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Personal Training & Massage Therapy

Jun 14, 2011 | By Craig Smith
Personal Training & Massage Therapy
Photo Credit massage therapist at work image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com

Discovering the importance of hiring a personal trainer, in conjunction with regular massage therapy, can be the difference between success and failure in your fitness endeavors. "The employment of a certified personal trainer makes safely starting and maintaining an effective exercise program a reality," the American College of Sports Medicine reports on its website. Massage therapy, meanwhile, can increase relaxation, blood flow, muscle tension, and increase muscular recovery time, the Whole Fitness website adds.

Why Hire a Personal Trainer?

A qualified personal trainer will design and implement a safe, effective exercise regimen with the client's specific goals in mind. Trainers can provide motivation and encouragement on days when client's energy levels may not be at peak levels. This motivation can help clients reach their limits, then shatter them and achieve new levels of fitness. Strength-training exercises may be more efficient when you perform them with a trainer, "The Globe and Mail" newspaper reports, because the trainer can push --- and help --- you to safely lift maximum weights you might not be able to alone. The Mayo Clinic also recommends that "new exercisers should work with a knowledgeable fitness professional familiar in proper weight-training technique."

Massage Therapy Benefits

Exercise damages muscular tissue. Massage therapy can shorten the recovery times between workouts and increase blood flow to the muscles. "Benefits from massage include pain reduction, relaxation in muscular tissue, and stretching of tissue not targeted in usual flexibility exercises," the Sports Injury Clinic website explains.

Personal Training Expectations

"Initial meeting with a trainer should include the process of getting to know the client's health and fitness goals in addition to health and exercise history," the American Council on Exercise explains. "Depending on fitness goals and history captured from the meeting, a trainer may administer a variety of assessments such as body composition, movement screens or postural assessments. The results of these tests will assist the trainer in establishing the correct fitness program." Through constant motivation, encouragement and testing, a personal trainer can alleviate boredom with the exercise process and accelerate weight-loss efforts.

Massage Therapy Expectations

"Before a massage therapy session starts, your massage therapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you're hoping to get out of massage," the Mayo Clinic advises. Therapists should explain the type and techniques used. In a typical session, you may get undressed as far comfortable or wear loose-fitting clothing. Clients generally lie on a table, covered with a sheet. The therapist will, via touch, locate and evaluate painful or tense areas on which extra focus is needed. A massage session may range from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the type and time available.

Choosing the Right Professional

Whether choosing a personal trainer or massage therapist, you should consider the professional's training and certifications. The American Council on Exercise advises that a qualified personal trainer will hold accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Ask massage therapists, meanwhile, if they are certified or licensed to practice in your state. "Some states do not have licensing at the state level, but do at the local level," the Natural Health Web website reports. If this is the case in your state, ask the therapist if and where she went to massage school. Additionally, experience and areas of specialization are important for finding the professional best suited to your needs.

References

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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