Loads of you have enjoyed your sports massages with Orla but here's a chance to get to know her better.
Find out more about Orla and her hints and tips to get the most out of your sports massage below.
If you've got any other questions you would like answering let me know and I will add them at the end.
What’s your favourite sport?
Netball
What position you play?
I have played GS/GA since I started playing netball at the age of 11, however I have recently started playing the complete opposite, GK
What exercise do you love?
I love using the rowing machine
What exercise do you hate?
Burpees!!
Does anybody actually love Burpees?
Do you prefer cardio or resistance?
Resistance, I’ve never been very good at pure cardio.
If you had to run 10k would you rather it be a simple run, an OCR or a paint run?
Definitely a OCR, the obstacles would distract me from the fact I’m running!
I loved the Airfield Anarchy Weekend and I'm gutted they had to finish the event.
Which part of a Triathlon would you rather do - run, cycle or swim?
Probably cycle, although the last time I was on a bike I fell off!
What’s the most common injury/niggle you’ve come across?
I would definitely say the most common area people want massaged is either their shoulders or their calves! As they’re the most worked areas on the body.
Do people do enough stretching before and after exercise?
Stretching is always something people forget about as they are normally way too eager to just get into their workout, or get home for a shower! It should be included within your workout time as it is almost as important as the exercise you’re about to do!
Do people use their foam rollers effectively?
Not all the time however foam rollers can be very subjective, I think if you can feel it working then you’re doing enough. If you’re not sure how to use a foam roller to its full potential then it’s always best to ask for some guidance, or have a look on YouTube as there are lots of videos to help you.
As Orla said it's about doing it correctly, I personally wouldn't use a regular foam roller on your back to avoid rolling your vertebrae. I would use a peanut roller so you're not compressing the wrong areas.
What’s the most important thing to do before a massage?
Relax! The massage will be most effective if your muscles are as loose and supple as possible!
What’s the 3 most important things to do after a massage?
Drink plenty of water - As a soft tissue massage helps flush toxins out of your muscles and water is what helps the body to do this.
Rest - Your muscles have just been worked and manipulated, similar to an intense workout, so it’s important to take time to recover, just as you would after one of Adam’s sessions!
Eat - Massage increases your circulatory system as well as your digestive system, which is why you can sometimes feel light headed after a massage and need an energy boost.
What shouldn’t you do after a massage?
You should never go into a heavy workout, as your muscles need a chance to recover and going into a workout will only increase this time for your muscles to recover and often cause you more pain!
