It is likely you have seen them at the health club, in yoga class, or maybe a friend's house. Many years ago they loosely resembled those colorful swimming pool noodles children use to float through the water with, and were mostly associated with hospitals, rehab centers, and the Chiropractor's offices. But after a lot of research and study, a couple of companies have innovatively reinvented these log shaped fitness devices, and the use of the foam roller (as well as its benefits) has gained significant momentum into the homes of thousands today!
A foam roller is cylindrical device constructed from dense foam. Originally, athletes used foam rollers to compress and massage very specific areas of muscle tension and pain. These areas, called trigger points (or more commonly known as a knot) develop over time and must be untangled to recover muscle to its original length. A muscular knot is a muscle that's tangled-up in the fascia of our skin. Regular massage of trigger points sends signals to the brain to start a process called myofascial release, which frees your muscle from your surrounding fascia.
The typical approach to using a roller utilizes body weight to apply pressure to the desired area, with the roller beneath the body, and rolling back and forth slowly until desired. Today, foam rollers are widely used for their original intention but recent innovations of rollers have created other therapeutic uses also, such as self massage, self Myofascial Release or SMR, static stretching, adding variation to workouts, and improving core strength and stability. You can see why rollers are gaining so much popularity.
Though foam rolling is meant to be used for beneficial reasons, foam rolling isn't for everyone. Before beginning any new fitness regimen, You need to speak to your physician. Foam rollers can be used for many muscles of your body. It's normal to feel discomfort during foam rolling. This means you mostly likely have found a trigger point and are working it out. But only apply just as much pressure as you can tolerate. Other foam rolling tips include, avoiding joints while rolling and taking considerable more time rolling your painful areas.
Utilizing a foam roller is quite simple, but might require some getting used to if you're starting out. It will require some balance and a little core strength, but with just a little practice, you'll be rolling out those knots in no time!
A foam roller is cylindrical device constructed from dense foam. Originally, athletes used foam rollers to compress and massage very specific areas of muscle tension and pain. These areas, called trigger points (or more commonly known as a knot) develop over time and must be untangled to recover muscle to its original length. A muscular knot is a muscle that's tangled-up in the fascia of our skin. Regular massage of trigger points sends signals to the brain to start a process called myofascial release, which frees your muscle from your surrounding fascia.
The typical approach to using a roller utilizes body weight to apply pressure to the desired area, with the roller beneath the body, and rolling back and forth slowly until desired. Today, foam rollers are widely used for their original intention but recent innovations of rollers have created other therapeutic uses also, such as self massage, self Myofascial Release or SMR, static stretching, adding variation to workouts, and improving core strength and stability. You can see why rollers are gaining so much popularity.
Though foam rolling is meant to be used for beneficial reasons, foam rolling isn't for everyone. Before beginning any new fitness regimen, You need to speak to your physician. Foam rollers can be used for many muscles of your body. It's normal to feel discomfort during foam rolling. This means you mostly likely have found a trigger point and are working it out. But only apply just as much pressure as you can tolerate. Other foam rolling tips include, avoiding joints while rolling and taking considerable more time rolling your painful areas.
Utilizing a foam roller is quite simple, but might require some getting used to if you're starting out. It will require some balance and a little core strength, but with just a little practice, you'll be rolling out those knots in no time!
Jay Scott Rivera is a health nut and loves writing articles about anything fitness related! For more information, you should check out his newest blog, where he discusses self myofascial techniques and other related topics such as the manyways to use a foam roller.
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