Resolve to treat yourself to wellness

Weight loss in the New Year!

Who doesn't have this on their mind as the old year comes to a close and a new year begins!

Whether you are interested in weight loss or maintaining your current weight, massage therapy can play a part in your wellness regimen. I like the word wellness because fitness brings to mind simply exercise, when it is actually diet,exercise, positive mental health, and attitude that incorporates the term 'wellness'. Anything you do to promote a healthier lifestyle!

Massage therapy is not just a frou-frou, ladies-at-the-spa-day type of practice. Massage relieves stress and anxiety, helps you to focus and center yourself on a healthier' you' in the new year. I'm sure you have heard the old adage, "Who will take care of you, if you don't take care of yourself." It is so very true! Think of massage as part of your entire wellness program.

Did you know massage therapy effects your muscle building capabilities? Massage can have a positive effect on weight loss and muscle structure and your ability to control weight or even lose weight because healthy muscle burns calories, and massage promotes circulation and muscle healing.

Massage increases the rate in which your bodies metabolism increases secretions and excretions. This helps you to burn calories more efficiently and build muscle. Research has also shown that massage may aid in bursting fat capsules contained in our subcutaneous tissue so that the fat exudes and burns faster, when combined with a nutritious diet and an exercise plan.

The bottom line is, there is no magic pill to make us lose weight or even maintain our weight goals. However, with massage, an exercise that you actually enjoy doing; yoga, kayaking, walking, surfing, etc. and a diet that is nutritious, you can keep your resolve and see it through!

Best of luck in all your resolves this New Year!
12/2009 Shelli Rossignol L.M.T., C.R.