Do you experience tight muscles, or aches and pains after a workout? If so, there is a solution to that problem. See my list of why everyone needs a foam roller. It doesn’t matter if you exercise regularly, or find yourself sitting in a chair most days. This tool can help prevent injuries and treat them! See the list of benefits and more information about foam rollers below, and start improving your aches and pains!
What this blog post will cover:
- Why should you use a foam roller?
- Who can use a foam roller?
- What are the benefits of foam rolling?
- Is it okay to foam roll everyday?
- Can foam rolling be harmful?
- Should foam rolling hurt?
- Types of foam rollers
Why should you use a foam roller?
Well, its pretty simple. If you want to keep your muscles loose and not get as many tight spots or knots, then a foam roller is perfect for you. Foam rolling is great to do before, or after a workout to help get out the soreness, cramping, inflammation and improve your range of motion. Improving your range of motion helps with daily functional activities like getting up and down, climbing ladders, reaching into tall cabinets. or providing you a more efficient workout. Read more about foam rolling here.
Who can use a foam roller?
I have seen people of all ages use foam rollers. I wouldn’t recommend anyone with poor balance or proprioception to hop on one of these unless supervised. Its safer to do this with a trainer, or therapist until you get use to how it works, and how to control your body on the foam roller to prevent falling off, or injuring yourself. I would also say, these are not for kids. The only exception would be, if a child had surgery or an injury and was working with a therapist or trainer.
What are the benefits of foam rolling?
Improving your flexibility, range of motion, soreness, knots, blood flow/circulation, prevention of injuries and also treatment for a lot of common injuries. Learn more about the benefits from Dr. Axe in this article, “5 Reasons to Start Foam Roller Exercises” He also goes into detail with the different exercises you can start doing on your own, for some quick relief.
Is it okay to foam roll everyday?
Absolutely. I tend to have the best results when I foam roll after a workout or after a hot shower, when my blood is getting good circulation from the heat. I get a deeper stretch and improve my flexibility when I keep a consistent daily schedule of foam rolling. For example, if you feel sore, you could try doing different body parts each day instead of just your quads or glutes. Work all muscle groups! Rotating days is a great way to make it habit and not get too sore.
Can foam rolling be harmful?
According to Healthline, If you have a muscle tear or break, you should consult with your therapist or Doctor before using. Just use come common sense. If you are experiencing really bad pain, especially sharp pain. You need to be consulting with an expert before beginning any new exercise regimen. We have experts for a reason! They can guide you towards the best outcome.
Should foam rolling hurt?
I will be honest, foam rolling brings out all those tender spots in your muscles you did not know existed. It causes some discomfort. The more knots you have, the more pain it will cause. It can be painful especially if you are new and have never done it before. Just remember, aches and tenderness are a normal sensation, but sharp pains and unbearable pain is the signal you should stop using it. Learn more about the discomfort here.
Types of Foam Rollers
I had no idea there were different types of foam rollers, until I ordered one offline and it was too soft. It did not get my soreness out, because it was not the right density for me. There are a few different types of foam rollers, take time to go to an actual store and try them out before making a purchase, or try one at your local gym and make note of which one felt the best. The types are best explained in this article from Prevention but for your knowledge, they are low-density, firm, bumpy, long, and medium-density. Read through those options, but take my advice and try before you buy.
In summary, if you are experiencing chronic aches, pains, soreness, etc. I recommend getting a foam roller. You can use it as a prevention or treatment tool. If you sit at a desk all day, stand, or work outside, it will be a beneficial investment towards improving your physical wellbeing. Check out some common exercises you can try, I like rolling my quads and glutes everyday because I sit so much at my computer, those muscles get tight. Hope you now understand why everyone needs a foam roller and get yours ordered today! Let me know your favorite exercises below in the comments!
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