Enhancing CrossFit Performance: The Transformative Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

CrossFit has emerged as a popular and intense fitness regimen, challenging individuals to push their physical limits. However, with rigorous training comes the potential for muscle strain, fatigue, and injury. To optimize performance and ensure longevity in this demanding sport, athletes are increasingly turning to therapeutic massage as a vital component of their training regimen, and this is where Kneaded Escapes and our skilled and experienced licensed massage therapists come into the picture! In this blog post, we'll delve into the myriad benefits that our therapeutic massage offers to CrossFitters, from enhancing recovery to preventing injuries and improving overall well-being.

1. Accelerated Recovery: CrossFit workouts are notorious for pushing the body to its limits, often resulting in muscle soreness and fatigue. Therapeutic massage can significantly expedite the recovery process by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and releasing muscle tension. By enhancing blood flow to fatigued muscles, massage helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen, facilitating faster repair and recovery. This enables CrossFitters to bounce back quicker from intense workouts and maintain a consistent training schedule without compromising performance.

2. Injury Prevention: Injuries are an inherent risk in any high-intensity fitness activity, and CrossFit is no exception. However, proactive measures such as regular therapeutic massage can play a crucial role in injury prevention. Therapeutic massage targets tight muscles, knots, and trigger points, alleviating tension and reducing the risk of overuse injuries. Moreover, by promoting flexibility and range of motion, massage helps prevent strains and sprains, allowing athletes to perform movements more safely and effectively.

3. Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: Flexibility and mobility are fundamental aspects of CrossFit performance, enabling athletes to execute complex movements with precision and efficiency. Therapeutic massage can help improve both flexibility and mobility by loosening tight muscles and breaking up adhesions. By enhancing joint range of motion and reducing muscular restrictions, massage therapy enables CrossFitters to achieve optimal movement patterns, enhancing performance and minimizing the risk of injury during workouts.

4. Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being: The demands of CrossFit training can take a toll not only on the body but also on the mind. The repetitive nature of workouts and the pressure to perform at high levels can lead to increased stress and mental fatigue. Therapeutic massage offers a holistic approach to wellness by promoting relaxation, reducing stress hormones, and enhancing mood. The release of endorphins during massage induces feelings of relaxation and well-being, helping athletes manage stress more effectively and maintain a positive mindset throughout their training journey.

5. Improved Athletic Performance: Ultimately, the cumulative effects of therapeutic massage translate into improved athletic performance for CrossFitters. By optimizing recovery, preventing injuries, and enhancing flexibility, massage therapy enables athletes to train more consistently and at higher intensities. This leads to gains in strength, power, and endurance, allowing CrossFitters to achieve their fitness goals more efficiently and with reduced risk of setbacks. Whether striving for personal records or competing at the highest level, integrating massage into their routine can give CrossFit athletes a competitive edge.

In the demanding world of CrossFit, where pushing the limits is the norm, prioritizing recovery and injury prevention is essential for long-term success. Therapeutic massage emerges as a powerful tool in the arsenal of CrossFit athletes, offering a multitude of benefits that extend beyond physical recovery to encompass mental well-being and performance optimization. By incorporating regular massage therapy into their training regimen, CrossFitters can unlock their full potential, enhance their overall fitness, and enjoy a healthier, more sustainable approach to their athletic pursuits.

Elevate Your Therapeutic Massage Experience: CBD Massage Lotion FAQs Unraveled

What is CBD (Hemp oil)?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive (it will not make you feel high) compound found in cannabis. It is one of over 60 different compounds present in cannabis. CBD is usually present in cannabis in high concentrations along with THC (the compound in cannabis that is psychoactive and makes you feel high). It is non-psychoactive because of its lack of affinity and attraction for CB1 receptors (the receptors that cause one to experience a cerebral high). There are two types of cannabinol receptors in the human body; CB1 and CB2.Both are naturally found throughout the body but are most common in the brain and immune system, CB1 receptors are responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. These receptors affect memory, mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation. CB2 receptors have anti-inflammatory effects and are found in immune cells. CBD does have a great affinity

and or attraction forCB2 receptors making it a great natural anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancer.

Is CBD marijuana?

Often hemp and marijuana are considered the same thing, but that is misinformation. There are two main types of cannabis that are different in chemical properties, cultivation, usages, and other traits. The biggest difference is hemp contains less than 10-15% THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in its whole form and less than 0.3% THC in its CBD form. Whereas marijuana has up to 80% THE in its whole form a up to 20% THO in its BD form.

Will I feel intoxicated after taking CBD?

This is the most common question people ask about CBD. “Industrial hemp, * also known as “Hemp- derived CBD,” has a maximum of 0.3% THC to produce 99% CBD, which is not high enough to cause THC symptoms. So, Hemp derived CBD will not make you feel intoxicated.

Will I test positive on a drug test?

Hemp derived CBD products contain very little, if any THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, which causes the “high” feeling. Therefore, you will not test positive in a drug test when using hemp-derived oil.

Is CBD legal in North Carolina?

YES. CBD is 100% legal in the USA as of December 2018, under a signed farm bill. This bill states that as long as a cannabis sativa plant has less than 0.3% THC it qualifies as industrial hemp and is legal to be grown. BD as of 2018 is legal in all 50 states, whereas medical marijuana is only legal in 28 states.

Where’s the research on CBD showing its effectiveness?

There are a lot of studies that have proven the effectiveness of CBD when it comes to muscle and joint pain, depression, nausea/vomiting, seizures, tumor growth and cancer. Additional research is also being published on CD’s ability to calm and protect the nervous system, promote relaxation and deeper sleep.

CBD is also being studied for its benefits in the treatment of seizures and neurological conditions such as MS and cerebral palsy.

*Answers supplied from Stirling Professional CBD, our CBD lotion supplier, located in Cary, North Carolina.

Add CBD lotion to your next massage appointment for only $10 extra!

Wellness Wednesday: How to Ground & Center Yourself

Grounding and centering are techniques used in various practices, including meditation, mindfulness, massage, and energy work, to help you feel more connected, balanced, and present. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to ground and center:

Grounding:

1. Find a Comfortable Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed.

2. Sit or Stand Comfortably: You can either sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground or sit cross-legged on the floor. If you prefer to stand, ensure your feet are hip-width apart.

3. Relax Your Body: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Relax your body from head to toe, releasing any tension or stress.

4. Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to your breath. Take slow, deep breaths, and as you breathe in, imagine the energy from the earth rising up through your body. Visualize this energy as a warm, grounding force.

5. Connect with the Earth: Imagine roots extending from your body down into the Earth. Picture these roots reaching deep into the ground, anchoring you to the Earth's energy.

6. Feel the Earth's Energy: As you continue to breathe deeply, imagine drawing in the Earth's energy through your roots. Feel it filling your body with stability, strength, and support.

7. Stay Grounded: Spend a few minutes in this state, connecting with the Earth's energy and feeling grounded. You can visualize yourself as a strong and stable tree, deeply rooted in the Earth.

Centering:

1. After grounding, remain in a relaxed and focused state.

2. Bring Your Attention Inward: Shift your awareness from the external world to your inner self. Focus on your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

3. Find Your Center: Imagine a point in the center of your body, typically in your abdomen, often referred to as the solar plexus. This is your energetic center.

4. Breathe into Your Center: Take slow, deep breaths and visualize your breath flowing into your center. Feel your energy converging at this point.

5. Balance Your Energy: If you're feeling emotionally overwhelmed or scattered, try to balance your energy. Imagine any excess energy or tension flowing down into the Earth through your grounding roots, leaving you feeling centered and calm.

6. Stay in the Present Moment: As you center yourself, let go of worries about the past and future. Focus on the present moment and the stillness and balance within you.

7. Integrate: Take a few more deep breaths, acknowledging your centered state. When you're ready, open your eyes and return to your daily activities with this sense of balance and presence.

Both grounding and centering can be personalized to suit your individual preferences and needs. You can practice them regularly to maintain a sense of balance and inner peace. Over time, these techniques can become powerful tools for managing stress and staying connected with your inner self.