Why You Should Be Foam Rolling
By Sara Butler
If you go to the gym, then you’ve seen the foam rollers. Maybe you’ve even tried them out yourself. But you may still be mystified as to why this device is used by so many people. What’s the big deal about a piece of cylindrical foam? No doubt, there are a lot of questions surrounding foam rollers, so to help clear up the confusion here are a few of the reasons you should be foam rolling.
It Reduces Soreness
When you use a foam roller after you exercise it can really help to reduce the amount of muscle soreness and pain you experience afterward. By focusing on the area you worked during exercise with the foam roller, you can massage the fascia and break up any adhesions or knots that have developed during the exercise. This means the day after "leg day," you might just be able to walk closer to normal.
You’ll Be More Flexible
Flexibility is your key to longevity, and a foam roller just might help you to attain that! By rolling out and lengthening your muscles with a foam roller, you are increasing your flexibility, and when you’re more flexible you’re at less risk of injuring yourself as you exercise or even go through a normal day.
You’ll Get Injured Less
Your muscles are under a lot of stress, especially when you push them during exercise. But, just going to work and sitting in a chair all day puts stress on your muscles, so it’s important that you care for them the best you can. Think of using a foam roller as a way of giving yourself a deep tissue massage, it’s just a lot less expensive. Try to take some time every night in front of your favorite show to give yourself a little self-care with the foam roller and help your muscles to recover from the day, reducing your chances of injury.
Where You Should Start
After you buy yourself a foam roller, you can get rolling! The only caution is to avoid your knees, your neck, and your low back when using it. Otherwise, you can roll over every other muscle group in your body that you can comfortably reach. You can start with your hamstrings, upper back, glutes, calves, quads, and lats! You may become addicted to how good foam rolling makes you feel!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.