Yin and Yang — Massage and Fitness
Written by: Gavin Corlos-Moreton, founder of Street Gym UK.
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of Yin and Yang is used to describe the interlinking forces in our lives. With one force, there is always another equally important one – each linked, each affecting one another.
Whilst usually applied to Chinese medicine, there are lessons to take from this in our Western cultures. Though spa and exercise are opposites in several ways, the two are linked by the importance of their results.
Let’s talk about spa therapy for a moment – particularly the benefits of massage. The action of pumping the muscle triggers your body’s neurotransmitters to fire, releasing endorphins (happy chemicals). It also encourages blood-circulation, promoting recovery. This mental and physical stimulation results in calmness, focus and happiness. It is about stillness and renewal.
Now, fitness training has a totally different path – it focuses on action and growth. Once the body has warmed up, you must more intensity until it reaches its ‘anaerobic zone’. This is the point of fitness progression that we call a ‘peak’ and it’s this that will release the most endorphins.
On this journey of aerobic (movement) and anaerobic (intense movement), the body circulates blood and oxygen in the same way a massage would – more so, if you push yourself. Once the training comes to a conclusion, you will immediately feel the sense of achievement and excitement (adrenaline), then the feeling of happiness (endorphins).
This is where you say “I really hated that, but I feel great. I definitely want to do that again!” The adrenalin wears off, but the endorphins remain long after a hot shower, food and rest. The results are the same as the massage: relaxation, calmness, hyper focus and happiness – long after the ‘treatment’ itself.
As personal trainer for Street Gym UK, I see so many differences between what I offer and what PURE offer – in fact, they’re opposites. But like Yin and Yang, they have so much in common and work hand-in-hand. The more you use your muscles, the more beneficial a massage will be; the converse is also true. The uniting goal is maximum effect on your health and well-being.
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