Foam roller after workouts

Raasy
Raasy Posts: 972 Member
edited January 26 in Fitness and Exercise
So I have seen a lot of posts that mention using foam rollers post workouts to help relieve soreness. What exactly are these foam rollers. Where do I get one? And what are the benefits other than relieving soreness!!

Replies

  • toaster6
    toaster6 Posts: 703 Member
    Never heard of it but if you have issues with muscle soreness, take some potassium supplements (I like a brand called Stim o Stam) before you work out. You can also have a banana before and/or after you work out.
  • sammyneb
    sammyneb Posts: 257
    You use a foam roller to stretch out your muscles..think of working out a kink. You can also use a tennis ball on small areas. You can get a foam roller at most sporting good stores, and most gyms will have a few on hand also. It is one of those things you love to hate..it hurts when you are using it, but it really does work. I kinked my shoulder last night and have been "rolling" (using my own body weight against the ball and moving) a tennis ball on it all day and it is already getting a lot better. the foam roller works great on legs after running too.

    some reading: http://www.performbetter.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PBOnePieceView?storeId=10151&catalogId=10751&languageId=-1&pagename=91
  • timpicks
    timpicks Posts: 151 Member
    Trigger Point Performance makes a product called The Grid that I use and am very happy with. Really helps loosen me up and reduce soreness. Google it and you can see how to use it, etc. I only got it because Amazon had a sale on it one day and am so glad I did. Doesn't compress like normal foam rollers and has a texture that helps massage out knots.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Foam rollers are available at pretty much any sporting goods store (and they're not very expensive) and what you do with them is, essentially, a form a self-massage.

    When done properly it will help break down soft tissue adhesion, help improve circulation etc etc. Something you should know in advance; when done properly it can be uncomfortable (hit a tight spot with enough pressure and it hurts but feels much better later on. I use my roller after each run (calves, IT band, hip, quads & hamstrings)

    It's not a magic bullet and, in my experience, is not a complete replacement for a periodic deep tissue massage but as a regular part of your workout routine will keep you feeling better.
  • asp415
    asp415 Posts: 1,492 Member
    I saw a class on this @ the Y, but haven't tried it yet. They look like a swim noodle, but thicker, not as long & no hole in the middle. I'm a big Amazon shopper, so I would probably get one there. From what I read in the Y description of the class it's used to help sore areas, stimulate blood flow & relaxation.
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    I'm not sure where one gets them, but it's intended to release your piriformis muscle (if it's tight). My gym has one, so I use it as part of my cool down/stretch routine. I highly recommend it - mine was so tight, it was mimicking sciatica symptoms.
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    You can get one at any sporting goods store or order one online. They are good for mobility, muscle recovery, and helping you warm up/loosen up before you work out. It has not been my experience that they prevent soreness, but any type of massage or myofascial release will help relieve soreness, at least temporarily. If you have chronic muscle tension that prevents you from achieving full range of motion when working out, you should probably be seeing a massage therapist on a regular basis.
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