Foam Rolling- Self Myofacial Release
Have you tried foam rolling? Or perhaps you stick a tennis ball or lacrosse ball under your shoulder blade/butt cheek/hamstring and roll on it?
If you've ever tried foam rolling, you know that it can be PAINFUL!
It is usually that good kind of pain though, you know, the kind where you hurt but it feels good simultaneously?
Here is a very informative and question and answer type article with plenty of research to back it up.
If you ever had a question about foam rolling, you will probably answer it here.
Foam rolling can be done on all of the major muscle groups. Your quads, hamstrings, glutes (my favorite!), lats, etc can all be rolled out before or after exercise.
So why roll?
If you've ever tried foam rolling, you know that it can be PAINFUL!
It is usually that good kind of pain though, you know, the kind where you hurt but it feels good simultaneously?
Here is a very informative and question and answer type article with plenty of research to back it up.
If you ever had a question about foam rolling, you will probably answer it here.
Foam rolling can be done on all of the major muscle groups. Your quads, hamstrings, glutes (my favorite!), lats, etc can all be rolled out before or after exercise.
So why roll?
- Increase flexibility
- Increase mobility
- Increase circulation
- Reduces pain (when you're done)
- Feels good!
Understanding how rolling works is kind of complicated, but it really does make sense. There's a great chart here to show you how your body reacts to injury with inflammation and spasm.
What about arterial stiffness? If you hadn't thought of that, you can check out the results from the study here. The results are positive!
Foam rolling is cost efficient, quick and portable. I always recommend rolling with my clients, even if they're not in pain (yet). It's preventative maintenance, just like getting the oil changed in your car.
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