What does a foam roller do?

[cransplash]

I've seen several posts re:foam roller- What is the purpose of it? Do you love it? How often do you use it?

[stingsharkruns]

I don't know the scientific-ness information about the foam roller. I roll my IT bands and loosen them up after I run. Uhm, I wouldn't use the word "love" as it can be quite painful sometimes.. I use my roller after every run.

[blinkinglight1]

I'm not down on the scientific answer, but I roll out after I workout. I roll out my quads and calves most often. If we do a workout involving a lot of squats I really feel it the next day if I do not roll out.

[shorty20]

It helps to loosen up your muscles. My hammies get very tight, so I use it a lot for them. I've also used it for my quads, calves, knees and hips. It can be kind of painful but it's a hurt so good kind of pain.

I usually only use mine after longer runs or if anything in particular feels extra tight.

[sm12]

I had a perpetually tight hamstring after running a marathon last October, and no amount of stretching or rubbing would loosen it up. so I broke down and got a foam roller, and it has actually worked. It's definitely a love/hate relationship. It was awkward to use at first (for me, because I'm an uncoordinated clutz). And then when I got the hang of it.... OW. It really gets into those muscles and tight spots.
I use it before and after I run.

ETA: if everything is fine for you, don't feel like you need to get one. From what I've read, it's mostly for those of us with problem tight spots.

[Deleted]

It causes pain. Or rather, it hurts if you're doing it right. I think the idea is that it's like a massage, you use it to put pressure on tight spots and roll back and forth over them to loosen them up (which can be really painful). I only use it occasionally.

[cransplash]

Whenever I do lunges or squats, my legs are extremely sore the next day. Would using the foam roller that evening help reduce the soreness the following day?

[blinkinglight1]

Jun 5, 2012 12:46:30 GMT -5 cransplash said:

Whenever I do lunges or squats, my legs are extremely sore the next day. Would using the foam roller that evening help reduce the soreness the following day?

YES!!

[redredwine]

Here's the scientific explation for what it does (myofascial release). Basically, it breaks up stuff in that lie in between your muscles and tendons. If you're doing it right, it hurts like a MF, but it totally helps.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myofascial_release

I use it primarily on my IT band but have used it for almost all muscles groups (it's great on my lower/upper back/sore calves)

I LOVE having a foam roller. Can't recommend it enough. there are YouTube videos you can watch too.

[cransplash]

I so need to get this. I am usually limping at work the next day after squat and lunges.

Are there any that I should consider? I'd love to buy it @ Amazon preferably... not sure which ones to get since there seems to be a few people have recommended on this board.

FWIW, both DH and I will be using it

[Deleted]

Jun 5, 2012 12:47:06 GMT -5 blinkinglight1 said:

Jun 5, 2012 12:46:30 GMT -5 cransplash said:

Whenever I do lunges or squats, my legs are extremely sore the next day. Would using the foam roller that evening help reduce the soreness the following day?

YES!!

I have not found that it helps but maybe I'm doing it wrong. What are you doing to work everything out?

I love it for my calves. My calves get so tight I will get knots in them which will induce shin tightness. It's the best way for me to keep my shins and Achilles happy.

[So_Fetch]

It changed my life - I bought one after hearing about it on here. My calves would get so tight during my runs I'd want to cry. It's totally helped.

[redredwine]

I bought one like this at a local running store:

www.amazon.com/Full-Round-Roller-White-BodySport/dp/B0015V355U/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1

[Deleted]

This is mine. I have a short cheapie from Target I take on trips (stored in my trunk) and keep this one for everyday use at home. The longer one just gives me more room to roll without falling off and since it's high density, it should wear really well.

www.amazon.com/Fit-36-Inch-High-Density-Foam-Roller/dp/B0028KDC82/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1338938671&sr=1-1-catcorr

[cransplash]

Thank you!