How to Massage Calf Muscles for Martial Artists
Martial artists receive body massages before training sessions or fights since they have to undergo a lot of physical stress. Massages plays a crucial role in the performance of martial artists, who cannot afford to have stiff bodies during fights. They also help their bodies warm up, which is necessary to avoid the risk of muscle damage.
In martial arts, calves are among the most important muscles of your body because you have to move swiftly and a lot of pressure is exerted on these muscles during a fight.
Instructions
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1
Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm is a mandatory part of almost every martial artist’s equipment bag. Put a small quantity of Tiger Balm on your finger tips and start rubbing the calf muscle gently. Having spread the balm all over the muscle, you need to rub with firm, circular strokes. The balm should be kneaded into the region around your ankle. -
2
Move towards the sides of the calf muscle
You can now start massaging the muscle with deeper strokes and can move towards the sides of the calf. The muscles on the side just below the knee should be pressed thoroughly as they have a greater tendency of getting stiff. You may apply more balm on the muscle now and continue with the circular strokes. -
3
Middle of the calf
Now press the centre of the muscle, using your whole hand. The pressure should be gradually increased; otherwise you may end up hurting the person. -
4
Move up and down
Once you realise that the muscle has been warmed up, you can move and up and down in a circular motion with firmer strokes. -
5
Longer strokes
In the last step of the massage, you should apply some more balm on the calf and make longer strokes. You can hold the muscle with your hand and gently stretch it. You can now move on to the other leg and repeat the same procedure.
