Have you ever gone to the gym and seen one of these?
When you see people rolling around at the gym, do you have an idea of what this is used for?
First off, this is called a foam roller. So what can you do with it? Well, it has a lot of benefits; some people call it your “portable masseuse” because it can act like a cheap massage. It is great for stretching after running or a cardio workout, which in tandem can help reduce inflammation, scar tissue and joint stress. In addition, it can help with improved circulation and flexibility.
So where can you buy it? I got mine from Winners for $14, but you can also find them at your nearest Walmart, Target, or Shoppers Drug Mart store and they typically range from $12-$30 dollars.
So how do you use it? Here are three EASY moves you can incorporate in your workout regime, whether it’s after a workout or at work, to stretch out those muscles!
To help with stretching out your back, you can follow this video:
To help with loosening your quadriceps, follow this video:
I personally love this move, because you can really feel the difference, after 2-3 repetitions.
And lastly, a very common move, to help with your abductors or inner thighs, follow this video:
For each move, roll against your tight knots, on the targeted muscle, for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times, and the slower you roll, the more you will feel the stretch.
There are a few things to remember when using your foam roller (Source from: Gypsy Fit)…
- Avoid rolling over bony areas.
- Take some extra time directly over any knots or do trigger point yourself on the area.
- Always stretch the area following foam rolling.
If you use the foam roller, what are your favourite moves?
Urban Skylark 