Staying Active with Massage

How Massage Can Keep You Moving on Your Fitness Journey

Have you ever started working out with big goals, only to get sidelined by an injury? It can be so frustrating! You finally decide to take care of your body, but then aches, pains, or even a pulled muscle slow you down. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

This January, I joined OrangeTheory to get in shape for my 50th birthday. My dream? A 50-mile backpacking trip to celebrate my strength and wellness in the second half of my life. But I’ve seen too many people wait too long to start taking care of their bodies, and when they do, it feels harder and harder to stay active. I didn’t want that to be me!

So, as part of my plan, I committed to regular massage therapy—and wow, has it made a difference! Twice a week, I see JJ Klingler, LMT at Soma for sports massage and Daniel Kler, LMT for cranial sacral therapy for two head injuries I had last year.

Their work has kept me moving, pain-free, and recovering faster than I ever expected. Normally, by March, an injury would have knocked me off track. But not this year! Thanks to massage (and a strong mindset), I feel stronger and more motivated than when I started.

And that got me thinking—why isn’t massage talked about more as part of a fitness journey? If you’re over 40 and trying to get in shape, massage might just be the missing piece to staying injury-free and consistent with your workouts.

Why Massage is a Game-Changer for Your Workout Routine

When you exercise, your muscles experience tiny tears—this is totally normal and helps them grow stronger. But if you don’t take care of your muscles, those little tears can turn into inflammation, stiffness, and even bigger injuries like sprains or tendonitis. This is where massage comes in!

Massage helps by:

✔ Increasing circulation so muscles heal faster.

✔ Breaking down knots that cause pain and limit movement.

✔ Reducing inflammation, helping your body repair itself.

✔ Improving flexibility, so you can move without strain.

Think of massage like an oil change for your car—it keeps everything running smoothly so you don’t break down!

5 Ways Massage Prevents Injuries (and Keeps You Moving!)

If you’re starting (or restarting) a fitness routine, your body is adjusting to new movements—this is when injuries are most likely to happen. Here’s how massage prevents those setbacks:

1. Loosens Tight Muscles Before They Become a Problem

Ever feel stiff and sore after a workout? That’s your muscles reacting to new movements. Massage relaxes them before they tighten up too much, so you can keep moving without discomfort.

2. Reduces Muscle Soreness (So You Don’t Quit!)

Soreness is normal when you work out, but too much pain can make you want to skip the gym. Massage flushes out waste products like lactic acid, helping your muscles recover faster—so you’re ready for your next workout.

3. Increases Flexibility for Safer Movement

If your muscles are too tight, they pull on your joints, making movements like squats and lunges harder (and more dangerous). Massage helps release tension, so your body moves properly and safely.

4. Helps You Notice & Fix Imbalances

Ever feel like one side of your body is tighter than the other? That can lead to injury over time. Massage improves body awareness, so you can correct posture and movement issues before they cause pain.

5. Releases Stress That Can Lead to Bad Form

When you’re stressed, your body holds tension—in your shoulders, back, and neck. This can throw off your form during workouts, making injuries more likely. Massage helps release that tension, so your movements stay smooth and safe.

What Kind of Massage is Best for Fitness Recovery?

Not all massages are the same! Here are the best types for workout recovery:

💪 Sports Massage – Focuses on muscles used in workouts, helping prevent injuries.

💆 Deep Tissue Massage – Breaks up tight knots that restrict movement.

🌿 Swedish Massage – Increases circulation and relaxation for faster recovery.

🎯 Trigger Point Therapy – Releases tight spots that cause pain and limit flexibility.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

For beginners, a biweekly or monthly massage can make a huge difference in preventing injuries and keeping your muscles happy. If you’re feeling extra tight or sore, you might want to schedule weekly sessions, especially in the first few months of your fitness journey.

DIY Massage: Easy Ways to Care for Your Muscles at Home

You don’t always need a professional massage to get relief! Try these simple self-care techniques between sessions:

🌀 Foam Rolling – Great for loosening tight muscles in your legs, back, and shoulders.

🎾 Lacrosse Ball Release – Helps target small, tight areas (like between your shoulder blades or under your feet).

🤸‍♀️ Stretching & Mobility Work – Keeps muscles flexible and reduces stiffness.

The Bottom Line: Massage Helps You Stay in the Game

Starting a workout routine is exciting, but injuries can stop your progress if you’re not careful. Massage isn’t just a luxury—it’s a powerful tool that helps your body stay strong, flexible, and pain-free so you can stick to your goals.

I’m proof that regular massage makes a difference. Instead of quitting by March, I feel stronger than ever—and I can’t wait to hit the trails for my 50-mile backpacking adventure!

So, if you’re starting (or restarting) your fitness journey, give massage a try. Your body will thank you—and you’ll enjoy a healthier, injury-free path to your goals!

👉 Want to feel the difference massage can make? Book a session this week and notice how much better your body moves and recovers!