The foam roller! ALL athletes need to utilize this tool. Foam rolling (also known as Self-myofascial Release) helps relieve those trigger points or "knots" in your muscles. This is essentially a form of self massage and the video below gives a good foundation of starter exercises with a foam roller.
To use these things, roll a muscle such as your quadriceps using your body weight. Once you find a painful spot, roll back and forth SLOWLY for about 30-60 seconds until you feel less or no pain in that spot. Then move onto the next spindle.
Another reason they're great:
Affordability. Foam rollers cost ~$20 and have a lifespan of about a year with everyday use. Compared to a $60 PER HOUR massage from a massage therapist, it is a great deal. And if you're really in the deep, like me, get one of these:
I got one at Walmart for $6. They hurt like hell for the first month but nothing releases those trigger points like a good, old rolling pin. I can't get a good massage through the foam roller anymore!
And as I stated above, here is a video of a couple ways to massage yourself :)
Im off for a 3 hour bike and a 1 hour run right after, everyone have a good day, stay fit and don't waste your money!!
Do they have any scientific studies backing them, or could this be some pain, placebo effect?
ReplyDeletei've seen recommendations up the yin yang for these things but heard nothing on the technical details for it.
ReplyDeletei don't think i would experiment that exercise.. it looks weird
ReplyDeleteI'd buy one purely because she is HOT.
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, it looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't use this but good info. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletenice tips and thanks for the great advices to keep workout on budget!
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog..Could you follow mine too please?
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i like your blog mate! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI'm liking what you're doing with your blog. Followed. Keep up the good work, I'm interested in hearing more.
ReplyDeleteThat rolling pin massage sounds intense. I would like to try it.
ReplyDeleteWow that's really...strange. Interesting though! I feel lazy everytime I see this blog.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting, thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteYou can really save some money instead going to massages every day.
ReplyDeleteLooks painful.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like something really painful
ReplyDeleteYou can visit my blog here.
I need a roll for my back. it's killing me
ReplyDeleteShould I try this out? haahaha
ReplyDeletenormally id be skeptical but ive actually heard something similar from a friend before...
ReplyDeleteWow... good find, cause I am always down for a cheap massage technique.
ReplyDeleteGod i should do some gym
ReplyDeleteWOw does it really work I wonder I bet so if you have the motivation
ReplyDeleteImma try this out
ReplyDeleteNice tip! I'll try that
ReplyDelete