Using massage guns in pre-workout routines has become something of a trend in recent years as people look to gain an edge in their fitness journey.
Pre-workout routines are a great way to prepare your body for a workout and have been made even easier with the advent of massage guns.
Widely known as percussive massagers, these handheld devices release rapid bursts of deep pressure that reach into your deep tissue muscles to provide a number of benefits that just can’t be achieved with any regular tool.
They are lightweight, easy to use, and can be used on any part of the body. If you're looking to add a massage gun to your pre-workout routine, you must know that there are certain steps to take in order to get the most out of it.
That's what we'll be exploring in this article. From how to use a massage gun to the benefits of using one, we'll give you everything you need for a better quality of life.
Let's dive in!
Using Massage Guns Effectively in Pre-workout Routines
Using a massage gun right before a workout is a great way to get your connective tissues ready for the physical activity to come.
Follow these steps to get started:
Choose the right attachment
With your body's muscles now warmed up, it's time to make use of your massage gun.
However, this begins with choosing an attachment head that fits in with the muscle group you're looking to target. Percussion massage guns usually come with several attachment tips to choose from, each designed to work on different muscle groups.
For example, a bullet-shaped tip is great for targeting smaller and harder-to-reach areas like the shoulder or calf muscles, while a flat head attachment can be beneficial for larger muscle groups such as the back and chest.
Other attachments, such as the ball or fork attachment, can be used for general massaging.
Find the right pressure setting for your needs
Once you've chosen the right attachment for your pre - workout massage, it's time to work on your body's muscles.
Make sure to select the right intensity level for your massage gun in order to get the most out of it. Modern-day massagers like the Fusion Elite are specially designed with a number of intensity levels that can be set according to your needs.
With the right intensity set, move on to the next step.
Focus on areas with more tension
When using a massage gun in your pre-workout routine, it's important to focus on the areas of your body that have more tension than others.
Doing so will help you loosen up the muscles and get them ready for the workout ahead.
Start by applying the massage gun to your neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, or any other muscle group that feels tight. This will help relax the muscles and reduce any underlying tension that could affect your performance.
Increase intensity level while massaging slowly
While massaging your body's muscles, make sure to move slowly with the massage gun as you increase the intensity.
This will ensure that each muscle group gets an adequate amount of massage pressure while avoiding any type of discomfort. It's important to remember that all of your body muscles should be worked on equally with this powerful tool and not just focused on one area for too long.
After you've finished a full-body massage with the massage gun, it's time to cool down. Read on to learn how.
Follow up with a cool-down
With your massage gun session now complete, it's time to wrap up with a cool down.
This can be achieved by stretching your body's muscles, going for a light jog, or taking part in some calm physical activities such as yoga. Make sure to hold each stretch for around 30 seconds and repeat as necessary.
This will help relax your muscles and make them more flexible for the workout ahead. Once your body's muscles are now relaxed and ready, you can move on to your actual workout.
So there you have it: getting a massage right before your massage session can help make your routine a lot more effective and enjoyable.
With a massage gun, it's even easier than ever to get a deep tissue massage from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is follow the steps outlined above, and you'll be ready to hit the gym like a pro!
Next, we'll dive into just some of the top benefits of using a massage gun so that you can make an even more informed decision.
Top Benefits of Using Massage Guns in Pre-workout Routines
From better focus to enhanced muscle recovery and improved circulation, there are several reasons why adding a percussive therapy device to your pre-workout routine can be beneficial.
Here are a few ones to keep in mind:
Enhanced athletic performance
Ranking first on the list of many benefits that come with using a massage gun right before your workout session is enhanced athletic performance.
As you may well know, participating in a high-intensity workout requires your muscles to be properly warmed up and ready for the challenge. Using a massager beforehand can help get your body's muscles ready, thus improving your performance on the field or at the gym.
With benefits like improved flexibility, you'll be able to move your body more freely and with greater ease. Making a massage gun part of your pre-workout routine can also help reduce the risk of muscle injuries.
Increased flexibility
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of getting a percussive massage before a workout session is the increased flexibility it can bring to your muscles.
Massage guns help to loosen tight muscles and increase range of motion, making it easier for professional athletes to perform deeper stretches with greater ease. This can improve both performance and muscle recovery time since muscles are less likely to become strained or fatigued during exercise.
You'll also experience less muscle pain and soreness after even a tough workout as muscle fibers become more elastic, allowing them to move freely.
Better blood flow
One of the most important benefits of using a massage gun in pre-workout routines is improved blood flow.
Percussion massage guns help to keep circulation strong in the body, which can lead to better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to muscle tissues. This helps reduce inflammation and soreness, while also allowing for faster post-workout recovery.
What's more, increased blood flow can help improve overall performance by making muscles more efficient and allowing them to work harder for longer.
Reduced muscle soreness
Taking part in any workout session can leave your muscles feeling sore and tender.
That's why most athletes make use of massagers right before a workout session to help reduce the risk of muscle soreness and fatigue.
How does this transpire?
Well, when you get a massage before a workout, the deep tissue massagers help to break down lactic acid buildup in muscles, reduce tension, and increase circulation throughout the body. This can help improve overall performance while also helping to reduce muscle soreness during and even after massage gun therapy.
Better focus
If you're on the list of many people looking to improve their focus and concentration, then a pre-workout massage with a massager can be extremely helpful.
Studies have shown that using percussive massage guns prior to exercise can lead to better cognitive functioning and mental clarity. This is achieved by the production of endorphins, which are known to boost mood, reduce stress, and promote better concentration. This can be beneficial for athletes who need to stay focused during intense physical activity.
With better focus, athletes can make more informed decisions during their workouts, resulting in better performance.
Fast recovery time
Taking part in any workout session can leave your muscles feeling tight and fatigued.
That's why promoting fast recovery times has become increasingly important for anyone who wants to stay on top of their game.
Getting a massage right before your workout session can help improve muscle recovery time, allowing your muscles to repair and recover faster.
With percussion therapy, benefits like improved blood flow, breakdown of lactic fluid buildup, and increased flexibility can all make for a more efficient post-workout recovery.
The benefits of incorporating a massager into your pre workout routine are wide-ranging and can be beneficial for athletes of all levels.
Not only does it help to reduce muscle soreness, improve blood flow, and increase flexibility, but it can also ensure that you stay focused and on top of your game during your workouts. So, if you're looking for an effective way to enhance your workout routine, look no further than a massage gun!
Let's explore just how you can enjoy maximum benefits for even better athletic performance during your workout.
How to Maximize Benefits of Using Massage Guns in Pre-workout Routines
While adding a massage gun to your pre-workout routine can be beneficial for athletes, it's important to note that there are certain steps you should take in order to maximize it.
Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your massage gun:
Warm up your body muscle
One of the most important ways to maximize the benefits of using a massage gun is to warm up your muscles before using one.
This can be achieved by performing a light stretching routine or taking a hot shower. Warming up your muscles helps to promote better blood flow and reduce tension, allowing for deeper penetration of the massage gun and improved results.
What's more, it helps to prevent any potential injuries that could be caused by using the percussion massagers on cold muscles. Stretching routines that can be used prior to a massage gun session include dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and myofascial release.
If you're opting for a warm bath, then make sure to use warm rather than hot water.
Hydrate
Hydration is essential for any workout routine, and using a massage gun prior to exercise is no exception.
Dehydration can put unnecessary stress on the body, especially during an intense workout, leading to muscle fatigue, cramping, and reduced performance. To ensure you reap the full benefits of your massage gun session, make sure you stay hydrated before and even after your pre-workout routine.
This way, you can maintain your energy levels and maximize the results of your massage gun session. Just ensure to avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these can lead to dehydration.
Eat something light a few hours beforehand
What you eat can also have an impact on how well your massage goes.
If you eat a large meal right before your workout, it can cause discomfort and cramping. Instead, try to eat something light a few hours before you use the massage gun. This will help ensure that your body is able to properly digest and absorb the essential nutrients it needs for peak performance.
Light meals you can eat include fresh fruits, protein-rich foods like chicken or fish, and complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes or quinoa. Always avoid processed foods or heavy meals such as burgers and fries, as these can be difficult to digest and can lead to cramping.
Take breaks between sets
Treating your body's muscles to percussive therapy is a great way to improve performance and reduce fatigue. However, it's important to make sure that you don't overdo it during your session.
With massage guns, it's important to take breaks between sets in order to allow your muscles to recover. Take about 2–3 minutes between sets to give your muscles enough time to relax and recover.
This will help them become more limber and reduce any injury risk during your massage gun routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about using massage guns in pre-workout routines.
Whether you are about to start using one for the first time or you are looking to use it more efficiently, we've got you covered.
How often should I use a massage gun in my pre-workout routine?
Generally speaking, it is recommended that you use your massage gun before a workout just about any time you do an intense workout or strenuous activity. This will help warm up your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
But if you don't feel the need to use a massage gun before every workout, then it's perfectly fine to just use it once or twice per week.
Are there any precautions I should take when using a massage gun in pre workout routine?
Sure, just as with any recovery tool, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when using a massage gun before a workout session.
First and foremost, it's important to ensure that your device is set at an intensity level that's right for your body.
Why? Well, because our body muscles and tissues are different, using a high intensity level could lead to severe pain or even injury. What's more, you should also avoid using the massage gun on bruised or sore muscles, as this could make them prone to further damage.
Other scenarios when you should not use a massage gun include if you are dealing with medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or a hernia.
In these cases, it's best to consult with your physician first before using a massage gun.
Like in pre-workout routines, can I make use of a massage gun in post-workout routines?
Sure! As a matter of fact, adding a massage gun to your post-workout routine can be a great way to maximize the benefits of putting your body's muscles through an intense workout session.
Using this effective tool as part of your post-workout routine can help reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and promote relaxation. This can, in turn, help to level up the recovery mode after your workout session.
Just ensure to use the right intensity level for your body as your muscles will already be tired after the workout session. Also, take breaks between sets to allow your body enough time to recover.
This way, you can reap the full benefits of massage gun use and ensure maximum workout performance when you feel active again.
Conclusion
Hope this article has provided you with answers to all the most frequently asked questions we get about using massage guns in pre-workout routines.
Whether you're making use of a massager to maximize performance or just for health and wellbeing, remember to follow the tips and precautions listed above. This starts with choosing the right massage head, setting the right intensity level, and focusing on the muscle groups that need the most attention.
Once you're done with your massage, make sure you follow up with a cool down to reap the full benefits of your ensuing workout session. This can be done with a light stretching session, foam rolling, or even a short walk.
With the right massager and technique, you'll experience better focus, increased flexibility, and other proven benefits that come with using a massage gun as part of your pre-workout routine. Simple ways to maximize these benefits include warming up your body muscles before any massage, drinking lots of water, and taking breaks between sets.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to use massage guns in pre-workout routines, you are all set to make the most of them. Get in touch with our team to learn more about how our line of massage guns can help you maximize your performance.
