Finally, in terms of my recovery program, I’ve also added in regular massages.
At first I went bi-weekly, and have since cut it down to once every 3-4 weeks as recommended by my massage therapist.
What’s great is that he doesn’t try to tell you that you need to be in more because he’s finding issues.
He’s honest about how you’re progressing and what he thinks is the best course of action for you.
On top of that, he always goes over on time. I schedule an hour and 15 minute massage and it always lasts at least 1:40. Rather than focus on the time, he’s focused on the final product.
This is a philosophy I take when training wrestlers. I don’t get paid for an hour. I get paid for a session.
Sometimes the sessions go well past an hour when we’re going heavy and taking longer breaks. Sometimes they’re faster paced and end up going 45 minutes.
As far as what to look for in a Massage Therapist first and foremost make sure they’re licensed in the state in which you live. That way you can be certain that they have met at least the minimum requirements.
Also, as with any other service provider, talk to past and current clients to find out more about their experiences.
Make sure you discuss your goals and focuses of the massage before each session.
Remember- a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By expressing to your massage therapist what areas you’re having the most trouble with, you’re more likely to walk out in a lot less, if any pain.
In between my massages I perform maintenance work with The Stick and Foam Roller and some stretching.
Using these tools regularly helps to keep me as fresh as possible in between training sessions.
Do You Have What It Takes?
One of the things I want to address is commitment to your performance.
I know what some of you are thinking as you read this- how am I ever going to afford all of these things Dickie is suggesting?
Well, it really comes down to how seriously you take your goals.
Yes, adding massages or Hot Yoga or Chiropractor visits or Organic food to your budget may seem difficult at first, but when you actually sit down and look at what you’re spending money on you may be surprised.
Here are some things I don’t pay for that are common with other people:
1. Fancy cable TV. I have 4 channels.
2. Drinks at a bar. I may go out for 1-2 drinks once a month with some buddies.
3. Game systems and games.
4. Eating out. Laura and I go out to eat maybe once a month.
In fact, one of the things we realized is that you can eat Organic food for less than the cost of a meal you’d purchase at a fast food restaurant.
So there you go- a few ways to start improving your recovery. Ultimately, these strategies will help you be at your peak when it matters most.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions, otherwise start working recovery in to your routine today and be ready to be at your best when the opportunity arises!
Related Posts:
Self Massage- The Stick and Foam Roller
Hi, I’m Dickie (the author of this blog). Here I am with my good buddy, Kyle Dake. While he doesn't have a nice coat like me, he is pretty good at wrestling. Here's what he said about my training system:
Before I began lifting using Dickie's system my wrestling skills were getting slightly better. I've now been lifting under his guidance for more than 5 months and I have begun to dominating ALL of my competition. At first I had little faith in Dickie and his program, but now I would run into a wall if he told me I would get stronger! I know it sounds insane, but I would. The bottom line is Dickie is an expert and knows what he is talking about. If you want to defeat those kids whom you've always lost to and reach a level you never thought possible, I suggest you start lifting using Dickie's system immediately.
-Kyle Dake, 4X NCAA Division 1 National Champion
1 Comment. Leave new
I like the greater open mindedness of your training methods. 20 yrs ago you would have never heard of a wrestler getting massages and doing yoga. It goes to show that times have changed and minds have opened.. Keep up the good fight…