I know I am not the only person who awkwardly walked into the gym as you watched someone lying on the floor rolling around on top of a piece of foam shaped like a cylinder. I am just happy to know that I figured out what the purpose of it is, because it has helped my body tremendously.
I’ve been on a workout frenzy the last few months because I woke up one day and realized that if I wanted to keep my nice body I was going to have to work for it. I mean, I’m only getting older and my desire to eat is only getting worse! Now that I am well-versed on the topic of foam rollers, I figured I’d share some of my findings and thoughts.
They may seem odd, but these inexpensive tools are like your own personal masseuse at your fingertips. After a few days of strenuous working out, your body is in need of some rubbing. Let’s not even talk about leg day and how I can barely sit, stand, or move the next day!
Foam rollers really do the trick. They help reduce post workout muscle soreness as well as prevent injuries. Rolling on the foam increases the blood flow where your muscles need it most. Muscles that are in recovery mode really need oxygen, and foam roller and stretching of any kind really assist with this. Rehabilitation of the muscles is important so that you can remain consistent with your workouts if you want to see results.
Here are a few killer exercises:
For Upper Legs
Lie facedown on the floor and place the roller under your hips(A). Lean on your right leg (B) and roll up and down from your hip to your knee. Switch legs.
For Back Muscles
(1) Sit on the floor with the foam roller on your lower back, resting your hands behind you for balance. (2) Tighten your abs and slowly bend your knees to move the roller up your back, just below your shoulder blades.
The Do’s Of Using A Foam Roller was originally published on blackdoctor.org
