With over 14,000 hashtags on Instagram, it’s impossible that you haven’t seen #foamrollers on your social media feed. But how can you actually use them?
Thankfully, we’re here to show you how to get your roll on. Here’s a beginner’s guide to foam rolling like a pro!
Why You Should Try Foam Rolling
Why should you try foam rolling? We’re glad that you asked. Basically, your body builds up a lot of lactic acid after a good workout.
That explains why you might feel super stiff when you finish exercising. Scarily enough, lactic acid buildup can cause small tears in your muscles too. How does a foam roller help?
Miraculously, foam rollers can help to heal your everyday body pains by rolling out the knots. This makes the lactic acid break down, mending your tiny muscular tears.
When should you use a foam roller? When you’re getting ready to hit the gym, have a foam rolling session first. Not only does this boost circulation, but it warms up your muscles as well!
How to Use a Foam Roller
Is sitting at a desk all day actually good for you? Of course not! But most workers spend the majority of their time chained to a computer chair anyway.
Does this sound like you? If so, then you could definitely benefit from using a foam roller. How do we know this?
Because foam rollers bring immediate relief to your aching neck and shoulders. This really comes in handy if you have an office job or spend your days sitting in traffic!
Ready to rock and roll? Surprisingly, using a foam roller is a no-brainer. Just put it on the ground and move it across the most irritated parts on your body, such as:
- Your neck
- Your lower back
- Your calves
- Your quads
- Your hamstrings
- Your glutes
Our Fave Foam Roller Exercises
Curious about our fave foam roller exercises? The wait is over. Coach Joe, celebrity trainer for the Kardashians, recommends: “Focus on the muscles and tissue that feel tight or sore, then roll over them on the foam roller and apply however much pressure feels comfortable to you.”
Sounds simple, right? Try spending up to five minutes with your foam roller each day. Work on different muscle groups until you start to feel a difference!
Wondering how the stars get their roll on? Coach Joe reveals: “With Kourt, we mostly use a foam roller on her quads, hamstrings, and lower back or whatever muscle group her last workout targeted.”
For those who want to relax after a long day, we suggest that you pull out your foam roller before you crawl into bed. Why? Because it will release the tension in your body and help you drift off to sleep.
Not sure how to choose the right foam roller for you? Think about its density and texture. Keep in mind: Firmer doesn’t always mean better either. Happy rolling!
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