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Can a massage gun help lose weight?
The simple answer is yes it can.
Massage guns have been shown to help with weight loss by increasing blood flow and boosting metabolism.
They can also help improve circulation, which can lead to better overall health.
Read on for a more detailed explanation of how this works.
Table of Contents
What Are Massage Guns?
A Massage gun is a battery-powered, handheld device that uses percussion or vibration therapy to deliver rapid bursts of pressure deep into the muscle tissue.
These bursts can help with pain relief by reducing soreness, tightness, and muscle tension.
Massage guns are typically used before or after a workout to help improve range of motion and mobility.
They are also useful for helping with muscle recovery after an intense workout.
Massage guns come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and levels of intensity to fit the needs of every user.
How Do They Work?
Massage guns work by using a motor to deliver strong vibrations that penetrate painful muscle tissues and break up muscle knots, adhesions, and trigger points.
To use it safely and effectively, gently rub the massage gun into the area you want to target.
Keep the massage gun moving at all times to avoid overworking one area.
You can adjust the speed and intensity to fit your needs.
5 Massage Gun Weight Loss Benefits
People who are looking for ways to lose weight can consider using a massage gun.
This device has benefits that can help with the weight loss process.
For starters, it can increase blood flow, boost the fat breakdown process, and promote the flow of oxygen for aerobic exercise.
Additionally, massage guns can help alleviate muscle pain, which is beneficial for overall health and muscle strength.
1. Improved Range of Motion
By using a massage gun, users can target specific areas with targeted pressure.
This helps to improve the flexibility of muscles and joints, which contributes to weight loss by enhancing physical capabilities.
2. Increased Blood Flow
Better blood circulation helps with the breakdown and absorption of fat cells.
It also helps to move oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, providing essential fuel for body metabolism.
This can lead to higher energy levels and enhanced movement efficiency, which can ultimately help with a weight loss regimen.
3. Boosts the Fat Breakdown Process
By using the massage gun, users can target specific areas of the body and stimulate the flow of fat cells by relaxing the connective tissue layer.
This may make it easier to burn off the subcutaneous fat and store less of it when paired with regular exercise.
4. Activates Your Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is an important part of the body’s immune system and plays a role in fat loss.
It is responsible for the removal of toxins and waste, such as lactic acid build-up.
With the massage gun’s vibration, users can increase lymphatic flow.
This creates fewer cellulite deposits, reduces bloating, and improves overall body contouring.
Plus, it makes oxygen-based workouts (cardiovascular activities) more productive due to more oxygen supplies.
5. Alleviates Muscle Soreness
By delivering a deep tissue massage, the gun increases blood flow to muscles, which prevents muscle spasms and soreness.
The gun also targets specific muscle groups that can be hard to reach with traditional massage therapy methods.
With regular use, you’ll find your tight muscles loosening up and feeling more relaxed.
Plus, the massage action helps break down knots that have formed in your muscles caused by overuse, which can help reduce pain.
So not only does the gun provide relief from sore muscles, but it can also aid in reducing chronic pains or aches that you may be experiencing.
How To Use a Massage Gun for Weight Loss
When using a massage gun to aid in losing weight, it is important to focus on areas that are prone to fat accumulation.
These include the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms.
Start by setting your massage gun at a low intensity and slowly work your way up to a higher intensity as you become more comfortable.
Make sure to use gentle, circular motions while applying pressure to affected areas.
Take breaks in between massage sessions if needed to avoid soreness or discomfort.
It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day when performing deep tissue massages.
This will help your body process and flush out toxins released through the massage process.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to include some light stretching after the massage session as well.
Remember, using a deep-tissue massage gun is not an automatic full-body workout or an alternative to a healthy diet and exercise.
It is just a tool that can be used to help speed up the process a little bit.
It is best to pair your massages with anaerobic exercise as opposed to aerobic.
This is because aerobic exercises don’t provide the same burst energy and long-term metabolic increase to burn more calories over time.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Massage Gun
Above is just one of many YouTube videos on how to use massage guns.
1. Don’t use too much pressure:
Since the massage gun is a motorized tool, you don’t need to press very hard when using it.
If you do, it could cause irritation and bruise the skin.
2. Set the intensity correctly:
Most massage guns have adjustable intensity settings, so make sure you are using the one that best suits your needs.
If you’re not sure what setting to use, start off at a lower level and gradually increase it until you find the right intensity for your body.
3. Use oil or cream:
Applying some kind of oil or cream can help to reduce friction and make the massage more effective.
A little bit of oil will also help keep the gun from irritating your skin.
4. Focus on one muscle group at a time:
Don’t try to do too much with your massage gun at once.
Instead, focus on one muscle group at a time and make sure you’re targeting each area thoroughly.
This will help to prevent overworked muscles and ensure that your massage is more effective.
5. Use the right attachments:
Different attachments can be used for different muscle groups, so make sure you’re using the right one for the job.
If you’re having trouble finding the right attachment, consult your user’s manual or look online for help.
6. Don’t overdo it:
Even though massage guns can be incredibly effective, it’s important to remember that too much of a good thing can quickly become bad.
It’s best to limit the time you use it to around two minutes per muscle group.
If you start to feel pain or discomfort while using the gun, stop immediately and give your muscles time to recover.
7. Listen to your body:
If something doesn’t feel right or you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, take a break for a few minutes and then try again at a lower intensity setting.
Your body will thank you!
8. Don’t use it on injured areas:
If you have an injury, don’t use the massage gun directly on it.
Do not do this until you have consulted a doctor and been cleared to do so by them.
Where To Buy a Deep Tissue Massage Gun
- Amazon: They have a wide range of massage guns at different price points.
- You can find deep tissue massage guns from as low as $30 up to high-end models for over $200.
- Walmart: Walmart carries a variety of massage guns in its stores and online.
- Prices range from around $40 to more than $100 depending on the model you choose.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is another great option for finding a massage gun.
- Prices range from around $50 to over $300, so you can find something that fits your budget.
- Local Stores: If you’re looking for a more personal touch, try visiting local stores in your area.
- You can usually find good deals on deep-tissue massage guns or visit a massage therapist instead.
After doing my own research, a highly rated massage gun that I found is the TOLOCO deep tissue massage gun for percussion therapy.
It features 15 massage heads with 7-speed levels.
Massage Gun FAQs
Can You Break Up Fat With Vibration?
While there is no proof that vibration therapy can break up fat cells, it may help improve circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system which could aid in weight loss.
Ultimately, any weight loss that is achieved through vibration therapy is likely due to its other benefits, not the vibrations themselves.
If you’re looking for an effective way to lose excess body fat, living an active and healthy lifestyle is your best bet.
Does a Massager Reduce Belly Fat?
There is scientific evidence to support the claim that belly massagers can help lose belly fat.
This works by breaking up toxins within the fat cells making them easier for the body to absorb.
Massages are also helpful in reducing stress, which may lead to a reduction in belly fat over time by lowering cortisol levels.
Can I Use a Massage Gun on My Stomach?
Yes, with the exclusion of pregnant women.
Either way, it is vital to use caution and consult with a healthcare professional beforehand.
Massage guns are designed for deep tissue stimulation that can be beneficial for muscle tension relief in abdomen muscles such as the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and transversus abdominis.
Still, it is crucial not to use the massage gun with extreme intensity, as this can cause discomfort or even pain in the stomach area.
How Do I Massage My Belly Fat?
One way is to use a circular motion around your belly button.
You can also use your fingers to move in a crisscross or spiral motion.
This will help stimulate blood circulation and reduce bloating, helping to make belly fat less visible after just one session.
Can a Massage Gun Break Up Cellulite?
The vibration of the massage gun stimulates circulation, which can increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the area being treated.
This can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking down fat deposits and smoothing out the area.
However, a massage gun alone will not get rid of cellulite completely.
It can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as eating fewer calories and exercising to reduce weight gain.
Give Massage Guns a Try To Help You Lose Weight!
Though it’s not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise, using a massage gun may help you lose weight in some ways.
First, massage guns can help improve your circulation, which can lead to more efficient calorie burning.
Additionally, they can reduce muscle soreness and spasms, both of which can make it difficult to stick with an exercise routine.
Finally, using a massage gun may help you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
Both of which can lead to reduced cortisol levels and fewer cravings for unhealthy foods.
Ultimately, the jury is still out on whether or not massage guns are effective for less weight gain.
These massage gun benefits suggest that they could be worth trying if you’re looking for an extra edge in your weight loss journey.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23968-subcutaneous-fat
https://thefitbodyfactory.com/blogs/news/does-massage-gun-help-with-belly-fat
https://www.handheldmassagerguide.com/massage-gun-weight-loss-break-up-fat/
https://www.drgraeme.com/articles/2021/06/percussion-massager-vs-vibration-massage
https://www.betterhealththrunutrition.com/how-flexibility-training-affects-weight-loss/
https://cheekyphysique.com/belly-massage-reduce-fat/
https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/anaerobic-vs-aerobic-exercise
