To Foam Roll Or Not To Foam Roll ...

[Under The Radar]

For me, the answer to that question is, indeed, a resounding YES!

 

I often perform self myofascial release techniques on my body with foam rollers and lacrosse balls. I find it is incredibly helpful in addressing soft tissue aches and pains. Moreover, it alleviates soreness more quickly and reduces the chance of injury during exercise.

 

My IT Bands are the absolute worst, but I can always feel a huge difference in my knees after a few "passes" on a foam roller. I like to use the lacrosse ball on my glutes and hips .

 

How about you guys?

[FitChick]

Only on the rare occasion when my IT band is sore. I always try to stretch each muscle immediately after I work it.

[Under The Radar]

Only on the rare occasion when my IT band is sore. I always try to stretch each muscle immediately after I work it.

 

 

Glad to see you value stretching .

 

I didn't mention flexibility training in my post, but it is definitely a critical component of a well designed fitness program. Unfortunately, a lot of people (men in particular) undervalue what stretching can do for one's body.

 

I have seen stretching alleviate all kinds of aches and pains on people over the years. Everything from shoulder and knee pain to lower back and neck pain.

 

I don't strength train everyday, but I do some stretches on a daily basis.

Edited December 22, 2012 by Training Revelations

[Dreamless Sleep]

I like foam rolling but I don't do it often enough. While I believe it's great prevention, I inevitably just do it when tweaking or injured. It's a good mini core workout to boot.

 

Stretching is a funny topic. Static stretching, particularly before warming up has been associated with an increase in injuries. Dynamic stretching has been shown to be better. You tube has some good examples but I can't remember any good links right now. Same with foam rollong techniques.

[Under The Radar]

I like foam rolling but I don't do it often enough. While I believe it's great prevention, I inevitably just do it when tweaking or injured. It's a good mini core workout to boot.

 

Stretching is a funny topic. Static stretching, particularly before warming up has been associated with an increase in injuries. Dynamic stretching has been shown to be better. You tube has some good examples but I can't remember any good links right now. Same with foam rollong techniques.

 

Hey Dreamless Sleep,

 

You are right that foam rolling can be a great "mini core workout". Hitting the legs from a variety of angles pretty much encapsulates the front and side plank. If rolling the upper back it requires you to basically perform a glute bridge while making "passes" back and forth.

 

I also agree that foam rolling for optimum benefit entails consistently doing so week in and week out. I get lazy with it sometimes and inevitably some aches and pains can return. When I resume a routine of myofascial release techniques I do become more resistant to injury.

 

Are you familiar with Rolfing? I periodically have manual tissue work done by a friend who is a certified Rolfer. After seeing him for a 2 hour session I feel like my body has been "nuked" in a good way .

 

Just curious, where do you live in Western Pennsylvania? I'm located in the Pittsburgh area.

[tman666]

I don't use my foam roller nearly enough, but it's a lifesaver when you really need it.

 

On the topic of myofascial release, the best 5 bucks I've spent in recent memory was on a dog toy that's about the same size a tennis ball, but made of solid rubber. I use it to release the knots that form in my upper back and around my scapula.

 

I've also found that my IT bands require a lot less attention from the foam roller when I take the time to really stretch out my hip flexors.

[Under The Radar]

I don't use my foam roller nearly enough, but it's a lifesaver when you really need it.

 

On the topic of myofascial release, the best 5 bucks I've spent in recent memory was on a dog toy that's about the same size a tennis ball, but made of solid rubber. I use it to release the knots that form in my upper back and around my scapula.

 

I've also found that my IT bands require a lot less attention from the foam roller when I take the time to really stretch out my hip flexors.

 

Cool Beans .

 

The dog toy you mentioned sounds just like the lacrosse ball I use for similar purposes.

 

BTW, is it weird that I own about 15 lacrosse balls, but have never actually played lacrosse?

 

Well, at the very least, luckily enough, my balls aren't ... BLUE (though they come in red, yellow, and green) .

[Dreamless Sleep]

Hey Dreamless Sleep,

 

Just curious, where do you live in Western Pennsylvania? I'm located in the Pittsburgh area.

 

Under.The.Radar, I'm in the 'Burgh suburbs also. I'd say lets go for a run but I know you're not a cardio junky. I've heard some good stuff about Rolfing but I haven't tried it. I occasionally get a good sports massage that might not be too different. It's a good hurt

Edited December 22, 2012 by Dreamless Sleep

[Under The Radar]

Under.The.Radar, I'm in the 'Burgh suburbs also. I'd say lets go for a run but I know you're not a cardio junky. I've heard some good stuff about Rolfing but I haven't tried it. I occasionally get a good sports massage that might not be too different. It's a good hurt

 

Cool man, I live in North Oakland just a hop, skip, and a jump from the University (although I'm no longer a student).

 

Yeah, I'm not much of a jogger, but thanks for the "almost offer" to put on my running shoes . I'm guessing you saw my rope climbing thread .

 

However, I'm not anti-cardio and definitely value the concept/application of cross training. I've programmed a few marathoners and triathletes strength regimens over the years. I love to swim and own three bikes (2 mountain/1 road).

 

Much respect for your running discipline/consistency and ownership of a foam roller . If you ever start a thread on pushups, pullups, and bodysquats ... just know, I'll be "chiming in" good sir .

Edited December 22, 2012 by Training Revelations