Massage therapy or bodywork and personal training have a common goal: assist you in optimizing your health and well-being. One difference is that receiving a bodywork session is passive, while doing an exercise routine with your personal trainer is active. These two modalities can easily complement one another. For example, a massage might be well appreciated after a particularly strenuous workout in order to release toxins and accumulated lactic acid.
Bodywork
Bodywork is a term of used in massage therapy, referring to a deeper muscle therapy. Bodyworkers will work to loosen areas of the body that are constricted or tight. Often, the therapist will address groups of muscles that work in conjunction with one another. For example, the muscles of the lower back with the muscles along the spine. This can be particularly effective when you are engaged in personal training -- as you want to use your body efficiently.
Personal Training
Personal training can include risk factor screening, fitness assessment, nutrition, exercise science, exercise programming and progressions, instructional and spotting techniques, and lifestyle modification, according to Ace Fitness. Personal trainers help you determine your exercise and lifestyle goals and guide you in achieving them.
Finding a Professional Bodyworker and Personal Trainer
To find a bodyworker contact the American Bodywork and Massage Professionals Association, The American Massage Therapy Association or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. To find a personal trainer contact the American Council on Fitness or the National Federation of Personal Trainers.
Setting a Bodywork and Personal Training Routine
Bodywork is usually administered once per week. However, for injuries or problem areas the therapist might request that you see her two to three times a week until the presenting issue is resolved. Personal training sessions are generally two to three times per week until you are clear about your routine -- at which time you can meet with the trainer once a week. Bodywork sessions can be before your training sessions to loosen up affected areas or afterward to soothe sore muscles. Either way, they complement each other.
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