What In The World Is A Foam Roller?

By Jay Scott Rivera


The popularity of the foam roller (along with its benefits) has gained significant momentum into the homes of thousands. In the past they were mostly associated with hospitals, rehab centers, and the chiropractors offices. But a few companies have reinvented these log shaped fitness devices in the last couple of years. Now you can see them at the health club, in yoga class, or even a friend's house.

A foam roller is cylindrical device composed of dense foam. Originally, athletes used foam rollers to compress and massage very specific areas of muscle tension and pain. These areas, referred to as trigger points (or more commonly known as a knot) develop in time and must be untangled to restore muscle to its original length. A muscular knot is a muscle which is tangled-up in the fascia of our skin. Regular massage of trigger points sends signals to the brain to begin a process called myofascial release, which frees the muscles from your surrounding fascia.

Today, foam rollers are used for self Myofascial Release or SMR, static stretching, adding variation to workouts, and improving core strength and stability, due to recent innovations. Foam rolling utilizes body weight to apply pressure on the desired area, with the roller underneath the body, and rolling back and forth slowly until desired.

A big mistake that most people make is not spending enough time on the recovery period of workouts. Neglecting this can cause serious injury. Spending the same amount of time recovering as you do working out is essential. This includes stretching, sleeping and resting, and having a good diet.

Though foam rolling is designed to be utilized for beneficial reasons, foam rolling is not for everybody. Before beginning any new fitness regimen, You must speak with your physician. Foam rollers can be used for many muscles of your body. Its 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.

You will be rolling out those knots after a little practice! It will require some balance and a little core strength, but after you get used to it, foam rolling will be a breeze!




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