The Benefits of a Foam Roller

Using a foam roller is called myofascial release, which is a type of soft tissue therapy used to reduce soreness and stiffness that limits range of motion. When you think of stretching, you think of pulling or lengthening the body to stretch like elastic. Stretching on a foam roller is more like stretching out pizza dough. The muscles are essentially stretched around the roller. 

The foam roller offers the same relaxation benefits of a massage. So, while you can use the roller during your warm up, as long as muscles are already warm, many exercisers enjoy using them after a vigorous workout to help relax and stretch. Keep your rolling sessions at no more than 15 minutes when you start.

You can expect to feel the same type of pain associated with massage as well. When you lie on the roller, keep your body centered, and start by rolling out the parts that can work 2 areas at a time, such as both hamstrings, both calves, or both quadriceps. Once you have rolled out the targeted area, remove the pressure from one side by lifting one leg, leaning on one thigh or crossing ankles to keep the pressure on one side.

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