A foam roller is probably the most simple piece of exercise equipment you could probably own. With it’s simplicity also comes affordability, most foam rollers have a starting price of only $10, and with so many ways to use one, it practically pays for itself. Here are three ways a foam roller can be useful.

MASSAGE YOUR MUSCLES (AKA SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE)
Using a foam roller is essentially a more affordable way to give yourself a deep tissue massage. By slowing rolling over various areas of your body, you’ll help break up adhesions and scar tissue and speed up the healing and recovery process after your workout.

SELF-ACUPRESSURE
Foam rollers work by using the body’s natural response to pressure. As you roll over tight spots or trigger points, the muscle relaxes. For especially tight spots, applying constant pressure might work better than rolling back and forth. Need to work out a few knots in your upper back? Place the roller under your shoulder blades and cross your arms over your chest. Lift your hips off the floor and use your body weight to apply pressure on the tight area [as shown]. Hold up to 60 seconds.

USE IT AS A YOGA PROP
Does your lower back bother you during savasana (corpse) pose? Slip a foam roller under your knees to help relieve some pressure. Need help holding extended triangle pose? Use a short roller (a little taller than most yoga blocks) to help you balance. Foam rollers can be used in a variety of different yoga poses and postures and may help you balance or release your muscles more easily than a yoga block.

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One Comment

  1. I saw your foam roller review and wanted to share my product information with you maybe you can do another review when my product is available to you. My name is Gary Miller and my company is launching its first 5 in 1 home and travel fitness product next month called the ProUnit Performance Trainer. Once the site is up you can find us at http://www.TheProUnit.com until then find us on Facebook at the ProUnit Performance Trainer.

    The ProUnit is a 5 in 1 product…
    1) Foam Roller
    2) Ab Roller
    3) Rotating PushUp handles
    4) Ab Wheel
    5) Stretch Strap
    The other great advantage of the ProUnit is that since the tube is hollow you can put extra fitness products in the tube like fitness bands, jump rope, agility ladder, suspension straps…pretty much you can be creative even a mat wraps around outside for a place to work out on. The ProUnit Performance Trainer is the fitness tool of 2013.
    We are planning to launch feb 1st so hopefully we can share the ProUnit with you then. Until that time please like our ProUnit Performance Trainer Page here on Facebook. We would love to share content as we grow.

    Gary,

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