Author: Bailey Fitness
Working out – as in the part where you get hot, sweaty and put in mucho effort – is what most of us consider to be what we need in order to get in shape, increase fitness and, if necessary, lose weight. And we’re all more or less aware of the fact that we need to warm up and cool down, with the latter in particular including various stretches. However, foam rolling adds a brand new dimension to this pre and post workout phase – and once you discover the benefits you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Foam rolling is literally as it sounds – using a large roller made of foam (sometimes with various nobbles on it) to roll the muscles of your body to help smooth out knots and tension points. So let’s take a look at the benefits using such a tool has on the body.
Improves flexibility and mobility
No matter what your sport or reason for working out, the better your flexibility and range of motion, the more effective your workouts will be. Foam rolling aids by easing the tension within the muscles – tension that builds up both during your workouts and in day to day activities, especially in those who carry out repetitive tasks or sit at a desk for much of the day. It helps stretch and lengthen the muscles, and can do so more effectively than simple stretches alone.
Increased recovery and helps prevent injury
Rolling can help reduce post-workout muscle soreness thanks to the massage effect increasing the blood flow (and therefore oxygen) to the muscles, removing the build-up of lactic acid and helping with the natural healing process. By releasing tightness within the muscles and fascia not only assists in increasing performance, but it lowers the risk of injury, many of which occur because of overly tight muscles.
Breaks up scar tissue
Scar tissue and adhesions that occur between the bones, muscles and skin are broken down by foam rolling. This happens because the action puts pressure on the fascia and releases trigger points (the places where you feel pain). A common complaint caused by such adhesions is shin splints, and many runners will find much relief from this painful condition through the simple act of foam rolling.
Improved performance and faster results
Foam rolling pre and post workout allows for the ultimate benefit from your efforts. When carried out as a warm-up the action helps warm, loosen and oxygenate the muscles ready for the efforts ahead and, when cooling down, it aids recovery and therefore more efficient muscle gain and expediated results.
Removal of toxins
The action of foam rolling stimulates the lymphatic system – the means by which the body gets rid of toxins. In addition to the detoxification benefits, it’s also possible that it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite thanks to the increased blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues.
A great stress reliever
By breaking down muscular tight spots, areas of discomfort are released and tension reduced. This can have a dramatic impact on everyday life, including conditions such as stress headaches and even sleep issues.
Saves money
Foam rolling brings about many of the same benefits of a massage – at a far lower price. Most of us don’t want to fork out the expense of such a treatment on a regular basis. But a foam roller is an affordable one off cost that provides many of the same positive effects.
It’s important to use a foam roller correctly to ensure benefits such as improved flexibility and circulation, as well as reducing inflammation and joint stress. As with any new exercise its usual to feel a little discomfort after the first few efforts but this should not be really painful. The best way to correctly understand foam rolling is to take expert advice, that way you’ll be sure to get the ultimate results from your efforts.
Bailey
Fitness Gyms, located around Perth, will be delighted to show you how to best
undertake such an important part of your training. Their professional team can
help integrate the full benefits of foam rolling into your training plan, no
matter what your level of fitness or aims. Whether you take one-to-one personal
training advice or simply chat with a member of staff during your regular gym
visit, you can be sure of the best direction that’ll ensure you don’t fall into
any common foam rolling mistakes.
Bio
Bailey Fitness was created by Adam
Bailey, a Muay Thai expert and WKN Australia Champion from Perth. Together with
his wife Richelle. Bailey Fitness recognises the importance of providing
excellent service to all people – they look after their members and staff as
though they are family, and they invest in the local community in which they
operate.
Bailey Fitness gyms are located in in
Southern River, Morley and Baldivis. Their website is: https://www.baileyfitness.com.au
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