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Striving For Peak Performance? Treatments To Give You An Athletic Edge

17th October 2024

17th October 2024

By Innermost

Are you trying to shave a few seconds off your race time, deepen those yoga stretches, or hit a new personal best at the gym? Even with a solid training routine, it can sometimes feel like your full potential is just out of reach. That’s why we’ve partnered up with Urban, the UK’s leading home massage app, to find out the best three treatments that will push your athletic performance to the next level. 

1. Deep tissue massage

What does deep tissue massage do?

The treatment that eases away knots to free up movement. 

Did you know relieving muscle tension may be the key to improving your performance? Deep tissue massage uses kneading motions to release knots and stiffness across your body, leaving you with a greater range of motion. This helps you to reach higher, twist deeper and move more fluidly than before, making it ideal for avid golfers, rock climbers, tennis players and yogis alike. 

You should expect a medium-firm pressure that gradually gets stronger, with the therapist using their elbows, fists, forearms and knuckles to break down tension deep in your muscles.

Athletic edge: improves flexibility

“Eva’s deep tissue massage certainly did the trick. Loosened my stiff muscles prior to a two-day golf tournament. Polite, efficient and informative, Eva was certainly a good choice of therapist.” Review for a 90-minute deep tissue massage with Eva K.

Book a deep tissue massage 

2. Sports massage

All the benefits of a deep tissue massage, while targeting sport-specific aches and pains. 

Lingering injuries can stop you from performing your best, but sometimes you’ve gotten so used to that familiar ache you don’t do anything about it. Sports massage is the perfect way to pinpoint and address any sports-related injuries, so you can recover faster and increase your capability.

What does a sport massage do?

Sports massage uses a variety of techniques with a firm pressure to re-oxygenate tired muscles and release built-up tension. Your therapist will also work with you to create a wider recovery plan and get those niggling injuries under control. 

Whether you're dealing with a frozen shoulder, knee pain, shin splints, trapped nerves or general discomfort from exercise, a sports massage is the treatment for you.

Athletic edge: speeds up recovery

“Effective and targeted treatment for mid-marathon training strain. Tihamer’s knowledge and practical suggestions are a great help for me moving forward with my training.” Review for a 60-minute sports massage with Tihamer K.

Book a sports massage

3. Relaxing massage

A soothing massage, helping you to de-stress and refocus. 

Research published in the National Institutes of Health shows that mental fatigue can reduce physical endurance by up to 20%. This means that poor mental health doesn’t just impact your wellbeing - it also hinders your athletic performance. A relaxing massage is designed to calm both your mind and body, helping to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote a feeling of tranquility. 

What happens at a relaxation massage?

With gentle pressure and smooth, flowing strokes, this treatment offers a serene and restorative experience. Combine your massage with deep breathing, a playlist of your choice and scented candles for added relaxation. 

Athletic edge: clears mental clutter 

“As a highly competitive triathlete (Olympic - sub 2h30m, Half Ironman - c. 6 hours) massage is a crucial part of my training regime. Massages will greatly improve my recovery and give me that extra edge over my competitors. I have already seen improvements in my 100m swimming splits… I can’t wait for my next massage.” Review for a 60-minute relaxing massage.

Book a relaxing massage


Ready to reach your peak? Use code INNERMOSTBLOG10 for 10% off your first Urban treatment.

Need Expert Advice?

Other Insights

The Truth About Electrolytes
Electrolytes. You’ve seen the word plastered across sports drinks, hydration tablets, and wellness blogs. You know they have something to do with hydration and performance. But do you really need them? Or is this just another overhyped wellness trend? The Hard Truth About Hydration Most people think hydration is as simple as drinking enough water. Wrong. If you’ve ever felt exhausted despite drinking litres of water, struggled with brain fog, or suffered from muscle cramps and sluggish recovery after exercise, there’s a good chance you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle: electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that keep your body running smoothly. They: Regulate hydration – Helping your body absorb and retain water effectively. Boost performance – Ensuring muscles contract properly, nerves fire efficiently, and your body keeps up with demands. Reduce muscle cramps – Preventing painful spasms and fatigue caused by mineral depletion. Improve brain function – Supporting cognitive performance, reaction times, and mental clarity. Maintain pH balance – Keeping your body’s internal systems stable for overall well-being. But here’s the problem: when you don’t replenish electrolytes, your body feels it. Dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and even impaired cognitive function can all stem from electrolyte imbalances. If you’re training hard, sweating, fasting, or simply not eating enough electrolyte-rich foods, you’re losing more minerals than you think. The Science of Electrolytes & Hydration Even mild dehydration affects brain function. Studies show that a 2% drop in hydration can impair memory, focus, and reaction time (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2019). Electrolytes prevent muscle cramps. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium imbalances are the biggest culprits behind muscle cramps and post-workout fatigue (Sports Medicine, 2021). Performance drops by up to 20% when you’re dehydrated. A 2020 study found that a 1-2% decrease in hydration levels can lead to a 10-20% decline in endurance and power output (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020). Water Alone Won’t Cut It A lot of people assume that staying hydrated is just about drinking more water. But here’s the problem—drinking too much water without electrolytes can actually make things worse. Overhydration (yes, that’s a thing) can dilute sodium levels in your blood, leading to hyponatremia. Symptoms range from headaches and dizziness to nausea, confusion, and in extreme cases, even life-threatening complications. That’s why professional athletes, marathon runners, and high performers don’t just drink plain water—they strategically replenish electrolytes to keep hydration levels balanced. How to Stay Properly Hydrated Want to make sure you’re actually hydrating your body the right way? Here’s how: Drink smarter, not just more. Hydration isn’t just about intake—it’s about absorption. Your body needs minerals to properly retain water. Eat water-rich foods. Cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens naturally contain electrolytes and help with hydration. Replenish electrolytes, especially after sweating. Whether you're working out, fasting, or in hot weather, your body needs sodium, potassium, and magnesium to maintain hydration and muscle function. Ditch sugary sports drinks. Many electrolyte drinks are loaded with sugar, artificial flavours, and unnecessary additives. Your body needs the right balance of minerals—not a sugar spike. Electrolytes & Everyday Life Think electrolytes are only for elite athletes? Think again. They play a vital role in daily life, too. Morning sluggishness? Your body loses electrolytes overnight. A small dose first thing in the morning boosts energy and mental clarity. Post-workout fatigue? Sweat = lost minerals. Replenishing prevents muscle cramps and aids recovery. Fasting or low-carb diets? When you reduce carbs, your body flushes more sodium and potassium—leading to fatigue and dizziness if you don’t replenish. After drinking alcohol? Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes fluid and mineral loss, which is why you wake up dehydrated and groggy after a night out. Proper electrolyte replenishment before bed can help reduce hangovers. The Problem With Most Electrolyte Drinks The issue with many “electrolyte” products on the market? They don’t contain every electrolyte your bodies need or they contain electrolytes in super low concentrations so it’s more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. In addition, many are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients including silica; an ingredient I despise and will be talking more about on our social channels. Most mainstream electrolyte drinks contain: Excess sugar – Leading to unnecessary calorie intake and blood sugar crashes. Artificial additives – Unnecessary chemicals that do more harm than good. Cheap mineral sources – Making them less effective at restoring balance. Your body deserves better. The Innermost Solution The Hydrate Blend – a science-backed, 100% natural electrolyte formula that’s free from silica, artificial ingredients, and sugar. It hydrates up to 5x more than water alone, making it perfect for everyday hydration and workouts. Unlike most sports drinks, it delivers every single electrolyte in the right balance without sugar or synthetic fillers. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or just trying to stay sharp and feel great, The Hydrate Blend helps you stay hydrated, recover faster, and perform at your best. Final Thoughts Hydration isn’t just about drinking more water—it’s about absorbing it effectively. If you’re constantly feeling tired, sluggish, or cramping up, chances are your electrolyte balance is off. So next time you feel off, don’t just chug another glass of water—make sure you’re replenishing the right minerals, too. Read more
New Year, New Diet?
The new year is here, and with it comes the inevitable question: “What’s the best diet to follow this year?” It’s an exciting thought, isn’t it? A fresh start. A chance to get fit, shed some weight, and hit reset on your health. And while the latest trends and diets promise to be “the one,” let’s take a moment to slow down and look at what really works. The Hard Truth Most diets fail not because they don’t work, but because they don’t fit into real life. Think about it. You’re pumped, you’re excited, and you’re unstoppable — for about two weeks. Then life happens. Motivation fades (statistically, most resolutions crumble by mid-January), the restrictive nature of your new plan starts to feel like a burden, and it all falls apart. Sound familiar? The issue isn’t necessarily the diet itself — it’s that most diets aren’t realistic. You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle or follow extreme rules to get healthier. In fact, sometimes the simplest, most sustainable habits will give you the biggest results. But let’s not completely dismiss diets. Different approaches work for different people. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular diets right now, their pros and cons, and whether they might work for you. Keto (Low Carb, High Fat) Pros: Proven to help with rapid weight loss and can regulate blood sugar levels. For those with insulin sensitivity or certain health conditions, it can be transformative. Cons: Extremely restrictive. Eliminates most carbs, which can be a nightmare if you love bread, rice, or pasta. Social situations? Awkward. Meal planning? Time-consuming. Real Talk: If you’re someone who can commit to a high-fat, low-carb diet, it’s effective. But if your idea of happiness is pizza night, Keto might feel like a punishment. Proceed with caution. Paleo (Eat Like a Caveman) Pros: Encourages whole, unprocessed foods like lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats. It’s a good way to clean up your eating habits. Cons: Cuts out entire food groups like dairy, grains, and legumes. Goodbye peanut butter sandwiches. Real Talk: Paleo is great if you enjoy simple meals and want to avoid processed foods. But for most people, cutting out grains and dairy forever is a tall order. Intermittent Fasting (Timing Over Calories) Pros: Simplifies eating patterns and can help with weight loss without needing to obsess over calorie counting. Cons: Not ideal for those who experience energy crashes or get “hangry.” Skipping meals isn’t for everyone. Real Talk: If you thrive with structure and enjoy skipping breakfast, intermittent fasting can work. But if skipping meals leaves you cranky or fatigued, it’s probably not the best fit. Mediterranean Diet (The Gold Standard) Pros: Loads of research supports its benefits for heart health, weight maintenance, and longevity. A balanced mix of carbs, fats, and proteins makes it more sustainable long-term. Cons: It’s less trendy, which means it doesn’t always grab the spotlight. Plus, it might require some adjustments if your current diet is heavy on processed foods. Real Talk: This is less of a “diet” and more of a lifestyle change. If you’re looking for something sustainable and flexible, the Mediterranean diet is a great option. So, What’s the Answer? Forget about finding the perfect diet. The truth is the best diet is the one that works for you. Here’s the formula that never fails: Eat nutritious food in balanced portions. Move your body regularly (whatever movement you enjoy!). Prioritise sleep — the underrated superhero of health. Sustainability is key. A diet should fit into your life, not the other way around. If it feels like torture or disrupts every meal with friends or family, it’s not going to last. It’s also worth considering why you’re dieting. If you’re looking for weight loss, remember that consistency beats intensity. Healthy habits — like eating balanced meals and getting regular exercise — will take you farther than any extreme diet ever could. A Word on Motivation Here’s the catch: motivation is temporary. It’s the honeymoon phase of any resolution, but it doesn’t last. What does last is routine. Building habits that work for you — not against you — is the real secret to success. No single diet is the holy grail. The truth is that most diets will work if you stick to them. The challenge is finding something that fits into your life seamlessly. That’s why it’s better to focus on balance and habits rather than perfection. My Diet Advice for 2025 Diets can be useful tools, but they’re not magic. Start small. Incorporate more whole foods and keep your portions in check. Move your body in a way that feels good — not as punishment, but as celebration. And don’t underestimate the power of great sleep. There’s no shame in trying a trendy diet if it motivates you to kickstart your health journey. Just remember, a diet is a tool, not a magic solution. If it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, it’s not you failing — it’s the diet and don’t beat yourself up about it. Focus on building habits you can stick with and remember that health isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Read more