Benefits of Foam Rolling
I have been lifting heavy for a lot years now. I, as well as many other bodybuilders and gym junkiez, tend to get very sore and stiff as a result of consistently training hard and heavy. As we get older and more advanced, recovery becomes one of the number one factors in continuing to be consistent with training. One way of improving that recovery time is frequent deep tissue massages. If you are like me and don not want to spend that type of money, their is a more cost effective option. The “poor mans massage” – The Foam Roller.
Regularly using a Foam Roller – especially a deep tissue massage roller – offers many of the same benefits as a sports massage, including reduced inflammation, scar tissue and joint stress, as well as improved circulation and improved flexibility.
Regularly rolling pre and post workout will mean you will help prepare your muscles for the workout ahead and also help with post muscle recovery.
It will be a love/hate relationship but once you start rolling I guarantee you will wonder how you ever worked out without it and really understand foam rolling benefits.
Check out a few reasons why you should incorporate foam rolling into your routine today!!
I know that there are other reasons that we might have missed. Feel free to add them in the comments below
1) Prevents Injury & Helps You Recover Fast
Learning the finer points of self-myofascial release could help you train harder and look better while also reducing injury.
Via: http://www.muscleandfitness.com/
“If you are still of a mind that foam rollers are for everyone else, then you are missing out on one of the most effective tools at your disposal for physique-building, recovery and injury prevention. Rollers are the most popular mechanism for self-myofascial release, or SMR, and are gaining popularity among elite athletes of all walks because of the drastic and usually immediate impact it has on their performance and overall health. Here are some of the most frequently discussed aspects of SMR as it pertains to dedicated lifters.”
2) Breaks Up Scar Tissue
Breaking up scar tissue and adhesions between the skin, muscles and bones is crucial for a healthy body.
Via: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/
“When you foam roll, you put targeted pressure on your fascia, releasing trigger points where you’re feeling pain. The process relieves pain caused by shin splints and IT band syndrome, both of which are very common in runners, and more generally, usually clears up problems caused by tight fascia and muscles.”
3) Improves Mobility And Flexibility
Improving Mobility is a must to Train Harder.
Via: http://www.muscleandfitness.com/
“So you can bench press a car and deadlift a truck, but can you bend down and touch your toes or hug your knees to your chest? With so much mixed information about stretching, static v. dynamic, pre-workout v. post-workout, it’s tough to know the best way to relieve muscle tension. But there’s a simple technique that will keep your muscles sliding and gliding with ease. Taking proper care of underlying fascia is your new secret weapon to improving mobility, flexibility, and range of motion.”
4) Removes Lactic Acid To Aid Recovery
Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYImPQZ8PrY
Here is an easy little foam rolling workout that you can do prior or after your main workout to help warm up and stretch those right muscles. You can do each move for anywhere from 60 seconds to 90 seconds a day. This workout is short and easy and takes 10 minutes or less!
5) Saves You Money
Less than the cost of ONE Sports massage!
Via: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Despite the very many health benefits of massage, we can’t all ball out and book regular appointments at the local spa. But there’s a basic (and cheap!) tool are known to many regular runners, gym junkie, and other athletes that just might be the next best thing. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get familiar with a foam roller.
