Tag Archives: Message Therapy

Controlling the Variables

When preparing for any event, game, or competition it is absolutely necessary to put as much focus into controlling all of the things that you have the ability to control. It’s also important to understand that there will be many factors that are outside of your control. The main thing to keep in mind is that the chips will fall where they may. There is no use in worrying or getting worked up about things that are out of your hands. The only thing you can do is prepare to the best of your abilities while controlling as many variables as possible. The rest of the time you are just rolling with the punches. Sounds kinda like life, huh?

 

Below is a list of things that you can control in order to achieve the best results possible on the day of your event, game, or competition.

 

Training program: Although it is not necessarily the most important aspect as most people believe, a properly designed training program is certainly a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to your overall success. A program that is precisely planned will help you be better in all aspects of physical performance while also helping to keep you injury free.

 

Nutrition & Sleep: These are two areas that often go hand in hand, and in my opinion are two of the most important yet underrated aspects of overall performance. When you have a nutrition plan that works for both yourself and your goals, you will have more energy, you will recover better from your training sessions, and you will make better overall progress. Similar to this, the right amount of quality sleep will also have an overall affect on the same things. When incorporated together, they can have a huge impact on your overall performance and success.

 

Stress, attitude, and your response: We cannot always control some of the things that happen to us in our life, or in the world. But we do have control over how we choose to respond to those situations. Stressors are everywhere, and always seem to find us at the most inconvenient times. Through techniques such as meditation, visualization, positive self talk, advice from quality people, etc., you can control those stressors and even use them to benefit your training and performance.

 

Individual relationships/ people you choose to be around: Choose to be around good people who will lift you up and good things will happen. Chose to surround yourself with people who hold you back, and that’s exactly what will happen. Having the right people in your corner for guidance and support is absolutely necessary when you want to be your best. Quality individuals will always keep you on track when you’re heading in the right direction, and will put you in check when you veer off course. 

 

Control these variables, and you will give yourself the best chance to succeed. Do not worry about or focus on those other things that are out of your control. Prepare to the best of your abilities and good things will happen one way or another. Stay strong, my friends.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Gone are the days where massages are only available in luxury spas, resorts, and in NFL locker rooms. Many people are realizing the benefits of massage therapy for not only athletes, but for everyone! According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage acts to improve performance, reduce pain, prevent injury, encourage focus, and shorten recovery time. In a 2016 AMTA consumer survey, 78% of individuals surveyed claimed their primary reason for receiving a massage in the previous 12 months was medical (50%) or stress (28%) related. Perceptions on the reasons for massages are also changing. 71% of consumers agree that massage therapy should be considered a form of healthcare, not just a pampering perk for the rich and famous.

Sore from one of our classes? Good, you should be! Thanks to the benefits of massages on the muscular system, your body can actually recover faster. Massage affects the cardiovascular system by dilating blood vessels helping them work more efficiently to boost circulation, resulting in an increased flow of fresh oxygen and nutrients being delivered to your muscle tissue. This helps relieve tension and reduces soreness.

Studies show that massages are an effective treatment for reducing stress. Massages reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in lower blood pressure. Regular massages can help you manage anxieties and stress allowing for relaxing me time. According to the annual stress survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association: 25% of Americans surveyed experience high levels of stress. 50% of Americans surveyed report moderate levels of stress. That means that 75% of the individuals surveyed are chronically stressed out!

Insomnia knocking on your door? Believe it or not, massages can actually improve sleep. Studies have found a link between massages and healthy sleep. The common denominator? Delta waves. Delta waves are the brain waves connected to deep sleep. Massages increase delta waves, helping you to relax and fall asleep, without having to count sheep.

Did you know that Union Fitness has a massage room with a trained professional on staff? Marco Rigazio MS, LMT has been in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years! Marco has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from California University and is a licensed massage therapist with a special interest in neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue, and Swedish massage. Working with chiropractors and physical therapists, corrective exercise and tissue therapy has been a mainstay for the last 6 years.

Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a massage with Marco!

Sources:

http://www.apa.org/, www.amtamassage.org, www.livestrong.com, www.nccih.nih.gov, www.time.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.healthfitnessmag.com, www.cnn.com