Sports Massage for Peak Performance

Book excerpt: Sports massage has come into its own as a vital tool for serious athletes. Recent advances in sports medicine have proven conclusively that preperformance massage can give athletes a competitive edge by improving endurance and flexibility, and that postperformance and maintenance massage can decrease muscle recovery time and help reduce injuries. Today, sports massage is a growing trend, with boutiques prospering in every major city and sports franchises making it an intrinsic part of their athletes' workout regimen. For those of us who need the knead but don't have masseurs at our beck and call, there's Sports Massage for Peak Performance. Based on the latest advances in sports medicine, it teaches athletes basic techniques that they can do on themselves or with a partner. It also provides sport-specific massages and discusses the latest advances in massage therapy. Featuring a section on how to massage for peak performance and spot, prevent and care for injury, this is indispensable equipment for weekend warriors, professional athletes and everyone in between. MASSAGE YOUR WAY TO PEAK PERFORMANCE! Like visualization, meditation and stretching, massageis a tool that helps athletes find their winning edge. Sports massage can optimize the body's performance in a particular sport and reduce the risk of injury. With a range of exercises for all athletes that can be done alone or with a partner, Sports Massage for Peak Performance can be used by professionals, amateurs and everyone inbetween. Reap the amazing benefits of sports massgage: Get in touch with your body -- learn and feel how it works. Improve muscle efficiency, circulation and movement in your sport. Aid rehabilitation and even prevent injury.Relieve stress and reduce soreness caused by intense exercise. Simply feel better -- experience a sense of calm and relaxation in and out of your sport.