In winter we plan, in spring- we move! Even the sedentary bears come out of a long winter hibernation for spring training, so we gathered some tips to bring spring back into your step.

Massage, once considered just a luxury, is now known as the most effective recovery from fatigue. It is also the best way to both warm up/reactivate weakened muscles (1) and cool down/calm muscle spasms (2) from an intense athletic performance. Massage causes chemicals to be released within the body and pushes toxins out of muscles, promoting blood circulation in the skin while activating one’s metabolism. It alleviates achiness, stiffness, and cold hands, and it works to starve off destructive lactic acid build-up in the muscles, which as a result, invites in oxygen-rich blood.

Warming up the body with a shower beforehand (keep it short and not-too-hot) assists in circulation and effective recovery from fatigue. However on a psychological level, showering tends to leave us happier and more relaxed due to the increase of the body’s serotonin. One session boosts endorphins, providing a post-workout rush.

Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing therapy, dating back to 2,700 B.C. Archaeological evidence of this healing practice has been found in ancient civilizations including China, India, Japan, Korea, Greece and Rome (even Julius Caesar underwent daily treatments to treat nerve pain). Egyptian tombs have been discovered adorned with images of figures being worked on, and most of today’s elite athletes book one per week:Tom Brady's Facebook documentary gave an inside look at the bizarre types which he says help him keep playing at age 40; The Daily News reports that Kobe Bryant has his feet rubbed as part of his sports therapy; LeBron James tweets he now wants a full-time massage therapist. (According to BusinessInsider.com, LeBron reportedly spends $1.5 million per year to take care of his body which includes regular rubdowns.)

Western culture introduced the Sports Massage, which combines deep tissue manipulation with stretching methods to help prevent injury and promote flexibility. WWI soldiers were administered the technique in Western hospitals during the 1930’s to assist with nerve damage and shell shock. As the technique’s squeezing and pulling helps flush lactic acid away from the muscles, the body’s lymph fluid carry metabolic waste away from organs, resulting in lower blood pressure. If you have ever felt nauseous after a rubdown, it’s due to the increased amount of metabolic waste being transported out. Drinking more water afterwards is key.) 

Sports massage is a valuable component in most collegiate, professional, and Olympic training programs across the world, used by athletes in Europe throughout the 20th century, but was unknown in the U.S. until the 1972 Olympic Games when Finnish track athlete Lasse Virén credited deep friction massage to winning both the 5,000 and 10,000-meter runs. 

Records indicate that Sports Massage methods date back to 2700, B.C., when ancient Greek Olympians were rubbed with oils, herbs, and dirt with the goal of creating a better champion. This remains a very accurate view of what the practice can do to this day, and elite athletes recognize this fact. Golf pro Justin Thomas reveals that "assisted stretching is a big part of my training."

Decades of research shows that massaging remote areas of the body towards the heart is effective in lowering stress and blood pressure, which are contributors of heart disease, the number one killer of people in the United States. Note that gentle, light pressure is actually more effective and responsive than a harder technique.

Rubdown bare skin with a well-formulated cream or gel (3) makes relaxing the muscle much easier. Changing the area of the hand used to massage has different effects, too: the thumb is used to target and pinpoint special areas of pain; (4) the base of the hand is best for massaging large areas of the body. Always knead with the sides of thumb and the index finger, never grasping the fragile area of skin with your fingertips. So if boosting your immunity, improving your sleep and reducing your stress rubs you the right way, #Book AMassage2day.

(1)  PHITEN WARMING UP GEL. Warms up the muscles in the applied area and prepares the body for a workout.

(2)  PHITEN RELAX GEL  Gives off a cooling sensation which helps muscle to relax post-workout.

(3) Treat your body to Phiten METAX CREAM or Phiten METAX LOTION after a hard workout for everyday body care. Both formulated with PHITEN’s AQUA-GOLD, AQUA-PALLADIUM and various ores. 

(4) Phiten DISC TAPES or METAX BODY TAPES help pinpoint use. Simply stick one to your area of concern or discomfort.