“In the build up to an Ironman, the volume of swimming, biking and running averages 12 hours per week over 6 months. In the last two months, endurance training sessions can last 6 -7 hours a day. Maintaining healthy muscles is a constant battle, muscle soreness, stiffness and repair is ongoing throughout training.
Massage is an integral part of my training, deep tissue work once or twice a month breaks down adhesions and can be very helpful with alignment throughout the body. Shoulder and neck work is key to recovering from swims that extend beyond 4000 yards. Deep tissue work on the lower back, hips and legs restores flexibility and sets up for the next set of endurance work on the bike and run.
Stretching during the massage takes advance of warm pliable muscles that are not exhausted from exercise. Tracy Smith is extremely knowledgeable and incorporates a set of techniques that are the core of deep tissue work.
To not have this type of work during training would increase the chance of injury and prevent the benefits of training overtime. “ – Jim H, Harleysville, PA