For those of us heading into the new year wanting to shed a few pounds (or a lot of pounds! ahem) to achieve better health and fitness, massage therapy can be a powerful ally. Here is how adding massage to your routine helps the process:
1. It accelerates muscle recovery. Are you cursing the stairs after leg day? I feel your pain. The good news is that the post-workout soreness we experience when starting a new fitness regime can be greatly reduced with massage therapy. By increasing blood flow and lymphatic circulation, massage helps nourish our muscles with oxygen and nutrients while flushing out metabolic wastes that accumulate in our tissues. When your muscles feel better sooner, you can get more out of your next workout. If you dread exercise because you’re sore for days, you won’t stay consistent—and consistency is key to developing greater fitness, health, and weight loss.
2. It reduces cortisol and targets visceral fat. Massage therapy is proven to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone that contributes to weight gain, particularly in the mid-section. This type of weight gain, known as visceral fat, is the most dangerous for our long-term health. It builds up around internal organs like the heart, liver, and lungs, causing them to work harder. By managing stress through massage, you help lower the risks associated with heart disease, respiratory issues, and liver dysfunction.
3. It improves sleep quality. We all know how crucial sleep is for weight loss. It is far easier to make good choices—like working out and eating healthy—when we aren’t wiped out from a lack of rest. As a bonus, not only will you sleep better, but studies suggest that the relaxation benefits of a 60-minute massage can rival the restorative power of a full night’s sleep. You get the benefits both during your session and long after you leave the table.
4. It boosts metabolism. Along with reducing muscle soreness and fatigue, the increase in circulation from massage therapy can support your metabolic processes. A healthier metabolism helps your body burn calories more efficiently, which naturally supports your weight loss efforts.
Make 2026 Your Healthiest Year Yet
If you want to become the fittest, healthiest, and strongest version of yourself this year, massage therapy can absolutely help you get there.
Consider making regular treatments a pillar of your new wellness regime. It is an effective, feel-good way to support your fitness and nutrition goals simultaneously. If you are looking for massage therapy in Lethbridge, the team at Abundant Holistic Health is here to help. Whether you need deep tissue work for gym recovery or a relaxation massage to lower stress, our Lethbridge clinic is ready to support you.
Contact us today to book your appointment, and let’s work together to make 2026 your best year ever!