Why is it bad to workout after a massage?

Author: Kristopher Buckridge  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

Since the muscles have been manipulated and stretched, they might not perform as expected, leading to a higher risk of strains, sprains, or even more severe muscle injuries. That's why it is important to wait at least 24 hours after a massage to workout.

Is it okay to workout after massage?

To ensure your body has time to recover after a sports massage, you should avoid heavy workouts for at least 24 hours after the massage. Heavy workouts may include running, weightlifting, and climbing. If you want to stay active, try partaking in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle stretches.

What shouldn't you do after a massage?

We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
  1. Not Drinking Enough Water. ...
  2. Take A Shower Immediately. ...
  3. Taking Hot Shower. ...
  4. Eating A Large Meal. ...
  5. Drinking Coffee. ...
  6. Drinking Alcohol. ...
  7. Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
  8. Stressing Yourself Out.

Is it bad to get a massage before working out?

“If you're looking to loosen up and get your muscles ready, a lighter, more dynamic massage can be great before exercise,” Goodrich says. “It helps increase blood flow, improves flexibility, and just gets your body primed for action.

Does massage affect gains?

While massage will not contribute to muscle growth directly, sport massage applied after heavy workout or after a day of competition, will allow muscles to recover faster and be ready for significant load on the next day.

Can I go to the Gym After a Massage?

Can you workout the same day as a massage?

“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.

Does massage break up fat?

In conclusion, while massage therapy may not directly burn fat like exercise does, it can still play a role in supporting your weight loss goals through improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, enhanced flexibility, and lowered stress levels.

How soon after a workout should I get a massage?

Research has determined that the very best time to receive a sports massage is 45 minutes after your workout of the day (WOD), but that the human body also benefits greatly from massage within the first 1-24 hours post-WOD.

When should I avoid getting a massage?

Contraindications of Massage Therapy
  1. Cuts or open wounds.
  2. Bruises.
  3. Varicose veins.
  4. Broken bones.
  5. Burns.
  6. Some skin conditions.

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 go out after a massage?

Try to avoid doing any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after your massage. This includes things like working out, yard work, or housework. Taking a nap or just relaxing on the couch with a good book are great ways to spend some time after a massage. Number four is not using heat or ice after a massage.

Can massage therapists feel knots?

In conclusion, yes, massage therapists can indeed feel knots in your muscles. Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

What shouldn't you do after a massage?

After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. If you have any questions about what to do or not do after a massage, please ask your massage therapist.

Can you sauna after a massage?

In addition to physical benefits, using a Near-Infrared sauna after a massage can enhance mental clarity and relaxation. The post-massage sauna session provides an opportunity to unwind further, allowing your mind to relax as your body continues to detoxify and recover.

How long do muscles hurt after a deep tissue massage?

Muscles typically hurt for 24-48 hours after a deep tissue massage. This is a normal response to the pressure applied to muscle fibres.

Is a 2 hour massage too long?

A two-hour session may seem to be a little extreme to some, but seasoned massage connoisseurs love it! It's not recommended for newbies to massage. Your therapist can provide specific Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage, Deep Tissue work, Cupping, and even some stretching and Range Of Motion within this massage length.

What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

Is it bad to get a massage before training?

“A massage before your workout can boost blood flow to your muscles,” Goodrich says. “This means more oxygen and nutrients are getting to your muscles, which can help them perform better. Plus, the increased circulation helps warm up your muscles, making them more flexible and less likely to get injured.”

Is it OK to workout after a massage?

Since the muscles have been manipulated and stretched, they might not perform as expected, leading to a higher risk of strains, sprains, or even more severe muscle injuries. That's why it is important to wait at least 24 hours after a massage to workout.

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.

Why does massage feel good?

As soon as your skin's nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high. As a result, stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline begin to decrease and the overall effect is one of euphoria and bliss.

Can you feel fat cells popping?

Like all balloons, fat cells will expand until they can't expand any more, but unlike balloons, they don't pop (thank goodness).

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