There's a lot of claims to the benefits of massage. Some studies have demonstrated that massage helps to repair tissue faster, rid the body of toxins and make your muscles less stiff. And above all this, it feels great! However, one claim has many people confused and misled. Some massage therapists have actually made the ridiculous claim that massage helps with fat loss. Fat can only be mobilized, utilized and burned by muscles! It can't be rubbed, massaged, kneaded or pounded away!
Do you remember those old fashion exercise machines where you sat on rollers and attempted to roll away your fat? Well, those machines were quickly discarded.
Or the machines with the belt that tried to shake your fat off? They were just humiliating and completely ineffective! The theory behind the massage and fat loss relationship is that the massage will loosen up the fat so you can burn it more easily. This doesn't happen and even if it did, the fat would be released from the fat cells and would travel to the muscles to be used but the muscles wouldn't be doing anything so the fat would just turn around and go and find another fat cell to settle into.
Look folks, there's no easy way out to fat loss. Exercise and a healthy diet are your magic prescription!
There are numerous types of massage which could make it confusing for the new consumer. You should be able to get a flyer or brochure from any Massage Therapist that will list the different types of massage and the suggested benefits. We suggest you try out a number of different types until you find the one that feels best to you. Some people only enjoy relaxation massages and cringe at the thought of the deep, therapeutic touch. And then there are those who only respond to the "elbow in your leg" mega-strength type pressure that only big and brawly masseuses can offer.
Regardless of the benefits, you'll always leave a massage session feeling on top of the world. |
