Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Foam Rolling! Do I need to do it???

Yes, you do need to do it. This is a question I get from many of my clients. This will be a brief overview of why we all should use a foam roller.
Initial exposure of foam roller use is credited to Physical Therapist Michael Clark, who is the CEO of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and creator of the Optimum Performance Training model. He termed use of the roller as “self myofascial release” or self massage. Use of the foam roller by those in the health and fitness field has grown a great deal over the last decade, and this has been due in part to a philosophical approach in training. As much as it may be about getting into the best shape, and improving atheletic performance, there is also a large injury prevention component that was missing for years.
To use the roller, you will apply pressure using your bodyweight, pausing or holding on the sore spots, trigger points or knots for ten to thirty. The compression causes a “relaxation” response within the muscle, allowing it to relax. You should only apply as much pressure as you can handle, increasing as you use the roller more frequently. This will allow the body to become accustom to the new sensation. When done as part of your regular fitness regiment rolling will loosen muscles, increase blood flow and alleviate soreness.
Foam rolling can be done anytime, anywhere. I like to use it as a warm-up or movement prep technique, or post workout for areas that are more sore or tight.

Enjoy and keep Rolling! Keep your eyes open for future post on Foam rolling and other workout ideas.
Summer is coming and so are the outside Boot camps. Keep you posted on locations and times.

2 comments:

  1. I'm your first follower! And your first commenter! Yay!
    Was this post directed at me?

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  2. You were one of the people I was thinking of while writing.

    ReplyDelete