Let’s settle this once and for all—is it better to get a massage before you hit the gym or after you’ve crushed your workout? If you’ve ever wondered this while lying on a massage table or stretching before a squat session, you’re not alone. In my decade-plus of working as a massage therapist in Ferndale, I’ve had this convo with athletes, weekend warriors, and even people just trying to get through yoga without groaning.

Massage Before a Workout: Boost or Bust?

What Happens When You Massage First

Getting a massage before a workout can:

  • Increase circulation
  • Loosen tight muscles
  • Improve range of motion

Think of it like a warm-up with benefits. Your muscles get that extra blood flow and nervous system wake-up call.

Who It’s Great For

  • Runners or lifters needing to loosen hips or hamstrings
  • Anyone recovering from injury and looking to avoid re-tightening
  • People doing low-impact or flexibility-based workouts

Watch Out For This

Massage can sometimes leave you a little too relaxed. If your therapist went deep, you might feel wobbly or unfocused. Definitely not ideal if you’re about to max out on deadlifts.

Massage After a Workout: Recovery Gold

Why Post-Workout Massage Rocks

After intense movement, massage helps:

  • Reduce soreness (hello, DOMS prevention)
  • Flush metabolic waste
  • Speed up muscle recovery

I always tell my clients, “It’s like pressing reset on your muscles.”

Perfect Time to Book

  • Right after a heavy lift day
  • After long cardio sessions
  • During your rest or deload week

Quick Tip

Make sure you hydrate and refuel before your massage. You’ll feel way better during and after.

So, Which Is Better?

Honestly? It depends on your goals.

  • Need to improve performance? Try a gentle pre-workout massage.
  • Need to recover faster? Go for a post-workout massage.

Personally, I lean toward post-workout sessions—especially for anyone dealing with chronic tightness or pushing a new PR. That’s when the real magic happens.

Common Scenarios (And What I Recommend)

“I’m new to working out and always sore.”

Post-workout massage. Your muscles need TLC.

“I sit all day and my back’s a mess before I even move.”

Pre-workout massage. Loosen up first.

“I do HIIT. It wrecks me.”

Definitely post-workout. You’ll thank me later.

“I’m training for a race.”

Mix it up! Light massage before a run, deeper work on rest days.

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here. Your body will tell you what it likes. Some people feel energized with a pre-workout session, others need that recovery window. Try both. Pay attention. Adjust.

Because at the end of the day? A smart massage routine can take your fitness game to a whole new level.

Call-to-Action

Whether you need to prep your body for a big workout or recover after one, we’ve got your back—literally.

Visit us at Flawless Face & Body in Ferndale, MI
Call (248) 818-3842 to book
Schedule online at flawlessfaceandbody.com
Let’s make massage part of your wellness routine, not just a treat!