Like many other people during lockdown, I took up running about a year ago and now I won't look back. But there were some times where I had to take extended breaks because of muscle soreness, specifically in the calves.
After doing some research and asking my brother for advice, who loves everything fitness-related, I haven't done a workout since that didn't involve stretching and using a foam roller both before and after my training sessions. Seeing as I was so impressed with the overall results, I thought I'd share with you some of the benefits of using a foam roller!
What is foam rolling?
Foam rolling is basically used to release and relax tight, sore muscles. It's incredibly beneficial to use either before a workout or afterwards. Often, people foam roll their muscles both pre and post workout to help prevent injury further down the line. It acts almost like a deep tissue massage but for those who are on a budget, haha.
As well as tight muscles, it'll also help to work soft tissue, known simply as fascia. Fascia connects with your muscles to support them, thus making it rather difficult, particularly whilst exercising, for your muscles to move in the way you need them to. However, fascia is extremely elastic and so it can be manipulated in a way that'll make it easier for your muscles to function during training sessions.
The benefits of foam rolling
There are many different benefits to foam rolling, many of which you might not be aware of. So here are some of those advantages :)
Helps with muscle performance
Relaxed muscles will result in a greater range of motion and increased mobility generally. Therefore, you'll end up performing better when you workout. This, in turn, will ensure that overall power and strength will be impressively improved.
Repairs muscles and helps to protect you from injury
Foam rolling can lengthen and stretch your muscles whilst simultaneously breaking down and repairing scar tissue. If the scar tissue has broken down, then it allows for the stretching of your muscles, and so they heal stronger. As a result, this will enable you to recover and perform better next time you work out.
Speeds up recovery times and relieves muscle soreness
Intense exercise, injuries and even not exercising at all can lead to muscle tightening and shortening, something not a lot of people realise. Foam rolling, as touched upon before, will break down scar tissue, therefore increasing blood flow to the muscles as a result.
This will provide your muscles with much-needed oxygen and nutrients in order to speed up the repair process, helping you to recover quicker. Together with improved recovery times, it will also help to prevent injury should you be someone who loves to workout on a regular basis.
Can improve muscle imbalances
Your body wants to be in a constant state of balance, much like it prefers to be in a state of rest. However, when it comes to how well-balanced your muscles are, there are many different environmental factors than can affect that, including gravity and even your posture. By restoring that muscle mobility with the help of a foam roller, you'll be correcting some of those muscle imbalances.
***
I hope you enjoyed this blog post! Let me know if you love to foam roller and whether you've noticed a difference since making it a part of your fitness routine. I'll see you really soon with a brand new blog for you all :)
***
WHERE TO FIND ME
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
'Like' Us On Facebook!
PREVIOUS BLOG POST
5 Reasons to do the Couch-5K
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Disclaimer
Comments
Post a Comment