I never understood the real meaning of hurts so good until I startedfoam rolling.
And TBH, I still dont understand, because it largely only hurts.
Im still kind of waiting on the good part.
I know, I know. Im not making it seem like a walk in the park, so why would you want to try rolling out post-workout?
Well, if youve ever experienced that cant-even-sit-at-my-desksoreness after leg period, youre going to want to hear this, because this form of self-massagemight just be thecure youre looking for.
Foam Rolling Is A Form Of Myofascial Release
You use a firm part of foam( usually in the shape of a cylinder) to allay muscle tension, which stops soreness right in its tracks.
It started exclusively with pro athletes, coaches, and therapists, and had now been spread to more familiar faces, like that guy you hate at the gym whos always- hogging the squat rack.
To understand how it runs, myofascial release isa safe and effective hands-on technique, in which youre literally giving yourself a deep-tissue massageby gently applying pressure to the connective tissue of your muscles( fascia) to eliminate soreness and tension.
By acquiring the spots with more tightness or trigger degrees in your torso, you help your muscles recover, and allow them to return to normal part more quickly.
Normal Function Is When Your Muscles Are Elastic, Healthy, And Ready To Perform At A Moments Notice
Through foam rolling, you actually possess full ability to control the healing and recovery process of your body. How cool is that?
Personally, I was most fascinated given the fact that you really have to tune into what your body is telling you so that you can apply pressure where you need it most
Only can feel exactly what is happening, so the recuperation process is in your hands( literally ).
Everyone hates those periods where theyre so sore they can barely think of strolling from thefront entrance to the mailbox, let alone get in ascheduled workout.
Thats why five minutes of( admittedly uncomfortable) rolling out after my workout has become something Ive learned to endure and incorporate into my routine.
If You Feel Like You Dont Know Where To Start, Take It Slow
It might feel awkward at first, but I swear it becomes much more natural with practice.
You can basically foam-roll any area with muscle tension, but there are certain degrees that are more common and naturally build up more tightness.
The calves, the iliotibial band, and thepiriformismuscle are all common trigger levels, according to Runners World.
