Did you know giving a massage and receiving a massage actually burns calories. The truth is, the more effort to complete the task, the more calories will be burned. There are many factors to consider ie; body composition, overall health, duration and intensity of activity. With that being said, a more muscular massage therapist will use more calories as opposed to a therapist that does not workout. In addition, giving a slower, surface level massage session will not burn as many calories as performing a more vigorous massage session.
Receiving a massage is closely related to sleep meaning a person is laying down fairly still. Sleeping burns calories, so receiving a massage also burns calories. Sleeping burns approximately .42 calories/hour per pound of body weight for the average person according to Fitday.com. At that rate, a 160-pound person burns close to 67 calories during an hour long massage session.
The use of a calories counter that considers your weight and duration of activity will calculate how many calories are burned giving a massage. For example, a 160-pound, 34 year old female burns about 289 calories giving an hour long massage session, according to USDA’s Super Tracker for calories.
Regards,
Tracy Smith L.M.T.
Massage Therapy
Bryn Mawr, PA
Additional Areas I service are the Main Line, Rosemont, Villanova, Haverford, Valley Forge, King of Prussia and Philadelphia PA
