exercised. If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning.

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