Get ready for a relaxing roll

As we hit the last week of 2020, here’s a simple assignment for all my readers: ask those around you whether ‘they love a good massage’?

The answer is likely to be a YES! Everyone loves a good massage but not the price that comes with it. 

Especially, after a long day at work or after a tough workout session, nothing is better than that ‘such a great day/session’ feeling.

With this in mind, I’m going to talk to you about foam rollers. If you’re a gym junkie, there’s a high chance you’ve seen or come across this contraption. 

Rolling out your muscles isn’t only for professional athletes, anyone who has had a really long day can benefit from it.

Foam rolling is actually a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique that focuses on loosening and breaking up the accumulated tension in the fascia as well as releasing muscle tightness. 

It is similar to getting a massage except, in this instant, you are your own massage therapist. 

It's the one thing I know that immediately makes people feel better. 

Obviously, the foam roller can never completely replace a therapist’s hands, but it serves as a great alternative that can be performed anytime, anywhere, with a veritable one-off cost.

Benefits of foam rolling:
- Foam rolling helps release tension in the muscles
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Improves performance
- Saves money

When and how often should one foam roll?

If possible, one should try foam rolling at least once a day, more so if you’re a keyboard warrior. 

For elite athletes, greater results are seen when it is done twice a day ─ during your pre-and post- workouts.

Foam rolling helps to increase tissue elasticity, range of motion and circulation (blood flow) before your workout, helps with movements during your workout and helps protect you from injuries after your workout.

Foam rolling post-workout is also a great way to enhance muscle recovery. It stimulates blood flow when you focus your roll on all the muscles utilised in your workout, especially the problematic areas; you’ll dramatically increase oxygen to your sore muscle fibres and reduce recovery time.

Post-foam rolling session

As a result of improved blood circulation from foam rolling, your body will automatically feel lighter and more relaxed. 

In order to improve one's performance and recovery time, it is absolutely necessary to maintain consistency with your movements, consume a lot of water, have healthy meals and most importantly, have adequate sleep.

With that, love, Tana ─ The Vibes, 30 December, 202