There is obviously some sort of fitness epidemic sweeping across the country. How else can the proliferating road races, duathlons, triathlons, half marathons, marathons and – for those with perhaps more fitness than sense – ultra marathons be explained
Well, it likely comes down to the sense of achievement that comes from conquering a challenge. When you put your name down for an event that is due to take place in two or three months’ time, you give yourself a clearly defined goal to work towards. As a result, you find that small changes start to occur mentally as you begin to re-organise your daily routines to accommodate your preparation. You endeavour to create openings in your day that will allow you to get out and get a run in; you start to think twice about over-indulging, knowing that every wasted training day could potentially drive a wedge between your goal and you.
But as your resolve strengthens, the rigours of training can bring about a slow deterioration of the body. Yes, rest is crucial. So too is making the effort to get the right nutrition by preparing healthy meals that will refuel your body and assist in its recovery.
However, sometimes injuries simply occur, and your training is inconveniently scuppered. Athletes at all levels know what this feels like: deeply frustrating – as if you’ve wasted your time; even worse – it is as if your goal seems to suddenly go up in smoke.
Which is why many now turn to sports massage as a training supplement.
Not only is sports massage therapy used in the treatment and prevention of sports injuries, but it is now a valuable aid to maximising performance levels. It is part of the pre-event routine at competitions and is also used in the wind down after an event. Trained sports massage therapists can play a crucial role in any sporting success. They can identify the causes of injury, provide effective treatment and improve the body’s resistance to such afflictions in the future. They know that muscles that are free from tension and aches are capable of more, and so with their help athletes of all ages and abilities can cross one finish line and start looking forward to another.
