#24 (Roll it Out)

#FoamRolling hurts so good, and it’s a great way to prepare your body for the next day’s #workout. Once you start, it’s hard to stop: your rolling obsession will have you questioning how your body every performed without it. Let’s dig into why.

​First off, rollers are the most popular form of self-myofascial release (cue the fancy term for stimulating stretch reflexes and breaking up scar tissue). Rolling out after a workout greatly reduces muscle tension, and improves mobility as well. Sure you can squat a baby hippo, but your hamstrings are so tight you can’t touch your toes. And that’s no good. Using a foam roller will increase your range of motion and reduce unnecessary tightness. Consistency is key!

Ideally, you should dedicate a 10-20 minute window for a foam rolling session every day. Once you’re rolling and you find an area that needs work, use short, slow movements to work out any kinks and knots. If there’s any form of good pain, it’ll be this one: try to relax into your movements despite any discomfort and you’ll wake up feeling 100x better the next day. Pinky promise.

Back, glutes, hamstrings, calves, quads. Massage it ALL, friends. And remember: slow movements, deep breaths, get your zen on and focus on your rolls (the foam kind, save the cinnamon ones for cheat day).