There are many benefits to using a foam roller. The biggest of them being due to myofascial release.
Myofascial release is certainly no secret in the fitness world. In fact, many therapists and masseuses use the basic concept of myofascial release to treat athletes and other patients. What if you could get those same benefits of visiting a therapist or masseuse in your own home? News Flash! You can by using a foam roller. Foam rollers are inexpensive and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or online. We recommend a good quality high density foam roller to get the most of your experience. Below are a few examples of the many benefits of using a foam roller as part of your overall health routine.
Improved Range of Motion – Looser, better hydrated muscles move past other muscles with less friction. This means that during a physical activity your movements will be smoother and overall muscles are less likely to get damaged or pulled. Use the foam roller as part of your pre-workout warm-up routine to get the most of these benefits.
Increased Blood Flow – Foam rolling exercises causes Myofascial release, releasing blood from your muscles and allowing fresh blood to flow in. Blood carries essential nutrients to muscles, especially during physical activities.
Decreased Risk of Injury – During myofascial release overall coordination of the body is improved. This means during strenuous activities such as running, or intense physical activity that there is a decreased risk of injury from an improper movement. And if an injury does happen to occur, a foam roller is a great way to keep mobile and decrease healing times.
Stay tuned for our next blog post about some of the many exercises you can do with a foam roller that help you reap all of the benefits we just discussed.