Drum roll please… better yet how about foam roll? If you haven’t added foam rolling (aka self myofascial release) into your regular workout and recovery routine, it would be a great idea to. 

Why foam roll? 

Foam rolling is beneficial for your body in many ways. It’s like a giant rolling pin for your muscles. Smoothing out a lot of the tension in your muscles, loosening up any knots or sore spots in your fascia.  You can add foam rolling into the beginning of your workouts (it’s great for warming your body up) as well as the end to aid in recovery. Rolling is essential for recovery, improving mobility, and preventing injury. 

Pick your roller

You’ll need to pick the length, size, density, and surface of your roller. We love our Trigger Point Rollers which come in several different options of size and density as well as a super simple Amazon Basics long foam roller for larger muscle groups. Having options is really helpful when it comes to rolling because your body may need different types of pressure depending on the day or the muscle groups. 

Where should you roll?

Start with your larger muscle groups and work your way smaller. You can also focus on specific areas that are more sore on that particular day. Never roll over a joint and the slower you roll the better. If you find a spot that’s particularly sensitive you can stay and hold for 30-60 seconds. Focus on your breathing and always remember to move slowly. 

Ready to roll? Here’s where to start:

If you’d like to know more about foam rolling, we highly recommend checking out the NASM foam rolling mini course that includes a detailed video and downloadable PDF to answer any questions. 

Bliss Fit also offers one on one appointments to learn more about foam rolling and teach you the basics. Email gabriella@blissfit.net to set up a foam rolling session.