Massage has been practiced for thousands of years for its relaxation benefits, stress reduction, and promotion of overall well-being. However, its benefits extend beyond just relaxation. Massage therapy has become an essential tool for athletes of all levels and individuals who exercise regularly to maximize their fitness performance. As a result, it is gaining popularity among entrepreneurs who recognize the growing demand for its benefits, making it a smart business investment.

According to a recent study by the American Massage Therapy Association, 63% of people who receive massage therapy do so for health and wellness reasons, including improving their fitness performance.

“One of the main benefits of massage for fitness enthusiasts is its ability to enhance post-workout recovery,” says Terrie Yardley-Nohr, LMT, Director of Massage Therapy at MassageLuXe. “After a strenuous workout, muscles can become sore and fatigued, leading to decreased performance during subsequent workouts. Massage has been shown to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and increase range of motion, all of which can help to speed up the recovery process and allow for more frequent, intense workouts.”

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Yardley-Nohr is one of the best witnesses to the evolution of massage therapy from a luxury indulgence to a mainstream must – especially when it comes to sports and fitness.

“Massage can prevent injury by improving flexibility and reducing the risk of muscle strains and tears. By increasing range of motion, we can help athletes to perform movements with greater ease and efficiency, which can lead to better performance and reduced risk of injury,” adds Yardley-Nohr. “Regular visits to a massage therapist can also help to prevent the development of adhesions and scar tissue, which can cause pain and limit mobility.”

Another benefit of massage for fitness performance is its ability to enhance mental focus and concentration. Many athletes struggle with anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact their performance. Massage has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels by lowering cortisol levels, which can help athletes to feel more relaxed and focused during competition and training.

Massage can also help to improve overall cardiovascular health, which is essential for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. By increasing circulation, massage can help to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, which can enhance endurance and reduce fatigue. Additionally, massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart rate variability, both of which are important indicators of cardiovascular health.

Finally, massage can be used to improve sleep quality, which is crucial for athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates, which is essential for recovery and performance. Massage has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which can help athletes to get a more restful night's sleep.

The wellness experts at MassageLuXe, the fast-growing massage and spa franchise with more than 75 locations nationwide, report a marked increase in the number of clients of all fitness levels coming into their spas to help improve their workouts, prevent injuries, and speed up recovery.

“As a runner I find it very important to get a massage regularly to help stretch and work on my muscles I’m using. During my marathon training I was getting a massage at least every other week. This really helped me prevent from getting any injuries and keeping my muscles loose and ready for my next running adventure,” says Christine Kent, a MassageLuXe client in St. Louis, MO. “ I have trained for marathons without getting a massage regularly and found that my muscles would be tight and sore and I would have a lot of pain in my legs. I will never train for a marathon without getting regular massages during my training.”

Brandon Thomas, a MassageLuXe client in Grapevine, Texas adds, “MassageLuXe has been a game changer in my overall health. When I started coming a year ago, I was overweight and struggling to work out because of all the pain in my muscles and joints. The work I have had done has helped me to maintain my workout plan and helped me to lose 80lbs!”